What is Yoga?

In brief, Yoga refers to the state-of-being characterised by perfect equilibrium, in which nothing is lacking. It is the union of identification of “self” with the “supreme being” or “absolute”; the dissolution of the distinction between cognitive mind and the self, just like salt dissolves into water… Yoga is the annihilation of the modifications of the mind. Yoga is the neutralization of the alternating waves in consciousness. This should be understood as non-identification with superficial perception of the world. The state involves a complete mergence of ‘kmowing’ and ‘being’. Reality no longer divided into ‘self’ and ‘other’, is realised to be all One.

The definition of Yoga from Patanjali’s yoga sutras comprises just four words:

“Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha”

These four words convey the central doctrine of yoga. Following is an interpretation of the meaning of these four words:

“Yoga is the annihilation of the modifications of the mind. Yoga is the neutralization of the alternating waves in consciousness.”