The Yoga system of Patanjali is known as the Eightfold Path.
1. Yama (moral conduct), and
2. Niyama (religious observances). Yama is fulfilled by noninjury to others, truthfulness, nonstealing, continence, and non-covetousness. The niyama prescripts are purity of body and mind, contentment in all circumstances, self-discipline, self-study (contemplation), and devotion to God and guru.
3. Asana (right posture); the spinal column must be held straight, and the body firm in a comfortable position for meditation;
4. Pranayama (control of prana, subtle life currents); and
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from external objects).
The last steps are forms of yoga proper:
6. Dharana (concentration), holding the mind to one thought;
7. Dhyana (meditation); and
8. Samadhi (superconscious experience).
This Eightfold Path of Yoga leads to the final goal of Kaivalya (Absoluteness), in which the yogi realizes the Truth beyond all intellectual apprehension. (AoY)
Adi Shankara who wrote a commentary on Yoga Sutras
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