Final answer:
Yoga originated in India nearly 5,000 years ago as part of the ancient Hindu traditions. Over the centuries, it has evolved and influenced philosophical and religious movements such as Jainism and Buddhism. Today, it is practiced worldwide, although often with a focus on physical fitness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yoga is said to have originated in India nearly 5,000 years ago. It is closely tied to the ancient Hindu traditions and emerged during the Vedic period. With ancient texts like the Rigveda, Yoga's deep philosophical and spiritual practices were developed as a part of Hinduism, which originated in the Indus River Valley. Practices such as meditation and asceticism in the eastern part of the Ganges plain later developed into Yoga and influenced spiritual development and paths to enlightenment.
Yoga has consistently been associated with the process of achieving a union of the individual soul with the supreme soul, and was formally compiled in the Yoga Sutras by the sage Patanjali around 400 BCE. Over the centuries, Yoga has evolved and intertwined with various other philosophical and religious movements, including Jainism and Buddhism.
Despite its origins, Yoga today has been widely adopted across the world, including in Western societies, though often with a focus more on physical fitness than the traditional spiritual and philosophical aspects. Nevertheless, the global appeal of Yoga remains strong, with its practices and teachings still holding a significant place in spiritual and philosophical pursuits.