Yoga: Origin, History and Development (Class XII - NCERT Notes)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, historical periods, and foundational concepts of Yoga as presented in the NCERT lecture notes.

Yuj

The Sanskrit root from which the word 'Yoga' is derived, meaning to join, unite, or connect.

Dharma

One of the four Purusharthas, meaning rightness or duty.

Artha

One of the four Purusharthas, meaning worthly fulfillment or earthy fulfillment.

Kama

One of the four Purusharthas, meaning logical fulfillment or emotional fulfillment.

Pre-Vedic Period

The era before $3000\,BCE$ where seals discovered at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa showed figures in meditative postures.

Vedic Period

The era between $1500-600\,BCE$ where Yoga was mentioned in the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

Patanjali, Yoga Sutra

Defines Yoga as the removal of mental modification or thought impulses of the chitta (mind) to achieve a stabilized state of mind.

Shrimadh Bhagwat Gita

Defines Yoga as 'Balance or equanimity' and states that 'Efficiently completing each task is called Yoga.'

Maha Upanishad

Defines Yoga as 'the control of mind.'

Yogavashistha

Defines Yoga as the union of jivatma (individual soul) with paramatma (supreme soul/self).

Maitri Upanishad

Defines Yoga as the oneness of breath, mind, and senses and the abandonment of all states of existence.

Prana

Refers to breathing; one objective of Yoga is to ensure the free flow of Prana.

Chitta

The mind; specifically used in the context of removing mental modifications or thought impulses according to Patanjali.

Kaivalya

Also referred to as Moksh; it represents the ultimate aim or liberation in Yoga practice.

Jivatma

The individual soul, which according to Yogavashistha, unites with the supreme soul in Yoga.

Paramatma

The supreme soul or supreme self mentioned in the definition of Yoga from Yogavashistha.