What is a Yogi?
A **Yogi** (or Yogini for a female practitioner) is an individual dedicated to the practice of **Yoga**. The term "Yoga" itself comes from the Sanskrit root *yuj*, meaning to **"yoke"** or **"unite."** The Yogi seeks union with the Supreme Self (Brahman).
The Four Classical Paths (Mārgas)
To achieve this union, Sanātana Dharma outlines four primary paths of Yoga:
- **Rāja Yoga:** The path of mental discipline and meditation, codified by Patanjali.
- **Bhakti Yoga:** The path of intense devotion and surrender to God (Ishvara).
- **Karma Yoga:** The path of selfless action, performing duty without attachment to the results.
- **Jñāna Yoga:** The path of knowledge, using intellect to discriminate between the real (Ātman) and the unreal (Maya).
Qualities of a True Yogi
The **Bhagavad Gītā** describes a yogi as one who:
- Is free from ego and attachment
- Sees all beings as equal
- Remains calm in success and failure
- Is devoted to spiritual practice
- Experiences joy in inner stillness
Scriptural References
Key scriptures describing yogic ideals in Sanātana Dharma include: