The term "yogi" generally refers to a practitioner of Yoga, a spiritual discipline originating in India.[1] This can include individuals engaged in meditation, as well as those following specific traditions like the Nathsiddha tradition within Hinduism.[1] The feminine form of the word is "yogini."[1] While "yogi" technically denotes a male practitioner and "yogini" a female one, "yogi" is often used generically to refer to both male and female practitioners of yoga and related meditative practices across various religions or spiritual methods.[1]

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The earliest evidence of yogis and their spiritual tradition is found in the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu scripture, specifically in the Keśin hymn 10.136.[1] The Rigveda describes these early yogis, referred to as Keśin, as individuals who have mastered and transformed contrasting forces, embodying accomplished spirituality.[1] They are depicted as sages (muni) who spend long periods in absorption, musing, and meditating, often wearing yellow rags or going naked, clad only in the dust of the Indian soil.[1] The term "yogin" also appears in later texts like the Katyayana Shrauta-sutra and the Maitri Upanishad, where it signifies a follower of the Yoga system or a contemplative saint.[1]

In Hinduism, the term "yogi" specifically refers to an adherent of yoga.[1] Some yogis belong to the Natha tradition, primarily within the Shaiva tradition, though some are Vaishnava.[1] These Natha yogis often worship a Nirguna (formless and semi-monistic) deity, influenced by Advaita Vedanta, Madhyamaka Buddhism, and Tantric practices.[1] The Yoga-Bhashya, an ancient commentary on the Yoga-Sutra, classifies yogis into four categories: Prathama-kalpika (beginner), Madhu-bhumika (one who enjoys spiritual pursuits effortlessly), Prajna-jyoti (advanced practitioner), and Atikranta-bhavaniya (those who have achieved siddhas and are on their path to ultimate insights).[1]

A yogi or yogini typically aspires to Brahmacharya, which can mean celibacy if single or fidelity to one's partner.[1] Hindu texts present two views on sexuality for yogis: one emphasizes restraint and asexuality to redirect energies towards spiritual paths, while the other, particularly in Tantra, views sexuality as a means to experience "one realized god-consciousness."[1]

Yogis and yoginis adhere to ethical precepts known as Yamas and Niyamas, which include principles such as non-violence (Ahiṃsā), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), kindness (Dayā), non-hypocrisy (Ārjava), forgiveness (Kṣamā), fortitude (Dhṛti), moderation in diet (Mitāhāra), purity (Śauca), austerity (Tapas), contentment (Santoṣa), and generosity (Dāna).[1]

Historically, Nath Siddha yogis have been both respected and persecuted in India.[1] Archeological evidence suggests they were recognized and received land grants in some regions.[1] However, they were also sometimes viewed pejoratively by orthodox Hindus, associated with black magic and sorcery.[1] During the Mughal Empire, Nath Yogis faced persecution, with some being beheaded by rulers like Aurangzeb.[1] In response to persecution, some religious groups in Hinduism, including Nath yogis, militarized and took up arms to resist.[1] These warrior ascetics were institutionalized by Gorakhnath and played a role in resisting both Mughal and British colonial armies.[1] Nath yogis also contributed to the establishment of Shiva Hindu temples and monasteries.[1]

It is important to distinguish the spiritual practitioner "yogi" from other uses of the term. For instance, "Yogi" is also the widely recognized nickname of Lawrence Peter Berra (1925–2015), an American professional baseball catcher, manager, and coach.[4] Berra was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series championships as a player for the New York Yankees, more than any other player in MLB history.[4] He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.[4] Berra was famous for his unique, often paradoxical statements known as "Yogi-isms," such as "It ain't over 'til it's over" and "It's déjà vu all over again."[4] His nickname "Yogi" was given to him by a friend who thought he resembled a yogi from India after seeing a newsreel.[6]

Furthermore, "Yogi" is also part of the name of Yogi Bear, a fictional cartoon character created by Hanna-Barbera, who first appeared in 1958.[4] The name similarity led to consideration of a lawsuit by Yogi Berra, but Hanna-Barbera claimed it was coincidental.[4]

There are also commercial entities that use "Yogi" in their branding, such as Yogi Tea, a company that produces various herbal teas, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being and sustainability informed by Ayurveda.[2][9] Another example is Yogi, a consumer insights platform that uses AI to analyze shopper ratings, reviews, and customer care interactions to provide businesses with actionable intelligence.[3]