Modern Yoga
The history of modern yoga began with the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. It was during the late 1800s that modern yoga arrived in the United States. At this congress, Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, made a lasting impression on the American public. He addressed the gathering as, “Brothers and Sisters of America“ and through these words, captured the hearts of millions of Americans and attracted many students to yoga and the 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 worldwide 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 and became associated with the Beatles.
In 1965, Shrila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) when he came . He spread a movement based on Bhakthi Yoga, which is the yoga of devotion. (yoga of devotion).
In 1965, Shrila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) when he came . He spread a movement based on Bhakthi Yoga, which is the yoga of devotion.
OOther 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 Vinyasa o Yoga. His son, Desikar and Desikar's brother-in-law, B.K.S. Iyengar continued 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”. Sadhguru,Jaggi Vasudev, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Matha Amrithananda Mayi Devi and Sri Sri Yogananda Saraswathi are the pioneers in the spread of present day yoga.
