The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga's History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices

This is repeatedly taught in the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad (e.g., in 4.2.4): “About this self, one can only say, ‘Not this, not this.’ It is ungraspable, for it cannot be grasped.” This maxim, based on the Sanskrit neti neti, is a “rule of substitution,” negating any words that might follow. Brahman is therefore “not this” and “not that,” eliminati

By refining awareness of inner experience, yoga is both a method and its outcome, as described in the commentary accompanying Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (3.6): Yoga is to be known by yoga, and yoga itself leads to yoga. He who remains steadfast in yoga always delights in it.

Self-mortification reduces attachment to the body. When pushed to explain this, yogis use the language of devotion.

May we together be protected, may we together be nourished. May we work together with vigor, may our study be illuminating. May we be free from discord. Om. Peace, peace, peace. —Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1), translated by Zoë Slatoff

What works for one person affects others differently. This is part of the reason there are so many methods.