Sage Patanjali is an ancient Indian sage traditionally credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on the philosophy and practice of yoga. He is believed to have lived around the 2nd century BCE, although exact dates are uncertain. His work systematically outlines the principles of yoga, emphasizing the importance of mental discipline, ethical conduct, and meditation. The Yoga Sutras consist of 196 aphorisms that guide practitioners in achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. Patanjali's teachings have significantly influenced various schools of thought in Hinduism and have contributed to the global understanding of yoga as a holistic practice for physical and mental well-being.