Introduction to
The History and Evolution of Yoga
Yoga has existed for thousands of years, evolving alongside society and human needs. From mysterious rituals in ancient India to today’s global movement, yoga has undergone a fascinating journey. This course offers insight into how yoga has been shaped by historical events, cultural currents, and spiritual traditions—and how it ultimately found its way to the modern yoga mat.
Do you find it difficult to...
✔️.. navigate the jungle of yoga terms and traditions?
✔️.. know where to start learning about the history and evolution of yoga?
✔️.. understand the difference between traditional and modern yoga?
✔️.. make sense of yoga philosophy?
What is yoga?
It may seem like a simple question, but it’s actually far from easy to answer: What exactly is yoga?
Yoga is a term rich with many meanings and expressions, which is why there is no single, definitive answer. For some, yoga is a physical practice; for others, it’s a spiritual path. Some associate it with inner calm and breath, others with movement, sweat, and flexibility. Yet yoga is also a vast spiritual tradition — a concept that embraces both its various practices as well as its ultimate goal.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to unite,” “to join together,” but also “to concentrate the mind” or “to contemplate”. This points to central ideas in many yoga traditions: the union of body, mind, and spirit, or the union of the individual with something greater — a universal consciousness or divinity. In other traditions, however, yoga can also mean separation — distinguishing the eternal self from what is changeable and temporary. This depends entirely on the philosophical viewpoint — whether it is dualistic or non-dualistic. Which is something we will explore in greater depth during the course.
Historically, yoga has included a wide range of practices such as meditation, breathing techniques, ethical guidelines, purification rituals, and self-inquiry — all aimed at personal transformation and spiritual liberation.
Today, yoga has evolved into much more than its original form. Often centered on the body and movement, modern yoga comes in countless variations — from quiet, meditative sessions to vigorous physical workouts reminiscent of gymnastics or dance. With over 300 million practitioners worldwide, yoga has also become a global industry, exhibiting great diversity in expression and practice. Yet, the deep wisdom underlying the practice remains alive — and this course invites you on a journey through the history and evolution of yoga to gain a broader understanding of what yoga truly is and how it has become what it is today.
This course will give you...
✔️.. an overview of yoga’s historical roots and its development through the ages
✔️.. insight into how different traditions and religions have influenced yoga
✔️.. an understanding of how yoga changed when it came to the West
✔️.. knowledge that puts today’s practice into a broader context
✔️.. a deeper connection to yoga — as a practice, a philosophy, and a way of life
Christina Skreiberg
★★★★★
Doing the Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training at HiYoga was such a treat! It has strengthened and inspired my personal practice and given me the foundation I need to embark on a teaching journey. I would love to keep learning from Eilin as she is so experienced, knowledgeable, positive and she sees each one of us and what we need to work on. Thank you!
Inga Holth
★★★★★
Eilin as a teacher and person has a unique warmth and charisma that makes you immediately feel comfortable and inspired in her presence. To date, I have never met a teacher of any kind who gives so much of herself to her students, her openness and time, empathy, exuberant energy and lots of inspiration.
Elisabeth Eikeland
★★★★★
Eilin is a truly unique yoga teacher and person. I admire her warm-hearted, cheerful and loving spirit. She has in-debt knowledge about yoga philosophy and practices, which she shares in a humble and enlightening way. I always leave her classes with a more open heart and a calmer mind.
Split your payment – with no extra cost!
To make this course more accessible, we offer the option to split your payment over 3 months – completely interest-free. You’ll still get full access to the entire course right away, so you can start learning immediately.
Meet your instructor:
Eilin Ma Dalby
My name is Eilin, and I have been teaching yoga since 2011. I am an E-RYT 500 and YACEP certified teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. I am trained in both dynamic and gentle yoga styles and teach everything from Vinyasa and Yin to breathwork and meditation. Alongside the physical practice, I have a deep interest in yoga philosophy.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of Oslo, specializing in Chinese religion and philosophy — which was the starting point of my journey deeper into the world of yoga.
Through years of study, practice, and eventually leading my own teacher trainings, I have immersed myself in the history and philosophy of yoga — knowledge I look forward to sharing with you in this course.
What’s included in the course?
This online course on The History and Evolution of Yoga offers a clear and structured overview of yoga’s vast diversity — as a practice, philosophy, and way of life. Eilin will introduce you to key texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, providing insights into how various traditions have shaped what we today call yoga.
The course explores Yoga as one of the ṣaḍ darśanas—the six classical schools of Indian philosophy—alongside essential concepts such as brahman, ātman, dharma, mokṣa, and karma etc. It traces yoga’s evolution from its origins in India, through the colonial era and modern times, to the global yoga movement we see today.
You’ll receive a clear yet thorough introduction to complex topics, enriched with reflections, practical examples, and historical context. This course is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their personal practice or for teachers seeking a deeper understanding of yoga’s origins — and where it’s headed.
☾☼ 9 chapters packed with insights into yoga’s history, evolution, and diversity — from ancient roots to modern practice.
☾☼ Practical PDFs and guides to keep all essential information right at your fingertips.
☾☼ Test your knowledge after each module with quizzes to ensure you truly understand what you’ve learned.
☾☼ Earn 30 hours of YACEP-approved training from Yoga Alliance.
☾☼ Enjoy 12 full months of access to the course, allowing you to explore and deepen your understanding at your own pace.
FAQ
Is this course eligible for YACEP- hours?
Who is this course for?
Can I get a refund?
Do I need to purchase anything else?
How long will I have access to the course?
What language is the course in?
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
It’s not always easy to know if a course is the right fit for what you’re looking to achieve. That’s why we’re happy to answer any questions you might have—so both you and we can feel confident that this course will truly support your goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out!