The Ancient Texts Behind Yoga
Key takeaways
Yoga's texts were written in Sanskrit. English versions are translations.
The Yoga Sutras are the core text of classical yoga.
Dates are estimates, and scholars disagree.
What are the oldest yoga texts?
The Vedas (about 1500-500 BCE): hymns and ritual, passed on orally. The Rigveda is first.
The Upanishads (from about 800 BCE): inquiry into the self (atman) and Brahman. Some, such as the Katha and Shvetashvatara, contain early yoga teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita (about 200 BCE-200 CE): part of the Mahabharata. It teaches the paths of action, devotion, and knowledge.
What are the Yoga Sutras?
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali date to about 200 BCE-400 CE. They are the core text of classical yoga and set out the eight limbs.
What is the Yoga Yajnavalkya?
A dialogue describing eight components of yoga, with extra material such as kundalini. Its author is unknown and its date is debated.
Where do English translations come from?
Every English version translates a Sanskrit original. Translators make different choices, so quality varies. Scholars' critical editions are the most reliable. Mallinson and Singleton's Roots of Yoga (2017) is a good place to start.
Related: Hatha yoga texts | The eight limbs | Back to the history of yoga
Sources
James Mallinson and Mark Singleton, Roots of Yoga (2017). James Mallinson, The Shiva Samhita: A Critical Edition (2007). Mark Singleton, Yoga Body (2010). Wendy Doniger and Sudhir Kakar, Kamasutra. John Woodroffe, The Serpent Power (1919). T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga (1995).