Timeline of Texts that influence and make up the Yoga’s Corpus

The Vedas

1500–1000 BCE

The Vedas are a collection of ancient Indian texts that are considered to be some of the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism. They consist of four collections of texts: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda. These texts contain hymns, prayers, and rituals that were used by the ancient Indo-Aryans in their religious practices. The origins of yoga can be traced back to the Vedas, and the practice is mentioned in various texts, including the Upanishads, which are part of the Vedic canon. The Vedas contain references to various yoga practices, including meditation and the use of mantras and rituals to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

The Upanishads

700 BC - 1st Century BCE

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that are part of the Vedic canon. They are considered to be some of the most important texts in Hinduism, as they contain the philosophical teachings of Hinduism. The Upanishads are believed to have been composed between the 7th and 1st centuries BCE, and they are written in Sanskrit.

The Upanishads are concerned with the nature of reality and the ultimate goal of human existence. They explore concepts such as the self, the nature of the universe, and the relationship between the individual self and the ultimate reality. The Upanishads also discuss various yoga practices, including meditation and the use of mantras, as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.

In the Upanishads, yoga is described as a path to self-realization and liberation from suffering. The texts emphasize the importance of inner exploration and the cultivation of self-knowledge as a means of attaining a state of spiritual realization. The Upanishads also discuss the concept of karma, or the law of cause and effect, which holds that one's actions in this life determine the circumstances of one's next life.

Sāṃkhya

1st Cenury BCE

Sāṃkhya is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, and it is considered to be one of the oldest philosophical systems in India. The term "Sāṃkhya" means "enumeration" in Sanskrit, and the Sāṃkhya system is characterized by its dualistic approach, which posits the existence of two separate entities: puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (matter).

According to Sāṃkhya philosophy, puruṣa is eternal, unchanging, and independent, while prakṛti is constantly changing and subject to the laws of cause and effect. The Sāṃkhya system teaches that the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize the distinction between puruṣa and prakṛti and to achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

Sāṃkhya philosophy has had a significant influence on the development of yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, a key text in the yoga tradition, the sage Patanjali discusses the Sāṃkhya system and its principles as a basis for understanding the nature of the self and the ultimate goal of yoga practice. According to Patanjali, the practice of yoga involves the control of the fluctuations of the mind (citta-vritti) and the realization of the distinction between puruṣa and prakṛti, which leads to liberation from suffering.

In summary, Sāṃkhya is a dualistic philosophical system that posits the existence of two separate entities: puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (matter). The Sāṃkhya system has had a significant influence on the development of yoga, and the principles of Sāṃkhya are discussed in the Yoga Sutras as a basis for understanding the nature of the self and the ultimate goal of yoga practice.

Mahābhārata

1st century CE

The Mahābhārata is an epic poem from ancient India that is considered to be one of the longest epic poems in the world. It is written in Sanskrit and is believed to have been composed between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. The Mahābhārata is an important text in Hinduism and is considered to be one of the two major Sanskrit epics, along with the Rāmāyaṇa.

The Mahābhārata tells the story of the Kuru dynasty and the great battle of Kurukshetra, which was fought between the Kauravas and the Pāndavas. The story of the Mahābhārata is filled with moral and spiritual teachings, and it is considered to be a source of inspiration for many Hindus.

The Mahābhārata contains several references to yoga and spiritual practices. It includes the Bhagavad Gita, a well-known Hindu scripture that is considered to be one of the most important texts in the yoga tradition. The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between the warrior prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, in which Krishna teaches Arjuna about the nature of the self and the ultimate goal of human existence. The Bhagavad Gita is often studied as part of yoga practice and is considered to be a key text in the yoga tradition.

In summary, the Mahābhārata is an epic poem from ancient India that tells the story of the Kuru dynasty and the great battle of Kurukshetra. It is an important text in Hinduism and contains several references to yoga and spiritual practices, including the Bhagavad Gita, which is considered to be one of the most important texts in the yoga tradition.

Rāmāyaṇa

2nd century CE

The Rāmāyaṇa is an ancient Indian epic poem that is written in Sanskrit and is considered to be one of the two major Sanskrit epics, along with the Mahābhārata. The Rāmāyaṇa is believed to have been composed between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE and tells the story of Rāma, an avatar of the god Vishnu, and his wife Sita. The story of the Rāmāyaṇa is filled with moral and spiritual teachings, and it is considered to be a source of inspiration for many Hindus.

The Rāmāyaṇa contains several references to yoga and spiritual practices. It includes the Yoga Vasistha, a text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. The Yoga Vasistha is a dialogue between the sage Vasistha and the prince Rāma, in which Vasistha teaches Rāma about the nature of the self and the ultimate goal of human existence. The Yoga Vasistha is often studied as part of yoga practice and is considered to be a key text in the yoga tradition.

In summary, the Rāmāyaṇa is an ancient Indian epic poem that tells the story of Rāma, an avatar of the god Vishnu, and his wife Sita. It contains several references to yoga and spiritual practices, including the Yoga Vasistha, which is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition.

