A Sanskrit word meaning ‘yoking’ or ‘union’ , yoga is one of the six orthodox systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy, with widespread influence among many other schools of Indian thought, one can find its basic text contained in the Yoga-Sutras by Patañjali ( c. 2nd B.C.).

Its intellectual content largely based on the philosophy of Samkhya, it is the practical aspects of Yoga that play a far more important part in the practice of it. However, it is spiritual release promised by performing yoga that the yogis or practitioners of it aspire for. Along with Samkhya, Yoga also believes spiritual liberation is achieved when the self (purusha) frees itself from the bondages of matter (prakriti) that are a direct result of the self’s ignorance and illusion.

Yoga attempts to reverse this order and helps the self re-enter its original state of purity and consciousness. As soon as the aspirant learns to control the mental activities of the mind, and succeeds in ending all attachment to material objects, he is able to enter samadhi i.e. a state of deep concentration that results in a blissful, ecstatic union with ultimate reality.

This then, is the ultimate goal of every true yogi!