Final answer:
A lineage in the context of yoga refers to the spiritual genealogy of teachers, with Pattabhi Jois being a significant contributor. The Aryans originated the Hindu caste system, establishing a society with Brahmans at the top due to their ritual knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Lineage in the Context of Yoga
A lineage can be defined as a group of people related by a common ancestor through either the maternal or the paternal line. However, when related to yoga, lineage refers to the succession of teachers from whom yoga teachings are derived traditionally, essentially a spiritual genealogy. As it pertains to the options provided in the question, the correct answer is C: A spiritual genealogy; Pattabhi Jois. Although Patanjali is widely recognized for his Yoga Sutras, Pattabhi Jois is a more recent yogi who significantly influenced the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, which is a key part of modern yoga lineage. In the broader context, lineage elders play an important role in guiding and resolving disputes within their communities.
The lineage system is described as an egalitarian order, where leadership is informally exercised based on knowledge and persuasion rather than through formal authority structures. This system of lineage elders and their informal authority is somewhat analogous to the original caste system derived from the Vedic religion of the Aryans. In this system, the highest class consisted of Brahmans, followed by Kshatriya warriors, and then Vaishya merchants and commoners.
To answer the review question, the group that originated the Hindu caste system were the Aryans. They established a hierarchical society where the Brahmans were at the top due to their knowledge of rituals and sacred texts, and their importance in Vedic traditions.