Raising the life force, or “Kundalini,” at the base of the spine is central to the true meaning of yoga. It seeks to accomplish this through a series of physical and mental exercises. On a physical level, the techniques involve different yoga positions, or “asanas,” which are meant to keep the body in good shape. Pranayama, controlled breathing, dhyana, or focused meditation, are examples of cognitive techniques.

However, the ultimate goal of yoga is to assist the person in transcending the Self and achieving enlightenment. According to the Bhagavad-Gita, one is said to have attained yoga, or union with the Self, “when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”

Yoga supports the healthy growth of the three facets of the human being—physical, mental, and spiritual. Other types of physical activity, such as aerobics, only guarantee physical well-being. They are largely unrelated to the growth of the astral or spiritual body.