Patañjali’s Yogaśāstra,

4th century CE

Patañjali's Yogaśāstra is a text that is considered to be one of the most important texts in the yoga tradition. It is a systematic presentation of the teachings of yoga and is written in Sanskrit. The Yogaśāstra is attributed to Patañjali, who is believed to have lived in ancient India around the 2nd century BCE.

The Yogaśāstra is divided into four chapters, or pādas, which are called the Samādhi Pāda, the Sadhana Pāda, the Vibhuti Pāda, and the Kaivalya Pāda. The Samādhi Pāda discusses the concept of samādhi, or the highest state of consciousness, and the various stages of spiritual development that lead to this state. The Sadhana Pāda discusses the practices and disciplines that are necessary for the attainment of samādhi, including the eight "limbs" of yoga, known as the ashtanga yoga. The Vibhuti Pāda discusses the various powers and abilities that are attained through the practice of yoga, and the Kaivalya Pāda discusses the ultimate goal of yoga, which is the realization of the true nature of the self and the attainment of liberation from suffering.

The Yogaśāstra is an important text in the yoga tradition and is widely studied and referred to by practitioners of yoga. It provides a comprehensive overview of the teachings and practices of yoga and is considered to be a key text in the tradition.

In summary, Patañjali's Yogaśāstra is a text that is considered to be one of the most important texts in the yoga tradition. It provides a systematic presentation of the teachings and practices of yoga and is divided into four chapters, or pādas, which discuss the various stages of spiritual development and the practices that lead to the highest state of consciousness, known as samādhi.

Purāṇas

“7th–10th century CE”

The Purāṇas are a collection of ancient Indian texts that are part of the Hindu scriptures. They are believed to have been written between the 3rd and 11th centuries CE and are written in Sanskrit. The Purāṇas are a diverse collection of texts that contain a wide range of information, including mythology, history, cosmology, and philosophy.

The Purāṇas contain numerous references to yoga and spiritual practices. They discuss various yoga techniques, such as meditation and the use of mantras, as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. The Purāṇas also contain stories and legends about the gods and goddesses of Hinduism, many of which are revered in the yoga tradition.

In modern times, the Purāṇas are not as widely studied as some of the other ancient Indian texts, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads. However, they are still an important part of Hindu tradition and are revered as sacred texts by many Hindus.

In summary, the Purāṇas are a collection of ancient Indian texts that contain a wide range of information, including mythology, history, cosmology, and philosophy. They contain numerous references to yoga and spiritual practices and are an important part of Hindu tradition.

Spandakārikā

9th century CE

The Spandakārikā is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is also known as the Vijnana Bhairava or the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. The Spandakārikā is a short text that consists of 112 verses, or kārikās, and is believed to have been written in the 8th or 9th century CE.

The Spandakārikā is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence. It teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga practice is the realization of the true nature of the self, which is described as pure consciousness, or śiva. The text teaches that this realization can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda, which is described as the vibration or pulsation of consciousness.

The Spandakārikā is an important text in the yoga tradition and is widely studied and revered by practitioners of yoga. It is considered to be a key text in the tradition and is often studied in conjunction with other texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and the Bhagavad Gita.

In summary, the Spandakārikā is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence, and teaches that the realization of the true nature of the self can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda.

Vijñānabhairava

10th century CE

The Vijñānabhairava is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is also known as the Spandakārikā or the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. The Vijñānabhairava is a short text that consists of 112 verses, or kārikās, and is believed to have been written in the 8th or 9th century CE.

The Vijñānabhairava is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence. It teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga practice is the realization of the true nature of the self, which is described as pure consciousness, or śiva. The text teaches that this realization can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda, which is described as the vibration or pulsation of consciousness.

The Vijñānabhairava is an important text in the yoga tradition and is widely studied and revered by practitioners of yoga. It is considered to be a key text in the tradition and is often studied in conjunction with other texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and the Bhagavad Gita.

In summary, the Vijñānabhairava is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence, and teaches that the realization of the true nature of the self can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda.

Amṛtasiddhi

11th century CE

The Amṛtasiddhi is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is also known as the Amṛtasiddhi-upaniṣad or the Amṛtasiddhi-mahā-upaniṣad. The Amṛtasiddhi is a short text that consists of 16 verses, or sutras, and is believed to have been written in the 8th or 9th century CE.

The Amṛtasiddhi is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence. It teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga practice is the realization of the true nature of the self, which is described as pure consciousness, or śiva. The text teaches that this realization can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda, which is described as the vibration or pulsation of consciousness.

The Amṛtasiddhi is an important text in the yoga tradition and is widely studied and revered by practitioners of yoga. It is considered to be a key text in the tradition and is often studied in conjunction with other texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and the Bhagavad Gita.

