The History of Yoga

From ancient tradition to modern gym class, yoga means many things to many people.

How the modern world changed the life and reputation of the yogi.

How a young Indian monk’s travels around the world inspired modern yoga.

Modern yoga owes a debt to the physical culture movement that created a world obsessed with health and fitness.

Surya namaskars, or sun salutations, have a long history in South Asia, but their place at the heart of modern yoga is more recent.

A yoga teacher in 1930s India inspired today’s transnational practice with his spectacular fusion of tradition and innovation.