The History of Meditation
In this blog post we will look at the time line of the most significant events in the history of meditation.
Approximately some time between 5,000 to 3,500 BCE, Archaeologists discovered images of people sitting in what many of us would recognize as meditation postures. These images discovered in wall art were discovered in the Indus Valley of what is now northern India and southern China are the earliest evidence of the practice.
In 1600-1500 BCE in ancient India, the Vedic Sanskrit writings The Vedas are discovered. They are the earliest documented written records of meditation. The Vedas are the most ancient of Hindu scriptures.
600-500 BCE meditation developed in Taoist China and Buddhist India. The historical figure Buddha lived from 563 to 483 BCE.
Compiled from 400-100 BCE The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali outlined the eight limbs of yoga.
Written from 400-200 BCE The Bhagavad Gita the scripture and epic poem that discusses meditation, the philosophy of yoga, and how to live a spiritual life.
In 653 BCE the first meditation hall opened in Japan. Japanese Buddhism began to evolve in the 8th and 9th century. Turning from more old school teachings to more practical beliefs.
Ancient teachings started reaching scholars in the west in the 18th century.
In 1927 the Tibetan Book of the Dead was published. It is the most famous Buddhist text in the West.
Transcendental(mantra) and Vipassana(mindfulness) become popularized from the 1950s to the 1980s.
From the1980s to the present the practice has become more main stream because of its healing ability and has become a great tool to relieve stress and improve overall mental and physical health. The health benefits of meditation are vast and varied. From improved mental health to increased physical well-being, there are countless ways that this ancient practice can improve our lives.