Shankara accepts the utility of Yoga, both for its physical exercises, and for the training of the mind. Apart from asana or postures and breathing or pranayama, the self-restraining disciplines of yama and niyama, and the mind-control steps—pratyahara or withdrawing the mind from the senses, dharana or steadying the mind, dhyana or focussed contemplation, and samadhi or deep meditation—have his approval.
