Question

Which of the following correctly identifies a classical feature of Patanjali’s Yoga system?

• A. It promotes devotion to a deity as the sole path to liberation.
• B. It focuses only on physical postures and avoids philosophical inquiry.
• C. It is known as Aṣṭanga Yoga and emphasizes an eight-limbed path aligned with the Sankhya philosophy.
• D. It rejects the idea of moksha (liberation) as a goal of practice.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It is known as Aṣṭanga Yoga and emphasizes an eight-limbed path aligned with the Sankhya philosophy.

Yoga Philosophy The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to unite,” symbolizing the union of individual consciousness with the Supreme Consciousness. Yoga offers a structured path for achieving this connection, and various traditions have developed within it—such as Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), Karma Yoga (action), and Kuṇḍalini Yoga (energy awakening). Among the six classical schools of Vedic philosophy, the Yoga system is most closely associated with Patanjali, who codified it in the Yoga Sutras. This system is also known as Aṣṭanga Yoga—the “eight-limbed path”—and is philosophically aligned with the Sankhya school. According to the Yoga tradition, liberation (moksha) can be attained through disciplined meditation and physical practice. A key focus of the system is mastery over the senses, desires, and bodily functions. Asanas (yogic postures) and praṇayama (breathing techniques) are essential practices in this path. These techniques are designed to withdraw the mind from external distractions, cultivate inner focus, and lead to deep meditative absorption. Through this inward journey, the practitioner gradually detaches from the material world and approaches spiritual liberation.