The legend of Shiva

THE LEGEND OF SHIVA

While practicing yoga or perhaps even checking out some classes, you would have come across Shiva, or at least heard of him.

Shiva, who is part of Hindu mythology, actually appears as the main figure also in the history of the birth of Yoga.

The legend of Shiva

There are many stories that revolve around the birth of this discipline, so much mystery, so many books that are even defined as sacred and so many external prejudices.

In reality what we know is that this wonderful discipline born thousands of years ago still makes us feel better and makes us dream especially when we think of the colours, fragrances and Indian choreographies

YOGA MYTHOLOGY

Today we shall talk about actually we will tell you a bit about yogic mythology, a bit of stories and myths about this discipline and let’s start from its birth which is closely connected to SHIVA.

According to legends, a strong, handsome man full of wisdom spent his life in contemplation in the Himalayan mountains; his days were divided between contemplation, dialogues with nature, strange positions and exercises; he enjoyed being immersed in nature and cultivating his body and he shared all this with his wife Parvati.

Parvati would then learn this ancient art from Shiva and they would practice together in the silence of the forest; Shiva told his bride how to meditate, how to contemplate and how to do the positions, unaware of the fact that a fish intrigued by these scenes had hidden to observe the two for a long time.

YOGA MYTHOLOGY AND THE LEGEND OF SHIVA AS THE FIRST MASTER OF YOGA

The fish learned everything, overwhelmed by the new knowledge, transformed into a man MATSIENDRA, and Shiva observed this change, understood the transformative power of yoga and sent Matsiendra, the fish who became a man, to spread this very powerful art; Matsiendra explained it to other sages and the first 7 rishis were born, sages able to teach the art of Yoga.

Thus it was that the diffusion of this ancient discipline began starting from the first master ADI YOGI SIVA

Shiva therefore also called Adi Yogi, or first master, in mythology is seen as the first master and as the one who taught the science of yoga to the world, and mantras, stories and temples were therefore created around his figure.

Today remembering this legend doesn’t mean choosing a religious yoga, it just means being fascinated by the mythology and the complex of stories that yoga brings with it, a real cultural baggage.

If you are interested in mythology but also would like to learn more about the origins of Yoga

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