Yoga was developed as a spiritual practice thousands of years ago. Today, most Westerners who do yoga do it for exercise or to reduce stress.
Although you don’t need to formally meditate in order to practice yoga — nor is the practice of yoga mandatory in order to meditate — the two practices support each another. Through your practice of yoga, you’ve enhanced both your abilities to concentrate and to relax — the two most important requirements for a meditation practice.
Meditation or “dhyana” is also a part of yoga. Like the physical practice of yoga, dhyana also forms a profound connection with the universe by doing mental exercises to bring you to a higher state of consciousness.
The meditative practice helps to stabilize your body post-exercise and provide mental clarity, as well as physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.