Yoga is an ancient science encompassing traditional physical and mental disciplines originating from India. Yoga is part metaphysics and part philosophy, with a solid physical base. Yoga is about seeking universal truth through simple practices, physical rituals, and techniques that tie into its fundamental theme of yoking (connecting) the body with the infinite spirit of the universe. It is mostly all about improving our external behavior as human organisms under different circumstances. It talks about the overall growth of humans, not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.

The word yoga is from the Sanskrit root yuj means to yoke or unite. As one of the six systems constituting Indian philosophies, yoga is closely related to Sankhya and Vedantic philosophy and is the practical manifestation of these philosophies. Yoga is mentioned in several Upanishads, the philosophical and historical texts that form the basis of Hinduism. The raja yoga tersely described by Patanjali Maha Rishi as having eight limbs is considered psychological yoga. Yoga philosophy insists that the aspirant cast off ignorance (Avidya) and become aware of the true divine self. The goal is to become free from imperfections and unite a person with the supreme universal self.