Indigenous cultures around the world have developed unique spiritual and physical practices that reflect their deep connection to the natural world. One striking example of this is the parallels between traditional Original practices in Australia and ancient yoga practices in India.
At the heart of both Original culture and ancient yoga is a profound reverence for the natural world, and an understanding that humans are deeply interconnected with the land, animals, and plants that surround us. In Original culture, this connection is expressed through the concept of Dreamtime, a belief system that dates back tens of thousands of years and is still practiced today by many Indigenous communities in Australia.
Dreamtime is a complex system of beliefs that incorporates creation stories, ancestor spirits, and a deep understanding of the cycles of the natural world. It emphasises the importance of living in harmony with nature, and acknowledges the power of the land to heal and sustain us. Many Dreamtime practices involve physical movement, such as dance, song, and even postures that are similar to those practiced in yoga.
Similarly, ancient yoga practices in India are rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things. Yoga postures, or asanas, are often inspired by animals and natural phenomena, and are designed to align the body, mind, and spirit with the natural world.
What is particularly striking about the parallels between Original practices and ancient yoga is the possibility that they may have developed independently, despite the vast geographic and cultural distances that separate the two. Some researchers have pointed to the theory of Gondwana land, which suggests that the Australian continent was once connected to India and Africa, as a possible explanation for these similarities.
According to this theory, the Australian continent was once part of a supercontinent called Gondwana, which also included India, Africa, and several other landmasses. As the continents began to drift apart millions of years ago, they carried with them the seeds of cultural and biological diversity that continue to shape our world today.
One fascinating example of this connection is the fact that native dogs in Africa, Australia, and India all share the same DNA. This suggests that these dogs are descended from a common ancestor that lived on Gondwana land before the continents separated.
The parallels between Original practices and ancient yoga offer a powerful reminder of the deep interconnection between humans and the natural world, and the importance of honouring and respecting the traditions and wisdom of Indigenous cultures around the world. By recognising and learning from these ancient practices, we can deepen our own understanding of the natural world and our place within it, and work together to create a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.
