Page:History of India Vol 1.djvu/314

258 though he was a native of Gonarda, a place in the eastern part of India. His system is contained in his Yoga Sutra. In the first chapter of this work yoga is derived from yuj, "to join" or "to meditate," and this meditation is possible only by the suppression of the functions of the mind by constant exercise and



by dispassion, thus leading to Yoga, conscious or unconconscious.

The attainment of this coveted state of mind is hastened by devotion to Isvara, or God, who is regarded as a soul untouched by affliction, works, deserts, and desires.

Disease, doubt, and worldly-mindedness are obstacles to the attainment of Yoga, but may be overcome