Yogis

A yogi is a practitioner of yoga, a person who pursues physical, mental, and spiritual discipline through yogic practices. The term derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or unite; a yogi is traditionally one who seeks union with the divine or the true self.

In Indian religious and philosophical traditions, yogis are sages and ascetics who often renounce ordinary life to train the body and mind. Core ideas appear in the Upanishads and in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which describe the eightfold path (ashtanga yoga) and the goal of liberation (kaivalya). The word can denote both renunciants and householders who pursue yoga.

Practices vary by lineage but commonly include ethical disciplines (yamas and niyamas), postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and contemplation or devotion. Some traditions emphasize meditation and self-inquiry; others focus on physical fitness and health as a gateway to deeper practice.

The term also appears across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. In Hinduism, yogis may belong to monastic orders or be wanderers; in Buddhism, similar practitioners are sometimes described as yogins. In modern usage, “yogi” often denotes a yoga practitioner, regardless of religious affiliation, and may be used interchangeably with “yoga practitioner” or “teacher.”

In popular culture, the word may imply a casual fitness enthusiast, though traditional yogis emphasize disciplined inner cultivation. Notable historic lineages include those associated with Hatha and Raja yoga, as well as bhakti and jnana paths.