The Word 'Yoga'

Yoga means “to join” "to connect".

In the Yoga literature we find references to the concept of joining Atman with Paratman.

The meaning of Atman and Paratman

Paratman is the ultimate source of energy or "Prana", the controller of the Universe. Different life philosophies use different words for this concept. In the Chinese philosophy this concept is refereed to as "Chi" or "Qi". Philosophies with a more religious point of view refer to "God" or "the Divine". As for the traditional Indian and Yoga philosophy they use the word Prana.

Atman is I, is me. This is my body, this is my mind, but I is different from the body and the mind and this is my Atman. Atman is my spiritual existence; if Atman leaves the body the body dies. Atman is my soul, my existence.

We have a number of tools available in order to obtain the ultimate goal of Yoga. In order to reach this state the body needs to be perfectly healthy, the mind totally purified (not contaminated with thoughts) and our intellect must be properly trained.
For most people the condition of the body, mind and intellect is not in this state. Practicing Yoga purifies the body, helps us clear the mind and develop the intellect.

Yoga is a science of personality development. It develops the physical condition, supports mental control, helps to balance the emotions and adds to intellectual development.