The meaning of yoga is union and is a Sanskrit word that denotes a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India where, to this day, it is still a vibrant and living tradition being thought of as being a means to achieving enlightenment. There are many forms of yoga such as Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana as well as Raja which form the four main pillars though there are many other branches. In the West, where yoga has become popular, it is mainly associated with asanas or postures of Hatha yoga and is very popular and thought of as being exercise routines that forms the basis of much business enterprises.

Attain Enlightenment

Being central to the concept of attaining enlightenment, it is the focus of much of Hindu, Buddhist as well as Jain religions which is much influenced by it in spiritual practices throughout the world. Yoga was known in ancient India through various texts including the Upanishads, Yoga sutras of Patanjali, the Holy book called the Bhagwat Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as well as many others and all of them lay down the criteria of how to master particular techniques successfully.

In the present day, yoga practice may include traditional elements like moral and ethical practices and postures to maintain the fitness of the body, spiritual philosophy, and instructions from a guru, mantra chanting, breathing exercises and stilling the mind with the help of meditation. It's attraction in the Western world may stem from its perceived utility as a technique for relaxation or as a means to attain fitness.

During its long history, there have been different schools with numerous subdivisions as well as much synthesis and yoga is commonly spoken of as being a path to enlightenment and includes components of love and devotion, selfless work, knowledge and even the eight-limbed system of disciplines dealing mainly with meditation.

Hindu, Buddhist as well as Jain traditions allude to the spiritual goals as being inseparable from religion of which yoga is a part and some yogis see religion as being more concerned with outward beliefs, rituals, values and cultures while yoga is more concerned with the inner self-realization. There are certain forms that are replete with iconography while others are minimalist and the Hindu practitioners take great pride in their religious traditions while non-Hindus claim that if practiced with sincerity, it would provide much benefit.