In Jainism, yoga is approached as a path of inner discipline and spiritual purification rather than just physical postures. Jains practice yoga mainly through meditation, self-control, and ethical living to calm the mind and rid the self of karma.

Key points on how Jains do “yoga”:

• Kayotsarga (body-sitting or standing meditation): A traditional Jain practice of turning the mind inward, letting go of body concerns, and focusing on the soul. It helps detach from bodily sensations and mental fluctuations.

• Samayika (daily period of meditation): A fixed, disciplined practice lasting about 24 minutes (often daily), during which one contemplates the six universal truths and prays for self-purity, detachment from karma, and non-violence.

• Pratikraman (confession and reflection): Recalling misdeeds and seeking forgiveness from all beings. This is a cleansing practice that reduces karmic bondage and quiets the mind.

• Bhavnas (meditative inner perfections): Reflective meditation on Jain ideals—non-violence, truth, purity, and restraint. This cultivates right knowledge and right conduct.

• Aspects of ethical life that support yoga: Following ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness) reduces mental restlessness and karmic load, aiding inner concentration.

• Tradition-specific notes: Jain yoga emphasizes mental discipline, self-discipline, and detachment rather than the bodily asanas often associated with yoga in other traditions. The practice aims at purifying the soul (jiva) and attaining kevala jnana (omniscience) or liberation.

If you’d like, I can share short, authentic Jain texts or verses that describe these practices and their meanings, in simple terms.