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Yoga is as old as civilization. The roots of yoga and meditation can be traced to the Stone Age. There are tabulates, scriptures and documents to prove this beyond doubt. The importance of meditation and yoga in Hinduism can be traced to the Vedas. The Vedas are a collection of text written in praise of the Almighty. They constitute the textual authority on the various aspects of Hinduism.
The Vedas contain some of the oldest known yoga postures and yoga poses. The yoga as espoused by these books I known as Vedic Yoga. The exercises were in commemoration of spirituality and the presence of the Divine power. Commoners would approach the yogi for insight and knowledge. The yogi had attained the enlightened state of spirituality for himself through varied asana techniques, breathing exercises and meditation.
Yogis embarked on a difficult path very early in their lives. They would isolate themselves from civilization and would meditate for months and years at a stretch and seek enlightenment and knowledge of the true meaning of life.
Even the Upanishads underline the importance of meditation and yoga in Hinduism. Through the means of yoga therapy and yoga training, the Upanishads sought to establish and bring in the relationship between the Brahman, the ultimate reality, and the Atman, or the illusionary reality. The Bhagwad Gita, a Hindu scripture that was written much later extensively preaches the benefits of yoga and meditation. It dealt with Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga.
The importance of meditation and yoga in Hinduism also extended to Buddhism. The Buddha himself had acquired spirituality through meditation and the practice of different physical exercises.
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