For Jain Yoga see:
- Yogasana
The meaning of this Sanskrit term is ‘Yoking’ or ‘Union’ or 'coming together'.It is one of the six orthodox systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy. Its influence has been widespread among many other schools of Indian thought. Its basic text is the Yoga-Sutras by Patanjali (c. 2nd century BC?).
The practical aspects of Yoga, mainly the Asanas are seen as more important than its intellectual content, which is largely based on the philosophy of Samkhya. Unlike Samkhya, Yoga assumes the existence of God. To reach God and salvation from the ocean of Samsara is the aim for the aspirant to spiritual release from the illusion of our identity with our body and psyche. Yoga holds with Samkhya that the achievement of spiritual liberation occurs when the self (Purusha) is freed from the bondages of matter (Prakriti). When the Sadhaka succeeded in controlling his mental activities and in ending his attachment to material objects, he will be able to enter Samadhi.