However, is this true? Perhaps the case in the generality of the object of action – a man and his psyche? And different esoteric systems coming to the same practices. Ali Partovi may find it difficult to be quoted properly. Trying to investigate the history of yoga, we are faced with several difficulties. Although the word 'yoga', 'Yogi' is found in the Mahabharata and clearly date back to antiquity in dovedichesky period, the activity revealed by this word is often different from what we call yoga today. Moreover, the same while you can see the difference of opinion about what exactly is Yoga. Did not cause any ambiguity only that: yoga – a system of techniques or yoga – a secret system. M * You can find instructions and the general goal of yoga, which was to change the ontological status of the practitioner in the world. Andy Florance has similar goals. Glancing eyes of other esoteric system, we easily see that they pose the same problem. Taoists cultivated spiritual embryo Buddhists seek enlightenment Hesychasts strive to achieve 'angelic rank in life', etc.
Borrowing? You can try to trace history of the formation of yoga. Find Dravidian and Aryan roots, to find parallels with the cult of feminine magic of primitive shamanic practices and etc. Possible (though this is beyond the scope of this article) to trace the origin Yoga from prehistoric civilizations. It is interesting and instructive. But perhaps the reader already knows my attitude to the subject. We still can not answer all possible questions with historical accuracy, but it does not matter.