According to Patanjali, the purpose of practicing Yoga is to achieve a state of self-realization and inner peace. He believed that through the practice of Yoga, one can attain a state of union with the divine and ultimately reach a state of enlightenment.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which are considered the foundational text of Yoga, outline the eight limbs of Yoga that one must follow in order to achieve this state of union. These eight limbs include moral and ethical principles, physical postures, breath control, concentration, meditation, and ultimately, Samadhi – the state of complete absorption and oneness with the divine.

The first limb, Yamas, focuses on moral and ethical principles such as non-violence, truthfulness, and non-attachment. These principles help individuals to cultivate a sense of inner harmony and peace, which is essential for the practice of Yoga.

The second limb, Niyamas, emphasizes self-discipline and self-purification. This includes practices such as cleanliness, contentment, and self-study, which help individuals to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the world.

The third limb, Asanas, refers to the physical postures practiced in Yoga. These postures are designed to strengthen and purify the body, making it a suitable vessel for spiritual growth.

The fourth limb, Pranayama, focuses on breath control and harnessing the life force energy within us. Through the practice of Pranayama, one can learn to control their breath and calm their mind, leading to a deeper state of relaxation and inner peace.

The fifth limb, Pratyahara, involves withdrawing the senses from external distractions and turning inward. This allows individuals to focus their attention on their inner experiences and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness.

The sixth limb, Dharana, is the practice of concentration. By focusing the mind on a single object or thought, one can train their mind to become still and calm, leading to a state of mental clarity and focus.

The seventh limb, Dhyana, refers to meditation – the practice of quieting the mind and achieving a state of inner stillness. Through regular meditation, one can develop a deeper connection with their inner self and the divine.

The final limb, Samadhi, is the ultimate goal of Yoga – a state of complete absorption and oneness with the divine. In this state, the individual experiences a sense of transcendence and bliss, free from all suffering and limitations.

In summary, the purpose of practicing Yoga according to Patanjali is to achieve a state of self-realization and inner peace through the eight limbs of Yoga. By following these principles and practices, one can cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the world, leading to a state of union with the divine. So, let us all embrace the teachings of Patanjali and embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner transformation through the practice of Yoga.