Where did yoga originate from?
Have you ever wondered where yoga really came from? You’re not alone. Yoga is practiced by millions of people around the world today, but its history is full of mystery, legends, and cultural blending. Let’s take a simple, human look at the story of yoga — from ancient times to your yoga mat. Be sure to visit our yoga mat collection.
🏺 Ancient Clues in the Indus Valley
One of the oldest clues to yoga's past comes from the Indus Valley Civilization — an ancient society that existed around the same time as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeologists found small carved seals showing people sitting in yoga-like poses.
There’s no written proof that these people practiced yoga the way we do today, but it’s a strong hint that people were using posture and breath to connect with something deeper — even thousands of years ago.
🌏 Yoga Isn’t Just Indian or Hindu
Some people think yoga started only in India or belongs only to one religion, like Hinduism. But the truth is more layered.
Long before yoga was written down, it was passed along by word of mouth. Different groups across South Asia shared spiritual practices like movement, meditation, and breathwork. Yoga was shaped by many of them — not just one religion or teacher.
Some teachers today talk about how yoga was deeply rooted in Indigenous belief systems — connecting with the Earth, spirit, and community — long before it became formalized in religious texts.
🐫 Did Yoga Exist in Ancient Egypt Too?
There’s an ongoing debate about whether yoga-like movements were also practiced in ancient Egypt. Some Egyptian art shows people in poses that look similar to yoga postures.
But most historians agree that while there may be visual similarities, it doesn’t necessarily mean that yoga came from Egypt. Instead, it shows how people around the world have used movement and breath for healing and focus.
📖 Yoga in the Ancient Texts
The first time yoga is mentioned in writing is in the Rig Veda, a very old Indian sacred text. That’s when yoga started to become more structured and written down.
Later, it became part of spiritual paths like Hinduism and Buddhism. Over time, different types of yoga developed — some focused on meditation, some on breathing, and others on physical strength and flexibility.
💪 The Rise of Hatha Yoga
The kind of yoga most people practice today — with stretches, balance, and poses — comes from Hatha Yoga.
This style became popular in the West because it’s more physical and easy to teach in group classes. But don’t forget — yoga isn’t just about stretching. It’s also about calming the mind, connecting with your breath, and living more mindfully.
🌬️ The Power of Breath (Pranayama)
In yoga, breathing isn’t just about getting air. Pranayama — the practice of controlled breathing — helps us calm our thoughts, release stress, and feel more balanced.
It’s a powerful tool to feel more connected to yourself and to the world around you.
🕉️ The Legend of Shiva and Yoga
According to legend, Lord Shiva was the first yogi. He taught the practice to his partner Parvati and to a disciple named Nandi, who passed it on to the world.
While we can’t prove these stories, they remind us that yoga has long been seen as a sacred and powerful gift for self-growth and peace.
Be sure to explore our Yoga Blocks Collection — perfect for enhancing balance and support in your practice.
🌍 Yoga Belongs to Everyone
No matter where you live or what your background is, yoga is for you. It has traveled through time, across continents, and through different cultures — growing and changing along the way.
You don’t need to be flexible, spiritual, or experienced to enjoy yoga. You just need to show up, breathe, and move.
🧘♂️ Final Thoughts
Yoga’s roots may be ancient and complex, but its message is simple: connect with yourself. Whether you’re stretching on your mat, sitting in silence, or just breathing mindfully — you’re practicing yoga.
So wherever you are on your journey, know that you’re part of a long, beautiful story. Keep showing up. Keep breathing. Keep moving.