Modern Western yoga approaches are not based on any particular belief or religion. However, yoga has its roots in Hinduism and Brahmanism. Yoga was developed primarily by seers and asceticists living in southern India. Foreseeers observed nature, lived near the earth, and studied many aspects of nature, animals, and themselves. By observing and imitating the different attitudes and customs of the animal kingdom, they were able to develop elegance, strength and wisdom.