In the lead up to International Day of Yoga, Vishuddi Films have prepared a series of video on the History of Yoga in four languages. History is traced from the times of Harappa civilisation. The story moves to explore the elements of Yoga in the times of Veda, Jainism, Buddhism, and several other doctrines. It takes you through the delightful journey of 3000 years of developmental history of Yoga up to the medieval ages.
History of Yoga
Why the film:
The unique technique of keeping good health – YOGA was originated and evolved in India. Yoga is an ancient practice to unite Atman with the supreme consciousness or to realise our true self through systematic, logical & universal embodied methodology. Sage Patanjali compiled the wisdom of Yoga in Yoga Sutras which are now being widely used as an authentic source. How Yoga originated, evolved and developed in India over the ages is little known. Also how so many different streams of philosophical doctrines contributed to yoga philosophy needs to be researched and explored.
There is no comprehensive documentation on History & Philosophy of Yoga with supportive evidences from archaeology, literature, history, philosophy and cultural traditions either with the Government, any Institution or with any individual. Therefore we made this film taking all evidences from various sources to create an authentic documentary film.
In the present times Yoga has been established as an effective alternative therapy across the world. Modern Masters are improvising and selling it with different brand names and even patenting them. It is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow rapidly. The world is fast appropriating its original technique, history and philosophy to suit their cultures. There has also been widespread deliberate attempts to severe it from Hinduism and its other sister doctrines to seize the ownership. Different inseparable elements of Yoga are being fragmented under the guise of scientific experiments and researched. Yoga as was practised & understood for centuries in India is being propagated under new names with fancy packaging.
Therefore to protect this knowledge and technique from distortion, deliberate exploitation and indiscriminate patenting, it was decided to document the History and Philosophy of Yoga from its roots on film media.
The aim of the film is to disseminate, educate and popularise India’s wisdom of Yoga and to preserve it for generations to come. This is the first ever authentic film in the world on 6000 years of known History of Yoga.
The story:
The film History of Yoga starts with Yoga sutras of Sage Patanjali as a unique technique for experiencing the mastery over senses and modifications of the mind. Patanjali was not the inventor of Yoga. Where did it all begin?
History is traced from the times of Harappa civilisation. The story moves to explore the elements of Yoga in the times of Veda, Jainism, Buddhism, and several other doctrines. It takes you through the delightful journey of 3000 years of developmental history of Yoga up to the medieval ages.
The Hatha Yoga practitioners show an intense human desire to conquer disease, aging and death through the Hathyogic practices. The film ends in 19th century where modern science acknowledges the potential of yoga in a new light.
India’s magnificent Iconography, Temple Art, Diverse Culture & Ancient Relics, Wall paintings, Manuscripts unfold with wisdom of yoga in this path defining Documentary.
Film Journey:
The film crew travelled 35000 km across India, Nepal, selected Museums &Library of Europe & North America to record evidences from 134 locations including 84 Archaeological sites, 37 Museums, Libraries and Temples & Shrines.
Around 30 eminent scholars of India and Nepal from the field of Archaeology, History, Philosophy, Medicine, Literature and Yoga have been consulted and 18 have spoken on the subject to elucidate and authenticate it. Widely and rationally accepted interpretations of evidences are included here. The documentary is beautifully woven with breath taking photography, meditative songs and music.
Narration In English is by Shri Kabir Bedi& in Hindi by Shri Brij Bhushan.
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