ˈyōgə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Sanskrit, literally, yoking, union, disciplined activity, from yunakti he yokes — more at yoke
1. : union of the individual self with the universal spirit (as in samadhi)
2. usually capitalized : a major orthodox system of Hindu philosophy based on Sankhya but differing from it in being theistic and characterized by the teaching of raja-yoga as a practical method of liberating the self
3.
a. : the suppression through progressive discipline (as raja-yoga) of all activity of body, mind, and individual will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation from all pain and suffering
b. : a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being
4. : a discipline by which the individual prepares himself for liberation of the self and union with the universal spirit — see raja-yoga