Classical yoga

Yoga is considered as a philosophical school in Hinduism.[39] Yoga, in this context, is one of the
six stika schools of Hinduism (those which accept the Vedas as source of knowledge).[40][41]
Due to the influence of Vivekananda, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are nowadays considered as
the foundational scripture of classical yoga, a status which it only acquired in the 20th century.[38]
Before the twentieth century, other works were considered as the most central works, such as the
Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Vasistha,[38] while Tantric Yoga and Hatha Yoga prevailed over
Ashtanga Yoga.[38]
Ashtanga yoga
Main articles: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Rja yoga

Swami Vivekananda equated raja yoga with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. [42]

Yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali refers to Ashtanga yoga.[38] The Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali is considered as a central text of the Yoga school of Hindu philosophy,[43] It is often
called "Rja yoga", "yoga of the kings," a term which originally referred to the ultimate, royal
goal of yoga, which is usually samadhi,[37] but was popularised by Vivekananda as the common
name for Ashtanga Yoga.[38]
Ashtanga yoga incorporates epistemology, metaphysics, ethical practices, systematic exercises
and self-development techniques for body, mind and spirit.[44] Its epistemology (pramanas) is
same as the Samkhya school. Both accept three reliable means to knowledge perception
(pratyka, direct sensory observations), inference (anumna) and testimony of trustworthy
experts (sabda, agama). Both these orthodox schools are also strongly dualistic. Unlike the
Skhya school of Hinduism, which pursues a non-theistic/atheistic rationalist approach,[45][46]
the Yoga school of Hinduism accepts the concept of a "personal, yet essentially inactive, deity"
or "personal god".[47][48] Along with its epistemology and metaphysical foundations, the Yoga

school of Hindu philosophy incorporates ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas) and an
introspective way of life focused on perfecting one's self physically, mentally and spiritually,
with the ultimate goal being kaivalya (liberated, unified, content state of existence)