By-Aditi Chhetri
India, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, boasts a rich heritage that spans thousands of years. Among its most profound contributions to the world are the practices of yoga and meditation. These ancient disciplines have transcended time and geography to become global phenomena, transforming the lives of millions. While their origins are deeply rooted in India’s history, one piece of archaeological evidence stands out as a testament to their antiquity – the Pashupati Seal. The Pashupati Seal is one of the earliest known depictions of yoga and meditation in the world. It is also one of the most important pieces of evidence for the Indus Valley Civilization’s religious beliefs and practices
• Unveiling the Pashupati Seal :
The Pashupati Seal is a small but significant artifact that was unearthed in the early 20th century at the Mohenjo-Daro archaeological site in present-day Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro, one of the major cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, thrived around 2500 BCE, making it one of the world’s oldest urban centers. The seal, discovered in the ruins of this ancient city, offers valuable insights into the practices of yoga and meditation that were prevalent over 4,000 years ago.
• Deciphering the Seal :
The Pashupati Seal features a prominent figure seated in a yogic posture. This figure, often referred to as the “Proto-Shiva,” sits cross-legged with a horned headdress and an array of animals surrounding him. While interpretations may vary, many scholars believe this figure to be an early representation of Lord Shiva, a central deity in the yogic and meditative traditions of India. The seal’s name, “Pashupati,” is significant. It is a reference to Lord Shiva’s role as the “Lord of Beasts” or “Lord of Animals.” This association with animals suggests a deep connection between nature and meditation, a theme that resonates in many yoga practices today.
• The Yogic Asana:
One of the most striking aspects of the Pashupati Seal is the seated posture of the central figure. The figure’s legs are crossed in a manner reminiscent of modern-day yoga asanas like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Siddhasana (Perfect Pose). This posture is a fundamental element of yogic practice, symbolizing stability, concentration, and inner harmony. Yoga, in its essence, is the union of mind, body, and spirit. The yogic asanas, including the one depicted on the Pashupati Seal, are integral to achieving this union. They provide a physical foundation for meditation and self-realization, echoing the timeless wisdom of the ancient yogis.
• The Meditative Connection:
Beyond the yogic posture, the seal also suggests a connection between yoga and meditation. The figure’s serene and contemplative expression reflects the meditative state. Meditation is a core component of yoga, serving as a means to quiet the mind, delve into one’s inner self, and attain a heightened state of awareness.
The animals surrounding the figure on the seal are worth noting as well. These animals include a bull, an elephant, and two antelopes. In yogic and meditative symbolism, these animals often represent the various aspects of the mind and the challenges one must overcome on the spiritual path. The presence of these animals reinforces the idea that the seal is not merely a representation of physical yoga postures but a profound metaphor for the inner journey of self – discovery and transformation.
• The Age of the Seal:
Dating the Pashupati Seal is a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally believed to be from the mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization, around 2500 BCE. This dating places the seal’s creation over 4,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest depictions of yoga and meditation in human history. The antiquity of the Pashupati Seal challenges the common misconception that yoga and meditation are recent trends. Instead, it underscores the enduring nature of these practices, which have been passed down through generations in India for millennia.
• Other evidence of yoga and meditation in the Indus Valley Civilization:
In addition to the Pashupati Seal, there is other evidence to suggest that yoga and meditation were practiced in the Indus Valley Civilization. For example, archaeologists have discovered a number of other seals and figurines that depict people in yogic postures.
One particularly notable example is a seal from Harappa that depicts a figure seated in a lotus position, which is a common yogic posture. The figure’s hands are resting on the knees, and the figure’s eyes are closed. This suggests that the figure is meditating. Another example is a figurine from Mohenjo-daro that depicts a figure seated in a cross-legged posture, with the hands resting on the knees. The figure’s eyes are also closed. This suggests that this figure is also meditating.
The evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization suggests that yoga and meditation were an important part of the religious and spiritual beliefs of the people of the IVC. Yoga and meditation were likely used to improve physical and mental health, to achieve spiritual enlightenment, and to connect with the divine.
• Yoga and Meditation:
A Living Tradition while the Pashupati Seal provides compelling evidence of the ancient roots of yoga and meditation in India, these practices are far from relics of the past. They continue to thrive and evolve in the modern world, transcending cultural and geographic boundaries. Yoga studios and meditation centers have sprouted up worldwide, offering people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of these age-old disciplines.
• The Universal Appeal:
The universal appeal of yoga and meditation lies in their adaptability and inclusivity. They can be tailored to suit individual needs and beliefs, making them accessible to people of all backgrounds and faiths. Whether one seeks physical fitness, stress relief, inner peace, or spiritual enlightenment, yoga and meditation offer a path towards these goals.
• Yoga: A Path to Physical and Mental Well-being
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and sedentary lifestyles take a toll on physical and mental health, yoga emerges as a powerful antidote. The physical postures, or asanas, strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and improve posture. Yoga also enhances mental well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing focus.
• Meditation: Cultivating Inner Peace
Meditation, on the other hand, is a gateway to inner peace and self-awareness. It encourages mindfulness and helps individuals gain control over their thoughts and emotions. Regular meditation practice has been linked to reduced stress, improved emotional well-being, and increased resilience.
• The Spiritual Quest:
For those on a spiritual quest, yoga and meditation offer a deeper connection with the self and the universe. They provide a framework for exploring profound questions about the nature of existence, consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all life. In this sense, they serve as a timeless path for seekers of truth and enlightenment.
• The Pashupati Seal and the modern world : The Pashupati Seal remains an important symbol of yoga and meditation today. It is often used in yoga studios and meditation centers, and it is also featured on many yoga and meditation products.
The Pashupati Seal is a reminder of the ancient roots of yoga and meditation. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of these practices for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The Pashupati Seal stands as a silent yet profound testament to the ancient origins of yoga and meditation in India. It reminds us that these practices have withstood the test of time, evolving and adapting while retaining their core essence. From the banks of the Indus River to yoga studios around the world, the pursuit of physical and spiritual well-being remains a timeless and universal endeavor.
As we delve into the depths of yoga and meditation, we find that their true essence transcends the boundaries of time and place. They are not merely exercises or techniques but pathways to self-discovery, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of the universe. The Pashupati Seal, with its ancient yogic figure, continues to inspire and guide us on this transformative journey, echoing the wisdom of the sages who walked this path millennia ago.
REFERENCES
• Kuzmint, O. (2017, October 11). The History of Yoga from Pashupati to Patanjali – Bahiranga.com. Bahiranga.com. https://bahiranga.com/the-history-of-yoga-from-pashupati-to-patanjali/
• Pattanaik, D. (2022, February 25). The real Pashupati. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/pashupati-and-the-harappan-seal/article65070760.ece
• MAP Academy. (2023, July 26). Pashupati Seal – MAP Academy. https://mapacademy.io/article/pashupati-seal/
• Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Pashupati seal. Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupati_seal
• Amar Chitra Katha. (2022, July 12). The Pashupati Seal of Mohenjo-Daro | Amar Chitra Katha. Amar Chitra Katha |. https://www.amarchitrakatha.com/history_details/the-pashupati-seal-of-mohenjo-daro/
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