With reference to
yoga language, lineage denotes to the historical progression of knowledge
transmitted from teacher to pupils. Lineage offers harmony between a yoga
devotee and the historical foundation of the practice. Lineage is also labelled
as parampara, a Sanskrit term which means "an uninterrupted row or series.
In basic term, lineage is the basis of yoga's legacy which is humble, subtle
and free from the dangers of personal ego.
It has been witnessed
in vast theoretical literature and practical training that the practices of
Yoga have been transmitted from generation to generation since ancient period
and their forms have changed over the centuries. The historical background of
yoga is captivating and has a vital role in the yoga for modern generation.
Yoga originated in the sacred texts of the Rig Veda more than 5,000 years ago
and imparted valuable knowledge to people. From primeval India to modern-day
societies, history of yoga has great impact on people. Yoga practices are
revolutionized from primordial time to contemporary period. Though, the
fundamental literature and practice of Yoga has not been transformed.
In the historical
basis of yoga, there is strong affiliation of teacher/student. Without a
teacher/ instructor, pupils cannot gain rich knowledge about yoga practices.
The direct transfer of knowledge and procedure from teacher to student is
crucial part of the history of yoga because Hatha yoga cannot be learned from
books or videos alone. Some yoga practices are done under the guidance of a
trained yoga professional. Because knowledge gained from a book cannot correct
misunderstanding of what is written in it. Same as a video clipping cannot help
pupils in learning posture or technique.
Popular lineage of
yoga lore transmission is of T Krishnamacharya who rejuvenated Hatha Yoga
through an exceptional practice which he gained in the depths of Himalayas. He
taught each pupil differently and did not believe in standardized classes where
everyone was practicing in similar way. This method of training is called
Mysore Style. His exclusive structure of Asanas which were linked by a defined
Vinyasa flow known as Ashtanga Yoga which is different from the Ashtanga Yoga
of Patanjali. The inner procedures of Ashtanga materialize through bandha,
mudra and dristi together with deep ujjai breathing. These are the zeniths of
contemporary Tantric technique, brought to clarify framework of Patanjali’s
yoga beliefs and the non-dualism of the Upanishads. These principles represent the core forms of
Ashtanga Vinyasa into relief, exposing them as crystallizations of the
meditative process. The same forms are identifiable in both Hindu and Buddhist
contemplative traditions, as well as in the direct experience of the body that
unfolds through devoted practice.
In nutshell, teachers
usually have transmitted their knowledge and techniques to their students to
achieve success in the practice and to preserve the proven methods. Most of the
ancient yoga professionals protected the authenticity of the subject and the
secret techniques and never allowed anyone to modify it. Every student of those
great teachers had to take sacred oath to maintain and preserve the
transparency of the practices. Every pupil or practitioner who has effectively
practiced yogic procedures does not necessarily become a teacher. Every teacher
selects few pupils who are considered adept to transmit teaching on behalf of
the lineage.
