The word “yoga” finds its roots in one of the oldest sacred texts, the Vedas. Dating back to between 1500 and 1200 BCE, the Vedas consist of four ancient Sanskrit scriptures.

Among them, the Rig Vedas, the earliest, comprises over a thousand hymns and mantras intended for use by Brahmans, the Vedic priests.

According to the Vedas, yoga was believed to “lead to the union of one’s awareness with that of universal consciousness.”

In essence, yoga serves as a means to calm the mind, facilitating a state of pure awareness. Subsequent texts elaborated on yoga, defining it as “Being equal-minded in both success and failure.”

While there’s no unanimous agreement on the exact origins of yoga, it is widely acknowledged to have developed in India. The Vedas are credited with defining yoga as a practice.

Additionally, the Rig Veda introduces what we now know as Lord Shiva. (Note: In the Rig Veda, the term “Shiva” functions as an adjective, describing various deities, including Rudra.

In contemporary Hinduism, Shiva and Rudra are considered synonymous.)

Shiva, among the most revered deities in Hinduism, assumes multiple forms and is associated with the control of time, overseeing the process of destruction at the end of creation.

Shiva is also recognized as Adiyogi Shiva, the patron deity of yoga and meditation.

Furthermore, Shiva is famed for his association with cannabis.

This is how our ancestors used cannabis

A match made in the heavens

In India, there exists a profound connection between Shiva, the god of yoga, and cannabis. The same scriptures that relay tales of Shiva also make mention of cannabis usage.

Long before the War on Drugs influenced American perceptions, cannabis held a revered status among the five sacred plants.

Described in the Vedas as a “bringer of freedom” and a “source of happiness,” cannabis was frequently employed as a medicinal aid for the gods, with Shiva displaying a particular fondness for it.

According to Hindu legend, fever was believed to be the result of the ‘hot breath of the gods,’ provoked by the actions of the afflicted.

Cannabis was used to pacify the gods, thus alleviating fever. Shiva, also known as the god of destruction, often turned to cannabis to soothe himself and return to a meditative state.

One tale recounts how Shiva’s preference for ganja began following a heated debate with his family. Seeking solace, he slept beneath a cannabis plant and upon awakening, consumed its leaves. Subsequently, Shiva experienced euphoria and revitalization.

These legends have led to the use of cannabis in the worship of Shiva for millennia. Maha Shivaratri, or “The Great Night of Shiva,” stands as one of India’s most revered celebrations, commemorating the day Shiva rescued the universe from darkness and wedded the goddess Parvati.

Holy men and women from across Nepal and India converge to partake in worship rituals during this festival.

During Maha Shivaratri, cannabis is consumed orally in the form of bhang, either as wet cannabis leaves fashioned into pills or as a beverage blended with milk and various spices.

Smoking cannabis, traditionally, is reserved for devout ascetics who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice.

The interplay between yoga and cannabis extends beyond Shiva. Ancient yogic texts, such as the Yoga Sutras, hint at the use of potions, possibly containing cannabis, to aid in enlightenment.

Likewise, other cultures, like the Ancient Chinese, referred to cannabis as “the drug that takes away the mind.”

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What we know now

Thanks to advancements in science, we can now substantiate that Shiva’s association with cannabis and yoga is not mere happenstance.

In 1992, a pivotal discovery forever altered our comprehension of these ancient practices with the unveiling of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

While the ECS initially came to light through cannabis research, its activity within our bodies persists regardless of cannabis consumption.

This intricate system maintains our physiological equilibrium, governing aspects such as mood, memory, pain perception, inflammation, appetite, and sleep. When imbalances occur, the ECS intervenes, regulating the issue.

Raphael Mechoulam, the scientist credited with isolating the first endocannabinoid, succinctly described the ECS as “responsible for our healing.”

Upon ingesting cannabis, cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind to our body’s natural receptors, resulting in experiences such as euphoria, increased appetite, and altered perception.

This phenomenon elucidates why cannabis can alleviate conditions like insomnia or pain, restoring a semblance of normality.

Intriguingly, research indicates that cannabis also distorts the perception of time, a curious parallel to its association with the Hindu deity of time itself.

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However, cannabis consumption isn’t the sole stimulant of our ECS. Studies demonstrate that activities like exercise, dancing, and singing can augment the production of endocannabinoid receptors.

A University of Nottingham study revealed that cycling elevated participants’ endocannabinoid levels by 19%, while singing doubled them.

Although this study involved a limited sample size, it prompts further exploration into the potential correlation between yoga and the ECS.

If movement and vocalization are indeed catalysts for ECS activation, this could provide scientific validation for yoga’s diverse therapeutic effects.

While experts continue to unravel the intricacies of the ECS, it is evident that it plays a pivotal role in promoting bodily healing.

Our ancestors, millennia before us, accessed these therapeutic benefits through practices like cannabis use and yoga. Although ongoing research is imperative, one thing remains clear: if it’s deemed suitable for the divine, it’s certainly worthy of our consideration.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered cannabis endorsement. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.