Yoga History

MODERN YOGA

The history of modern yoga began with the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. Modern yoga arrived in the United States during the late 1800's. It was at this congress that Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of saint Ramakrishna, made a lasting impression on the American public. He addressed the gathering as, 'Brothers and Sisters of America ". Through these words he captured millions of hearts in the United States and attracted many students to yoga and Vedanta.

After Swami Vivekananda, the next popular teacher in the west was Paramahansa Yogananda, who arrived in Boston in 1920. He established the self-realization fellowship in Los Angeles. He left his mortal frame in 1952; but continues to have a world wide following. He wrote the famous "Autobiography of a Yogi". His teachings are called the yogoda teachings.

Paul Brunton, a former journalist-editor and author of the famous book, "A Search in Secret India', introduced Ramana Maharishi to western seekers.

Since the early 1930's and till his death in 1986, Jiddu Krishnamurthy attracted western minds with his philosophical thoughts. He expounded the wisdom of Jnana yoga and drew large gatherings. He has followers all over the world.

In the mid_1960's, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Transcendental Meditation to the west. He was associated with the Beatles.

In 1965, Shrila Prabhupada came to the United States and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON). He spread a movement based on Bhakthi Yoga (yoga of devotion).

One of the most prominent yoga gurus was the Himalayan master, Swami Sivananda. He served as a doctor in Malaysia and opened yoga centers in Europe and America. He wrote more than 200 books on yoga and philosophy. His famous disciple was Swami Vishnudevananda, who wrote the book, "Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga".

Other masters are Swami Satchitanandaa, Swami Sivananda Radha, Swami Satyananda and Swami Chidananda.

Bhagawan Rajneesh, also known as Osho, was a widely popular guru in the 1970's and 1980's.

The great Sri Krishnamacharya taught the Viniyoga Hatha Yoga. His son, Desikar and Desikar's brother-in-law, B.K.S.Iyengar continue the tradition.

Sathya Sai Baba, whom millions of people all over the world throng to see, is the living yoga master of today; he is called the 'man of miracles'.