The Patanjala Yoga philosophy, which is one of the six systems constituting Vedic philosophy, is also known as Ashtanga Yoga (the yoga of eight parts or limbs) and is closely related to Sankhya and Vedantic philosophy. Ashtanga Yoga is the practical manifestation of both these philosophies. This practical system attempts to understand the nature of the elusive element we know as 'mind'-its different states of being, impediments to growth, afflictions and the methods of harnessing it for the achievement of absolute self-realization.

        The last stage or niruddha is that rare state of being, where the mind is totally undisturbed and purified by the flow of positive energy. Niruddha is the ultimate desires mental stage in yogic practices. It is at this pristine state alone that we are able to realize the true nature of our souls. These last two states of mind are positive and conducive to meditation which is why the yoga system aims at maintaining and developing it as consistently as possible through various yogic meditation practices. Various yogic practices such as certain yogasnas, pranayama, dhyana, dharan, and samadhi are designed for achieving the niruddha state of mind.