Yoga is a practice that unites the mind, body, and spirit, promoting inner peace through disciplined control of the mind. The term 'yoga' stems from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which translates to 'join' or 'unite'. This practice comprises eight primary aspects; ethical disciplines (yama), self-purification (niyama), postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), withdrawal of senses (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and blissful union with the divine (samadhi). Each element, practiced in harmony, aids in controlling thoughts and desires, settling the mind's turbulence.

Ethical disciplines involve practices such as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-covetousness. Meanwhile, self-purification encourages cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power. Body postures strengthen and increase the body's flexibility, establishing health and wellness. Breath control is achieved through conscious regulation of inhalation, retention, and exhalation.

Withdrawal of senses encourages mastery over external distractions, promoting undisturbed focus on an individual thought or object - this is concentration. This practice transcends into meditation - a sustained flow of concentration without interruption. Finally, the ultimate stage is a blissful union with the divine or the state of samadhi.

Following regular yoga rituals leads to a balanced mind and body, culminating in health, stability, and tranquility. Essentially, yoga is a spiritual journey, a quest within oneself to discover true inner self. The ultimate goal is to reach a state where individual consciousness merges into the universal consciousness, in other words, achieving the state of samadhi.