The igneous rock statue of Yoga Buddha, a cultural relic from the Chola period in India

The igneous rock statue of Yoga Buddha, a cultural relic from the Chola period in India

Yoga Buddha is a very important deity in Indian history, and his story and image occupy a significant position in Indian yoga culture. Archaeologists have discovered a large number of stone sculptures and pottery seals in the Harappan and Mohenjodaro cultures of the Indus Valley civilization, featuring figures in yoga and meditation postures. There are many cross legged (described as yoga sitting posture) human figures on the Harappa seal, and the statues are now collected at the Minneapolis Museum of Art.