The Middle Age Shine:

The Bhakti movement triggered by the Alvars from South India was rife across India between 12th and 15th centuries. The Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions that emerged during this period infused the concept of devotion with meditation, and thus, the Viraha Bhakti [concentration only on Lord Krishna) concept (born with Bhagavata Purana) attained more importance.

This was the time when people started to know more about Tantric influences on yoga. Tantra and yoga are two different ways of detachment from the physical world. While Tantra emphasizes complete metamorphosis of external resources, ensuring total detachment with one’s will, yoga follows the method of gradual restraint over external influences. Either way, the focus was on complete salvation through withdrawal from societal influences, either temporarily or forever.

Hatha yoga came into existence from Tantra yoga, and slowly, it emerged as the dominant way of practicing this form of art. Vimalaprabha, the Buddhist text published in 11th century, quotes about this yoga’s approach. This approach concentrated more on cleansing oneself physically and wholly before attempting complete salvation.

Sikhism also has contributed a great deal to yoga during 15th and 16th century. It was a time when the religious belief was just born. Guru Nanak, who initiated this belief, had detached himself from various Hindu practices and attached himself to Hatha yoga. Thus, came into existence the renowned Namah yoga or Sahaja yoga.

Yoga Today:

The entire outlook of yoga has undergone immense change; there are countless forms. While Hatha yoga is still among the prominent forms, there are countless forms of yoga that have born and grown up. Kundalini yoga, Tantra yoga, Nude yoga, power yoga – you name it you have the version. Yoga is not anymore considered a religious affair; it comes packed with countless benefits.