Reflection of My Place in the History of Yoga

Lety RoGu E-RYT 200, YACEP

“The Self-Existent pierced the openings of the senses outward; therefore, one looks outward, not within oneself. A certain wise man, seeking immortality, looked within with his eyes turned inward” (Katha Upanishad, 2.1.1).

I feel most connected to the pre-classical era of yoga, particularly the teachings found in the Upanishads. During this era, the emphasis of yoga shifted from external rituals toward a more internal and contemplative approach. As described by Ramis Kachar in History of Yoga, this period emphasized the exploration of the inner self and the search for deeper spiritual understanding. In today’s world, there are tremendous amounts of overwhelming situations, and allowing emotions to take over can make it difficult to see my path clearly. Turning inward can provide me an opportunity to cultivate greater self-awareness and personal peace.

On the other hand, the historical period with which I feel least familiar is present-day yoga. There’s a clear distinction between yoga as a spiritual path and the way yoga is often perceived today, particularly through its applications within mainstream health and wellness. I would like to learn more about emerging perspectives on the future of yoga, as well as the application and potential of yoga therapy for the military within the behavioral health field.

Lastly, I learned  more in depth about the history of yoga and the applications of yoga therapy in different settings. Learning that yoga’s history extends beyond the Yoga Sutras, and that yoga therapy can be extremely helpful for today's health challenges. As Majewski and Bhavanani (2020) explain “... yoga needed to work alongside modern medical science, with mutual respect and collaboration, leading to the wholesome integration of healthcare” (p.19) This idea reinforces my interest in understanding how yoga can honor its traditional foundations while continuing to serve the needs of contemporary society.