Significant Figures in Yoga

 Era: ~2nd Century BCE

The Father of Classical Yoga

• Compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that systematized the philosophy and practice of Raja Yoga.
   
• Introduced the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga): a path for ethical and spiritual development.
   
• His work still guides yogic thought and practice today.

Era: 1888–1989
The Father of Modern Yoga

• Revived hatha yoga and made it adaptable for householders.
   
• Taught several legendary teachers who would bring yoga to the West.
   
• Emphasized the individualization of yoga practice based on age, health, and lifestyle.

 Era: 1863–1902
The First Global Yoga Ambassador

• Introduced Vedanta and Raja Yoga to the West at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
   
• Authored influential books that translated Indian spiritual ideas for a Western audience.
   
• Paved the way for Eastern philosophy and yoga’s acceptance in the modern world.

 Era: 1918–2014
The Master of Alignment

• Developed Iyengar Yoga, emphasizing alignment, precision, and use of props.
   
• His book Light on Yoga became a global yoga manual.
   
• Made yoga accessible to people with injuries, disabilities, and aging bodies.

Era: 1915–2009
The Creator of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

• Created the dynamic, physically demanding Ashtanga Yoga system.
   
• Inspired modern styles like Vinyasa and Power Yoga.
   
• Brought a meditative, breath-linked flow style to prominence. 

Era: 1899–2002
The First Lady of Yoga

• One of Krishnamacharya’s first students—and the first Western woman to be accepted into his school.
   
• Introduced yoga to Hollywood, teaching stars like Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson.
   
• Helped popularize yoga globally and open doors for women in yoga instruction.