In summary, the Amṛtasiddhi is a Sanskrit text that is considered to be an important scripture in the yoga tradition. It is a mystical text that explores the nature of consciousness and the ultimate goal of human existence, and teaches that the realization of the true nature of the self can be attained through the practice of meditation and the cultivation of a state of awareness known as spanda.

Gorakṣaśataka ,

13 century CE

The Gorakṣaśataka is a Sanskrit text attributed to the ancient Indian sage Gorakshanatha, who is revered as a founder of the Nath tradition of yoga. The text consists of a collection of 100 stanzas or verses that provide instruction on various aspects of yoga practice, including physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation.

Gorakshanatha is believed to have lived sometime between the 9th and 11th centuries CE, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of yoga. His teachings are said to have influenced many other yoga traditions, including Hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga. The Gorakṣaśataka is considered an important text within these traditions, as it provides insight into the teachings and practices of Gorakshanatha and the Nath tradition.

Śivayogapradīpikā,

15th century CE

The Śivayogapradīpikā is a Sanskrit text that is considered an important work in the tradition of Hatha yoga. It is believed to have been written by the 15th-century yogi Swami Swatmarama, and is a comprehensive guide to the practices and principles of Hatha yoga.

The text begins with a dedication to the Hindu deity Shiva, who is revered as the patron god of yoga, and is divided into four chapters, or padas, which cover a wide range of topics related to yoga practice. These include physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), purification practices (shatkarmas), and meditation (dhyana). The text also provides instruction on the chakras, or energy centers of the body, and the kundalini, the latent energy said to reside at the base of the spine.

In addition to providing practical guidance for yoga practice, the Śivayogapradīpikā also includes philosophical teachings on the nature of reality and the role of yoga in achieving liberation from suffering. It is considered an important text in the history of yoga, and its teachings continue to be studied and practiced by many people today.

Haṭhapradīpikā

The Haṭhapradīpikā is a Sanskrit text that is considered an important work in the tradition of Hatha yoga. It is believed to have been written by the 15th-century yogi Swami Swatmarama, and is a comprehensive guide to the practices and principles of Hatha yoga.

The text is divided into four chapters, or padas, which cover a wide range of topics related to yoga practice. These include physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), purification practices (shatkarmas), and meditation (dhyana). The text also provides instruction on the chakras, or energy centers of the body, and the kundalini, the latent energy said to reside at the base of the spine.

In addition to providing practical guidance for yoga practice, the Haṭhapradīpikā also includes philosophical teachings on the nature of reality and the role of yoga in achieving liberation from suffering. It is considered an important text in the history of yoga, and its teachings continue to be studied and practiced by many people today.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra

The Dattātreyayogaśāstra is a Sanskrit text that is attributed to the ancient Indian sage Dattātreya, who is revered as a deity in Hinduism and as a guru in the Nath tradition of yoga. The text is a manual for yoga practice, and is divided into four chapters, or adhyayas, which cover a range of topics related to yoga.

The first chapter of the Dattātreyayogaśāstra deals with the principles of yoga and the importance of a guru in the spiritual journey. The second chapter covers the physical practices of yoga, including postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). The third chapter discusses the purification practices (shatkarmas) that are an important part of yoga, and the fourth chapter covers meditation (dhyana) and the attainment of higher states of consciousness.

The Dattātreyayogaśāstra is considered an important text in the history of yoga, and its teachings continue to be studied and practiced by many people today. It is particularly revered within the Nath tradition, and is considered a key source of instruction on the principles and practices of yoga.

Yogatārāvalī,

The Yogatārāvalī is a Sanskrit text that is considered an important work in the tradition of Hatha yoga. It is believed to have been written by the 11th-century yogi Svatmarama, and is a comprehensive guide to the practices and principles of Hatha yoga.

The text is divided into three chapters, or khandas, which cover a wide range of topics related to yoga practice. These include physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), purification practices (shatkarmas), and meditation (dhyana). The text also provides instruction on the chakras, or energy centers of the body, and the kundalini, the latent energy said to reside at the base of the spine.

In addition to providing practical guidance for yoga practice, the Yogatārāvalī also includes philosophical teachings on the nature of reality and the role of yoga in achieving liberation from suffering. It is considered an important text in the history of yoga, and its teachings continue to be studied and practiced by many people today.

Amaraughaprabodha

The Amaraughaprabodha is a Sanskrit text that is considered an important work in the tradition of Hatha yoga. It is believed to have been written by the 10th-century yogi Amaraugha, and is a comprehensive guide to the practices and principles of Hatha yoga.

The text is divided into four chapters, or padas, which cover a wide range of topics related to yoga practice. These include physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), purification practices (shatkarmas), and meditation (dhyana). The text also provides instruction on the chakras, or energy centers of the body, and the kundalini, the latent energy said to reside at the base of the spine.

In addition to providing practical guidance for yoga practice, the Amaraughaprabodha also includes philosophical teachings on the nature of reality and the role of yoga in achieving liberation from suffering. It is considered an important text in the history of yoga, and its teachings continue to be studied and practiced by many people today.