.png)
A History of Yoga
Who is Śiva (Shiva - meaning The Auspicious One)?
A History of Yoga
In the realm of yogic culture, Śiva is revered as Adiyogi, the primal yogi who originated the practice of yoga. He planted the seed of yoga in human consciousness, igniting its transformative potential. According to ancient yogic legends, over fifteen thousand years ago, Śiva attained full enlightenment and, in his ecstasy, surrendered himself to an ecstatic dance amidst the towering majesty of the Himalayas. This dance, known as the Tandava, was an expression of pure bliss, a cosmic rhythm that moved through him, uniting the divine and the physical realms. As his ecstatic trance deepened, his movements slowed until, in perfect stillness, he merged with the boundless universe.
Witnessing this extraordinary spectacle, curious onlookers gathered, drawn to the mystery unfolding before their eyes. They longed to comprehend the profound experience emanating from Śiva, hoping to grasp the secrets of this divine state. However, whether engaged in his wild dance or immersed in deep tranquillity, Śiva remained unaware of their presence, fully absorbed in his divine connection. His state of being was beyond the material world, untethered from time and space, inviting only those ready to embark on their own inward journey.
Seated atop the mystical mountains of Kailash, Śiva and his consort, the goddess Parvati, entered into a divine union that transcended all realms of consciousness. For 25 years, they revelled in their blissful togetherness, untouched by the mundane concerns of the world. Their union radiated a sublime energy that captivated the cosmos, a reminder that in love and stillness, there is the power of creation.
It is said that Parvati, equally curious and wise, couldn’t resist the pull of understanding her beloved’s elevated state. "How can one attain this sublime state of being?" she asked with earnest curiosity. Parvati’s question reflects the eternal human quest—the desire to break free from the suffering that binds us and to rise into a state of eternal joy.
Śiva, the epitome of wisdom, responded with a simple yet profound truth: "Yoga, my dear, holds the key. Through yoga, one can elevate their consciousness and free themselves from the shackles of suffering." This was no ordinary answer—it was the first teaching, the seed from which all yogic philosophy would grow. In this moment, the essence of yoga was articulated, not as a practice of mere postures, but as the science of liberation, a pathway to the highest potential of the human soul.
But Parvati's thirst for knowledge was not easily quenched. "I yearn to understand the principle that grants freedom from misery and allows beings to bask in eternal bliss," she continued. In response, Śiva shared what would become the foundation of yogic philosophy: "Yoga is the salvation of humanity" (The Śiva Sutras).
These words resonate through time, reminding us that the practice of yoga extends far beyond physical exercises. It is a means to transcend the ego, to discover the oneness that lies beneath the surface of all existence.
Their dialogue goes even deeper in the Vijnanabhairava Tantra, where Devi (Parvati), seated lovingly on Śiva’s lap, gazes into his eyes and asks:
"O Shiva, what is your reality?
What is this wonder-filled universe?
What constitutes seed?
Who centers the universal wheel?
What is this life beyond form pervading forms?
How may we enter it fully,
beyond space and time,
names and descriptions?
Let my doubts be cleared!"
Śiva responds not with abstract theory, but with direct experience: "Doing is knowing." In this profound statement, he reveals the secret to spiritual progress—understanding does not come from intellectual reasoning alone, but from practice, from direct experience. Śiva then shares a practical technique that would lay the foundation for the breath-centered practices of yoga and meditation: “Radiant One, this experience may dawn between two breaths. After the breath comes in (down), and just before it turns up (out)—the beneficence.”
This technique invites the practitioner to focus on the moment between the inhalation and exhalation, where stillness resides. In that pause between breaths, one touches a realm beyond the physical—a moment of silence, where we are no longer bound by the limitations of the body or mind. This method is not just symbolic; it is a powerful tool for attaining higher states of consciousness and was practiced by many spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, where it is known as Anapanasati.
Anapanasati, or breath awareness, was also central to Buddha’s own journey to enlightenment. Although the practice is often associated with Buddhism, it predates Buddha himself and finds its roots in these ancient yogic teachings. The beauty of this technique lies in its simplicity—by observing the breath, practitioners can transcend the mundane and access deeper layers of their being. For centuries, countless seekers in Asia and beyond have followed this path to unlock profound spiritual experiences, making it one of the most effective practices for meditation and self-realisation.
These exchanges between Śiva and Parvati are more than just mythical stories; they form the core of the wisdom that flows through yogic philosophy. It was through their divine dialogue that the invaluable gift of yoga was bestowed upon humanity. Every yoga posture, every breath we take, carries within it the essence of this ancient wisdom. The breath becomes the bridge between the physical and the spiritual, guiding us from the known into the vast, limitless unknown.
Yoga, in its truest form, is far more than a practice of postures or an exercise regime. It is a transformative journey that has the power to elevate consciousness, leading us toward liberation and unity with the divine. As Śiva taught, through the breath, through awareness, we may find the way to transcend the limitations of human existence and discover the infinite potential within.
----------
Zahir Akram - Eternal Seeker
---------------------------------
Interested in deepening your practice or teaching skills?
Our online training courses are now available, offering comprehensive content on anatomy, biomechanics, and yoga philosophy. These courses are designed to support students and yoga teachers in their continued development.
We also offer in-house Yoga Teacher Training here at our studio in Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
For more information on our online courses, mentoring or to book in-house training, email Zahir.
