A sage, Patanjali, put forward yoga as a system of philosophy. The common form of Yoga is also referred to as the Ashtang Yoga, which comprises of eight basic features namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratayahara, Dharna, Dhayan and Samadhi. Each feature has its own importance.
The word yoga is defined as a method of uniting individual soul with the Supreme Soul. Patanjali Yoga is part of one the Four Yogas described by Swami Vivekananda. These are Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga.
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The word yoga means union. As the previous answer stated, this refers to uniting the apparent individual ego with the one supreme universal consciousness.
However, in common use in the West, "yoga" means only a collection of stretching exercises (hatha yoga), sometimes extended with breathing exercises (pranayama).
Research has been conducted (mostly in India) on hatha yoga and on pranayama, indicating that these exercises can be helpful in addressing certain disorders and in improving mobility or other aspects of life. However, little or no research has been conducted on the effectiveness of various approaches to self-realization, the specific goal of Patanjali's philosophy of yoga.
In my opinion as a trained meditation teacher, the most efficient teachings to achieve self-realization are (1) direct-path nonduality and (2) transcending through silent mantra meditation.
It is possible to achieve self-realization spontaneously, particularly following a traumatic experience, but this is not a reliable method. Instruction is highly recommended if one wishes to transform life in order to eliminate egoic and psychological problems and return home to full awareness, peace, happiness, and fulfillment.
a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation.
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