Meaning and Definition of Yoga

The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means samādhi (absorption) and union. Maharṣi Pāṇini explains the etymology of the word Yoga from three verbal roots: yuj saṃyamane, yujir yoge, and yuj samādhau.

According to yuj saṃyamane, Yoga means restraint or regulation of the senses and control of the mind. The root yujir yoge indicates the use of the word Yoga in various senses such as joining, uniting, or harmonizing; on this basis, the union of the individual soul (jīvātman) with the Supreme Soul (paramātman) is called Yoga.

The root yuj samādhau defines Yoga as the state of samādhi, meaning perfect equilibrium or identity between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.

Yoga According to Patañjali and Vyāsa

Maharṣi Patañjali has employed the term Yoga in the sense of samādhi. Maharṣi Vyāsa also accepted Yoga as synonymous with samādhi, stating “Yogaḥ samādhiḥ”, wherein the mind is perfectly absorbed.

The complete integration of the mind is called samādhi, and the union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul is termed Yoga. Vyāsa further explains Yoga as “sa ca sārvabhaumaḥ cittasya dharmaḥ”, meaning that samādhi is the universal and supreme state of the mind.

Just as a pot, a lid, or a pitcher are different forms of clay, similarly samādhi is a particular state of the mind.

Yoga in Indian Philosophy

In Indian philosophical systems, Yogic knowledge holds the highest position. Detailed descriptions of Yoga are found in ancient scriptures such as the Vedas, Darśanas, Upaniṣads, the Bhagavad Gītā, and the Purāṇas.

Definition of Yoga in Yoga Sūtra

Maharṣi Patañjali, the author of the Yoga Sūtras, defines Yoga as “Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ”, meaning Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind.

The term citta refers to the antaḥkaraṇa (inner instrument). When external objects are perceived through the sense organs (jñānendriyas), the mind conveys that knowledge to the soul, which remains a mere witness.

The intellect (buddhi) and ego (ahaṅkāra) determine the object and create a sense of agency. The impression formed in the mind through this entire process is called a vṛtti.

The mind is like a mirror; objects are reflected in it, and thus the mind assumes the form of the object. Preventing the mind from becoming object-oriented is Yoga.

State of Yoga and Kaivalya

Further clarifying the meaning of Yoga, Patañjali states: “Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam”, meaning that when the mental modifications are restrained, the practitioner (Puruṣa) abides in his own essential nature, similar to the state of kaivalya.

In this condition, Yoga is established as pure consciousness (Ātman / Paramātman).

Definition of Yoga in Sanskrit

1. Definition of Yoga According to Patanjali Yog Sutra

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥
— पतञ्जलि योगसूत्र (1.2)

Meaning: Yoga is the complete cessation and regulation of the fluctuations of the mind, leading to inner stillness and self-realization.

2.Definition of Yoga According to BhagwadGita

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि
सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा
समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
— भगवद्गीता (2.48)

Meaning: Yoga is performing actions with equanimity, free from attachment to success and failure, while remaining firmly established in inner balance.

3. Second Definition of Yoga According to BhagwadGita

बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह
उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व
योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
— भगवद्गीता (2.50)

Meaning: Yoga is excellence and skill in action, achieved through disciplined intellect and detached engagement with one’s duties.

4. Third Definition of Yoga According to BhagwadGita

तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोग
वियोगं योगसंज्ञितम्।
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो
योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा॥
— भगवद्गीता (6.23)

Meaning: Yoga is the conscious disassociation from the union with suffering and must be practiced with unwavering determination and clarity of mind.

5. Definition of Yoga According to Kaṭha Upaniṣad (Brahma-Realization)

ऋतं पिबन्तौ सुकृतस्य लोके
गुहां प्रविष्टौ परमे परार्धे।
छायातपौ ब्रह्मविदो वदन्ति
पञ्चाग्नयो ये च त्रिणाचिकेताः॥
— कठोपनिषद् (2.3.11)

Meaning: The knowers of Brahman describe Yoga as the realization of the eternal truth residing in the innermost cave of consciousness, attainable through disciplined spiritual practice.

6. Definition of Yoga According to Kaṭha Upaniṣad (Indriya-Dhāraṇā as Yoga)

तां योगमिति मन्यन्ते
स्थिरामिन्द्रियधारणाम्।
अप्रमत्तस्तदा भवति
योगो हि प्रभवाप्ययौ॥
— कठोपनिषद् (2.6.11)

Meaning: Yoga is the steady control and restraint of the senses, through which the practitioner attains heightened awareness and inner mastery.

7. Definition of Yoga According to Vyaas Bhasya

योगः समाधिः।
स च समाधिः चित्तप्रशमनोपायः॥
— व्यासभाष्य (योगसूत्र 1.1)

Meaning: Yoga is samādhi, a profound state of meditative absorption that serves as the means to calm and pacify the mind completely.

8.Definition of Yoga According to Yagyaklvya Smriti

संयोगो योग इत्युक्तो
जीवात्मपरमात्मनोः।
यत्रैक्यं लभते नित्यं
स योगो योगिनां मतः॥
— योगयाज्ञवल्क्य स्मृति (1.44)

Meaning: Yoga is the eternal union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul, resulting in the realization of non-duality.

9. Haṭha Yoga Pradipika

नमः शिवाय गुरवे
नादबिन्दुकलात्मने।
येनोपदिष्टा हठयोगविद्या
विभ्राजते प्रonnatarाजयोगम्॥
— हठयोगप्रदीपिका (1.1)

Meaning: Haṭha Yoga is a disciplined system taught by the guru tradition, designed to purify the body and subtle energies in preparation for higher states of Raja Yoga.

10. Definition of Yoga According to Shandliyopnishad

योगो हि आत्मसाक्षात्कार
हेतुर्भवति नान्यथा।
तस्माद्योगं समासाद्य
मोक्षमार्गं समाचरेत्॥
— शाण्डिल्योपनिषद् (1.1)

Meaning: Yoga alone is the direct means for Self-realization, and through its disciplined practice one attains liberation (mokṣa).