Yoga

Yoga (Sanskrit, “union”), forms of spiritual discipline practiced in Buddhism and Hinduism. Through these disciplines the yogi (one who follows yoga) strives to free the mind from attachment to the senses and to achieve samadhi—or union with Brahma, the deity—and fusion into oneness. In Hindu tradition there are three varieties of yoga: karma yoga, salvation through action; jnana yoga, salvation through knowledge; and bhakti yoga, salvation through devotion. In each the student passes through 8 levels of attainment, supervised by a guru, or teacher. The practice of hatha yoga, based on physical postures and control, has become increasingly popular in the West.

See also: Hinduism.