Patanjali (500 B.C.), who is considered the father of Modern Yoga, compiled 196 aphorisms called the Yoga Sutra.
The practice of Yoga does not only focus on physical postures to improve the body, but deals with all aspects of human existence
Patanjali described the eight aspects of a Yogic Lifestyle and called it the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Eight Limbs of Yoga. These limbs, or stages, constitute a practical guide to personal development that helps the individual achieve harmony of the mind, body and Spirit, and finally leads to enlightenment (Samadhi).
In Yoga we use our body, which is the known and refined instruction to begin the journey, to penetrate the layers of our being.