LEGACY OF YOGA

As per Vedic texts the Prakriti is “Trigunatmaka”, Satva (Brahma), Rajas (Vishnu) and Tamas (Mahesh/Shiva). The manifestation of world is based on Purusha and Prakriti (having three qualities), if you studied deeply you will found the three Traditions (legacies) of Yoga also:-

Vedic Yoga Tradition

This is the oldest and originator of this tradition is Lord Brahma (Hiranyagarbha) as per Vedas, Manu Smiriti, Brahmans, Puranas etc. This tradition is popular in Stayug and Tretayug, it is more spiritual centric (than mental and physical level) and the legacy of Vedic Tradition considered as:

  • Lord Brahma (Hiranyagarbha)
  • Maharishi Vashisht (Yoga Guru of Lord Rama)
  • Devarshi Narad

Raj Yoga Tradition

This Tradition is the need of late Tratayug and Dwaparyug, as it is more focused on Mental level (we can say it is the science of mind). The Maharishi Kapila gave as balance of Vedic and Raj Yog in form of Sankhya Yog. The originator of Raj Yog is Lord Krishna (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) as per Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta. The legacy of Raj Yog can be considered as:

  • Lord Krishna (give Yoga Teachings to Sun, Indra, Manu etc.)
  • Maharishi Patanjali (derived practical aspect of Raj Yog)
  • Maharishi Ved Vayas (Re-write Vedas and writer of Mahabharat, Puranas and Upnishads)

Hath Yoga Tradition

This is the most popular tradition in today’s era, the originator of Hath Yoga is Lord Shiva (Mahesh). This Yoga form is more based on physical aspect and the ultimate goal of Hath Yog is to achieve Raj Yog by purification and controlling on body and breathing. The legacy of this tradition is very long but top three, we can consider as:

  • Lord Shiva (Mahesh)
  • Yogi Matsyendranath
  • Guru Gorakshnath