Centuries after the existence of Patanjali yoga masters created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. Previous yogic eras shown emphasis on meditation and contemplation, as their goal was to shed their mortal coils and merge with the infinite. But, during the post-classical period, yogis began to tap into the hidden powers of the body.
Rejecting the teachings of ancient Vedas, post-classical yoga masters embraced movement and the sequence of physical postures. They constructed advanced yogic practices with the purpose of rejuvenating the body, prolonging its life, as well as the actual means of achieving the enlightenment.
“It was no longer necessary to escape from reality; instead the focus was more living in the moment and on the correct path.
The exploration of the spiritual and the physical halves and the need to harmonize the mind, body and spirit led to the creation of Tantra yoga, to cleanse the body and mind, and to Hatha yoga in the ninth or tenth century.”
Tantra yoga was developed with revolutionary techniques to cleanse the body and mind and break the knots that bind the physical existence. The exploration of the physical-spiritual connections and body-centered practices led to the creation of what is referred to as Hatha Yoga.
Sources:
https://www.medindia.net/yoga-lifestyle/
https://www.thesecretsofyoga.com/yoga-articles/
http://www.keytobeing.com/
https://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/
earthrebel.com 