Publisher's Synopsis
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit term "Yuj" which means to join, unite or bind. The basic meaning of the word yoga is union or merger. The merger of the soul with God and the experience of oneness with him are what is achieved by yoga. Patanjali, the father of yoga philosophy, defines yoga as, "the control of thought waves in the mind." The mind i.e., the Chitta, is made up of three components, viz., Manas, Buddhi, and Ahamkara. The Manas (mind) is the modification of the impressions gathered by the senses from the external world. The Buddhi (intellect) is the modification of these impressions and reactions to them. The Ahamkara (ego) is the modification of the inner organ, which claims these impressions on its own and stores them up as individual knowledge. Hence, in the words of Patanjali, "yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the Chitta." Patanjali's second sutra has only four words. They are "Yogaha Citta Vritti Nirodhaha."
