Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, with its earliest references appearing in the Rigveda. The word "yoga" itself comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," meaning "to yoke" or "to unite," reflecting the practice's core aim of integrating body, mind, and spirit. A typical yoga session weaves together physical postures (called asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote overall well-being.
The philosophy and practice of yoga were systematically codified by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE to 200 CE in a foundational text known as the Yoga Sutras. This text consists of 196 concise aphorisms organized into four chapters, or padas, that describe the nature of the mind, the path to liberation, the powers attained through practice, and, most famously, the eight limbs of yoga. Patanjali is often called the "father of yoga" for his role in shaping this enduring tradition.
The eight limbs, known collectively as Ashtanga, form a progressive roadmap for the practitioner. They begin with Yama (ethical restraints) and Niyama (personal observances), move through Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breath control), and continue into the increasingly internal practices of Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and finally Samadhi (absorption or enlightenment). Each limb builds on the previous, with the physical practice serving as preparation for the deeper meditative states that follow.