Yoga has always been a part of Eastern culture. It was introduced to the West in the late 1800’s, but it seems to have grown in popularity in the US over the past decade or so.
People who are new to yoga are harder to find these days than people who are new to yoga. Whether you’ve taken a walk downtown and visited some yoga studios, or followed influential yogis on Instagram, you’re probably familiar. However, the question is how familiar?
There is a lot of misinformation and information in the mainstream culture. Most people don’t know the historical facts about yoga. Not to mention all the fun facts that surfaced, including the world record holder!
For those of you who are just starting out with yoga and want to learn more about its background, this is for you. Even for those yoga gurus and yogis who want to brush up on their yoga knowledge, this is for you.
Here are 35 of the funniest facts about yoga you probably didn’t know:
35 Funniest Yoga Facts
1. Do people get hurt doing yoga?
Do people get hurt doing yoga?
The US Product Safety Commission listed 4,450 reports of yoga injuries in 2006. This figure is up from 3,760 in 2004. However, the number of people practicing yoga has also increased.
that just hurts
2. Yoga is considered one of the most successful examples of modern globalization
It is one of the 5 fastest growing industries in the United States. The amount of money spent on yoga across the U.S. has grown 87 percent over the past five years, and it shows no signs of stopping.
3. Yoga was first introduced to the Western world in 1893
Hindu leader Swami Vivekananda is known for being a key force in bringing yoga to the Western world. He spoke at the House of Religion in Chicago in 1893. This address is said to have promoted the presence of yoga in the United States.
The Beatles’ George Harrison also helped introduce it to the West. As a band, the Beatles were the first to introduce the sitar to rock music. They were also the first to introduce Hindu melodies into modern Western music.
4. Bring back the yoga movement
In late 2010, the Hindu American Foundation launched the “Take Back Yoga” campaign. The goal is to spread awareness about the roots of yoga in India.
However, some scholars have questioned the legitimacy of the movement. They explain that yoga actually originated in the Vedic culture of India. Around the third millennium BC, Indo-Europeans settled there. BC, long before Hinduism began.
5. There is dog yoga!
There is dog yoga!
Doga is a kind of pet yoga. In this type of yoga, one actively tries to maintain harmony with the pet. These dogs are often used as props to support yoga poses. Sometimes, the dog will do some stretching exercises on his own.
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that dog yoga was first reported by Suzi Teitelman in New York in 2002.
6. The meaning of the word “yoga”
It is derived from Sanskrit roots, which is why Sanskrit tattoos have grown in popularity in recent years.
The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means “to contract” or “to join.” Yoking refers to the yoking of the conscious subject or jiva-atman with the supreme mind or parama ta man. This is done to achieve the ultimate blissful state of consciousness, also known as samadhi or “place or assemble”.
7. Wait, how many Americans do yoga?
A recent study in Yoga Journal reported that approximately 20 million Americans practice yoga. That means nearly 9 percent of Americans practice yoga. Not only that, but they spend an estimated $5.7 billion a year on equipment.
8. The true origin of the swastika
The swastika is actually a yoga symbol. The symbol comes from the Sanskrit term Svastik, which means “things associated with happiness”.
9. Here’s Why “OM” Is So Important In Yoga
Pronounced loudly, almost like a soft hum, “Om” is said to be the primordial sound of the universe. It is associated with the third eye (ajna) chakra, also known as “conscience”.
10. Yoga may even improve your sex life
Yoga may even improve your sex life
Regular yoga practice helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, also known as moola bandha. In turn, yoga, as a form of exercise, can provide similar benefits to Kegel exercises. This makes the orgasm feel even more intense.
11. Hatha yoga is popular in the United States
The word “hatha” is derived from “ha” (for “sun”) and “-tha” (for “moon”). It is closely related to yoga’s attempt to recognize the dual forces in nature and the universe, the darkness and light in all things. This is why the yin-yang symbol is so prominent in yoga.
12. America’s first yogi
One of the first yogis in America was Pierre Bernard. He is also known as “Uncle Almighty”. He is also known for founding the Order of Tantrik. The Tantrik Order is a secret society that teaches its members Hatha Yoga, philosophy and Sanskrit. Society also sanctioned sacramental sex.
13. The world’s oldest text tells about the elements of yoga
The Rig Veda, also known as “The Praise of Knowledge”, is one of the oldest known texts in the world. Scholars believe it contains elements of yoga. It is believed to be over 4000 years old, dating back to 1500 BC. BC or earlier.
14. According to an Indian study, it may even help prevent premature ejaculation (PE)
Through various techniques, yoga helps reduce stage fright while keeping the mind on track