Question

What is yoga ?

Hint:

A good definition of yoga should go beyond just physical exercise. Mention its Indian origins, the meaning "to unite," and its goal of integrating body, mind, and spirit.

Answer 1

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to yoke" or "to unite." The practice aims to unite the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind, body, and spirit.
Modern yoga, as practiced in the West, often focuses on the physical postures, but this is only one aspect of a broader system. The classical system of yoga, as described by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, consists of an "eight-limbed path" (Ashtanga Yoga):

Yama and Niyama: Ethical principles and observances.
Asana: Physical postures (the most well-known aspect).
Pranayama: Breath control techniques.
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana: Concentration.
Dhyana: Meditation.
Samadhi: A state of enlightenment or union.
In contemporary terms, yoga is widely practiced for promoting physical health, flexibility, and strength, as well as for stress reduction and mental clarity.