What is the ultimate goal of practicing yoga according to traditional beliefs?

The ultimate goal of practicing yoga according to traditional beliefs is spiritual enlightenment. This encompasses the broader purpose of yoga, which is to achieve a state of unity and oneness with the self and the universe. Yoga is often viewed as a pathway to self-realization and awakening to one's true nature, transcending the physical realm to reach higher states of consciousness.

While physical fitness, social acceptance, and stress relief can be beneficial outcomes of yoga practice, they are not its ultimate aim. Instead, these are often seen as secondary benefits. The primary focus of traditional yoga is on deepening one’s awareness and understanding of the self, aimed at liberation from the cycles of suffering and the illusion of separateness, leading practitioners towards a journey of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.