0What is yoga, its aim and etymology?
The Sanskrit word “Yoga” is derived from the verbal root “Yuj”. Yoga, when commonly translated means union. In many yogic traditions, this union refers to the union of Jeevatma (individual self) with the Paramatma (the universal self).
According to Panini, the great Sanskrit grammarian of 6th century BC, the verbal root Yuj has three connotations:
(i) Yuji yog (Yuj connotes union or yoking)
(ii) Yuja Samadhi (Yuj connotes concentration)
(iii) Yuja Samyamane (Yuj implies control).
In the context of the Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali, the word yoga has been used in the sense of concentration in consonance with the Connotation Yuja Samadhi. Vyasa, the authentic commentator of Yoga Sutra, considers yoga as
Samadhi (focus). Yoga is the discipline (sadhana) or a continuous effort to attain that supreme state of realisation through intense concentration. According to some exponents of yoga, the purpose of Yoga is to achieve spiritual perfection through the control of the body, senses and mind.
