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VEDA
In the earliest days of yoga the teachings,from guru to disciple, were passed on by word of mouth. This tradition is still maintained where possible but is increasingly rare. The Veda represent the earliest written records of these original teachings which are regarded not as human attempts to explain dharma (eternal truths) but as revelations to the enlightened seers or rishis by god, rather as Moses was given the 10 commandments.
The date of the original writings is open to some degree of speculation but interpreting the messages contained in the writings against known geological and other natural phenomena, they can be dated between 4500BCE and 2500BCE. At this time the centre of north Indian civilization was based in the Indus, Yamuna, Sarasvati rivers area.
The oldest veda is the Rig Veda , the Hymn of Knowledge. The roots of yoga can be found in this series of hymns although at this time the emphasis was on the spiritual and meditative aspects of yoga rather than the exercises of Hatha Yoga. Already some of the perennial questions which concern man were obviously being considered. Nasadiya hymn reads in many ways like the book of Genesis in the Bible - `There was neither non-existence nor existence; there was neither the realm of space nor the sky which is beyond`. `Darkness was hidden by darkness` etc
The recognition of the sun as a deity is found in a whole series of hymns where the usual title of Surya is given. `Crossing space you are the maker of light`. However it must be remembered that at this time there was no intention to give any of the gods a gender; rather they were seen as forces of nature and existence exhibiting both male and female (as we tend to regard them) aspects.
It is also apparent that already in the spiritual life of human beings the habits of renunciation, asceticism and ritual had become established. In the hymn, `The Long Haired Ascetic` it says `These ascetics swathed in wind` referring to the continuing adoption of nudity by some branches of yogis.
The other vedas concern themselves with specific aspects of vedic teachings. The Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda are primarily concerned with hymns outlining the sacrificial rituals and other early teachings, which became the basis for later philosophical models.
The Vedas may be collectively known as the Brahmanas – the `revealed` teachings.
A further, fifth veda, the Ayur Veda has provided Indian physicians with the basis of the medical system which is still, and increasingly, recognised in modern medical circles.
VEDA
In the earliest days of yoga the teachings,from guru to disciple, were passed on by word of mouth. This tradition is still maintained where possible but is increasingly rare. The Veda represent the earliest written records of these original teachings which are regarded not as human attempts to explain dharma (eternal truths) but as revelations to the enlightened seers or rishis by god, rather as Moses was given the 10 commandments.
The date of the original writings is open to some degree of speculation but interpreting the messages contained in the writings against known geological and other natural phenomena, they can be dated between 4500BCE and 2500BCE. At this time the centre of north Indian civilization was based in the Indus, Yamuna, Sarasvati rivers area.
The oldest veda is the Rig Veda , the Hymn of Knowledge. The roots of yoga can be found in this series of hymns although at this time the emphasis was on the spiritual and meditative aspects of yoga rather than the exercises of Hatha Yoga. Already some of the perennial questions which concern man were obviously being considered. Nasadiya hymn reads in many ways like the book of Genesis in the Bible - `There was neither non-existence nor existence; there was neither the realm of space nor the sky which is beyond`. `Darkness was hidden by darkness` etc
The recognition of the sun as a deity is found in a whole series of hymns where the usual title of Surya is given. `Crossing space you are the maker of light`. However it must be remembered that at this time there was no intention to give any of the gods a gender; rather they were seen as forces of nature and existence exhibiting both male and female (as we tend to regard them) aspects.
It is also apparent that already in the spiritual life of human beings the habits of renunciation, asceticism and ritual had become established. In the hymn, `The Long Haired Ascetic` it says `These ascetics swathed in wind` referring to the continuing adoption of nudity by some branches of yogis.
The other vedas concern themselves with specific aspects of vedic teachings. The Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda are primarily concerned with hymns outlining the sacrificial rituals and other early teachings, which became the basis for later philosophical models.
The Vedas may be collectively known as the Brahmanas – the `revealed` teachings.
A further, fifth veda, the Ayur Veda has provided Indian physicians with the basis of the medical system which is still, and increasingly, recognised in modern medical circles.