112: A Gentle History of Yoga: Ancient Roots, Sacred Texts, and Spiritual Practice | International Week of Yoga Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of International Week of Yoga: Movement, Meditation, Spirit & the Divine Feminine.In this episode, we take a gentle and approachable journey through the history of yoga. Yoga is often seen today as stretching, exercise, or physical movement, but its roots are much deeper. Yoga began in ancient India as a spiritual, philosophical, meditative, and embodied path connected to self-awareness, discipline, liberation, sacred knowledge, and union with the Divine.This episode introduces listeners to yoga’s ancient roots, early sacred texts, major philosophical teachings, and the way yoga evolved over time. We explore early references to yoga in texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the 8 limbs of yoga, and the development of Hatha Yoga.We also talk about how yoga moved into the modern world, how it changed in the West, and why it is important to honor yoga’s origins with respect and humility.This episode is not meant to be a complete academic history, but rather a beginner-friendly overview that helps us appreciate yoga as ancient wisdom and encourages us to practice with reverence, gratitude, and awareness.In This Episode, You’ll ExploreYoga’s roots in ancient IndiaEarly references to yoga in sacred texts such as the Vedas and UpanishadsYoga as meditation, discipline, spiritual insight, and liberationThe Bhagavad Gita and the paths of action, devotion, wisdom, and meditationPatanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the 8 limbs of yogaHatha Yoga and the development of physical postures, breathwork, and energy practicesHow yoga moved into the modern worldHow yoga has changed in Western cultureWhy yoga is more than a modern fitness practiceThe importance of honoring yoga’s origins with respect and humilityHow to practice yoga without appropriating itWhy learning, respect, credit, and deeper study matterSpiritual ReflectionYoga is ancient wisdom that invites us into presence, discipline, and sacred relationship.Yoga invites us into sacred relationship with the body, breath, mind, spirit, the Divine, the teachers, the traditions, and the wisdom keepers who carried this practice forward.Journal PromptWhat part of yoga’s history feels most meaningful or surprising to me?You may want to reflect on what you learned, what moved you, what challenged you, or what you feel called to study more deeply.Closing PracticePlace one hand on the heart and one hand on the belly.Take three slow breaths.Offer gratitude for the teachers, traditions, sacred texts, and wisdom keepers who carried yoga forward.You may softly say:Thank you to the teachers. Thank you to the wisdom keepers. Thank you to the traditions. Thank you to the breath. Thank you to the Divine.LinksListen to the podcast: https://www.bertena.org/en/podcastView the full International Week of Yoga schedule: https://bertena.ezycourse.com/en/international-week-of-yogaKeywordshistory of yoga, gentle history of yoga, yoga history for beginners, ancient roots of yoga, yoga in ancient India, Vedas and yoga, Upanishads and yoga, Bhagavad Gita yoga, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, 8 limbs of yoga, Hatha Yoga history, yoga philosophy, yoga as spiritual practice, International Day of Yoga, International Week of Yoga, yoga podcast, Divine Feminine yoga, priestess path, sacred embodiment, spiritual yoga podcast, Bertena, The Spiritual Sanctuary Podcast🎧 Listen & SubscribeFind Spiritual Sanctuary: Wisdom for the Divine Feminine on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pNkD0FKF4TpgzcRFQQrhASubscribe to my newsletter here Help Support the Sanctuary here🤍 Podcast Sponsor: Cosmic Connections NashvilleThis episode is proudly sponsored by Cosmic Connections, a beloved metaphysical shop and spiritual community in Nashville.🎁 Listener perks:Discounts on online purchases use bertenapodcast10 for 10% offEntry into a gift card drawing when you comment on the episode or share it on social media and tag @bertena11Supporting Cosmic Connections helps sustain a heart-centered spiritual space for seekers, healers, and practitioners.👉 Visit Cosmic Connections: https://yourcosmicconnections.com