The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means ‘to unite’. Yoga system provides a methodology for expanding one’s individual consciousness to universal Consciousness. There are various schools of Yoga—example Bhakti Yoga, Jnāna Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga. But here only Pātanjala Yoga will be reviewed because it is the most comprehensive school of Yoga. Patanjali was the first sage to systematize the philosophy and practice of Yoga. His work is known as Pātanjala Yoga Sutra. There are profound commentaries on this text, Vyasa’s being the most ancient and profound. The Yoga system is highly practical, it discusses the nature of mind, its modifications, impediments to growth, afflictions and the method for attaining the highest goal of life—kaivalya (absoluteness). Since this method is described in eight steps it is also called Ashtānga Yoga, the Eightfold Path.

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