Is yoga a fundamentally ascetic path?
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Yoga is not necessarily a fundamentally ascetic path, although ascetic practices can be a part of certain branches of yoga. The goal of yoga is to cultivate self-awareness, inner peace, and connection to the higher self. While some yogic traditions may include practices that involve renunciation or austerity, such as in the path of Jnana Yoga or Karma Yoga, other paths like Hatha Yoga or Bhakti Yoga focus more on physical postures, breathwork, and devotion. Ultimately, the essence of yoga lies in finding balance and harmony within oneself, which can be achieved through a variety of practices that suit each individual's unique journey.