A Yogi Practises Yoga in Its Full Sense
A yogi is a practitioner of yoga. The word names a discipline far broader than exercise.
A yogi is a practitioner of yoga, particularly one devoted to its meditative and philosophical discipline. In classical Indian tradition the term implies a level of commitment quite unlike attending a weekly class: Patanjali's system sets out eight limbs, of which physical posture is only the third, alongside ethical restraints, breath control, withdrawal of the senses, concentration, meditation and absorption. The feminine form is *yogini*, and the Bear of American cartoons borrowed the word as a pun on a baseball player's name.
- A yoga practitioner. *An experienced yogi.*
- Yogini — the feminine. *A yogini.*
- Asana — posture, the third limb. *An asana.*
- Yoga — the practice. *Yoga.*
- Sanskrit — *yogin*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | yogi | A yogi. |
| Plural | yogis | Yogis. |
| Feminine | yogini | A yogini. |
| Related | yoga | Yoga. |
| Sanskrit | yogin | A yogi. |
- The yogi sat in silence.Practice.
- Yogini is the feminine form.Grammar.
- Posture is the third limb.System.
The eight limbs of classical yoga
- Yama and niyama — ethical restraints and observances
- Asana — posture
- Pranayama — breath control
- Pratyahara and dharana — sense withdrawal and concentration
- Dhyana and samadhi — meditation and absorption
Sanskrit *yogin*, one who practises yoga, from *yoga*, union.
What does a yogi actually practise?
In the classical system, eight limbs including ethics, breath control and meditation. Physical posture is only the third.
What is a yogini?
The feminine form of yogi, a woman devoted to the practice.