What is Yoga?

The present Treatise contains the theory and practice of the Yoga, one of the six systems of doctrine held by the Hindus. The Yoga treats of various processes, by which many can even acquire the power of abstaining from eating and breathing for a longtime, and of becoming insensible to external environments.

The Hindu mystics (or yogis) who practice yoga, retire into subterranean retreats (such as in caves), they abstain from common salt and meat, and are fond of milk, on which they chiefly live. They keeping retired in the day and they are slow in their motions, and torpid in their manners; they eat and walk during the night.