A Yogi (masculine) or Yogini (feminine) refers to a practitioner dedicated to the path of yoga. While in contemporary Western culture the term often describes someone who regularly practices yoga postures (asanas) traditionally it denotes an individual committed to the comprehensive yogic lifestyle and spiritual discipline. True yogis integrate all aspects of yoga including ethical principles (yamas and niyamas) physical practices (asanas) breathing techniques (pranayama) sense withdrawal (pratyahara) concentration (dharana) meditation (dhyana) and the pursuit of higher consciousness (samadhi). Historical yogis like Patanjali Matsyendranath Gorakshanath and in more recent times figures like Paramahansa Yogananda and B.K.S. Iyengar have shaped and preserved yogic traditions. The path of a yogi involves discipline dedication and discernment cultivating qualities like compassion equanimity non-attachment and present-moment awareness. In essence being a yogi represents a lifelong journey of self-transformation and spiritual growth rather than merely achieving physical prowess or flexibility.
