Yoga
Term
Dictionary

AGAMI KARMA
AGAMI KARMA is the principle of action and reaction in Hinduism. It means that every action has a reaction, good or bad, that must be faced eventually.
AGNI
AGNI is the Hindu god of fire. He is often depicted as a red man with flaming hair and a beard. He is a powerful god who can both create and destroy.
AHANKARA
AHANKARA is the Sanskrit word for “I-ness” or “ego”. It refers to the sense of individual selfhood and identity. AHANKARA is one of the three main mental factors (along with CITTA and VEDANA) that make up the stream of consciousness.
AHIMSA
AHIMSA is a Sanskrit word that means “non-violence.” The principle of AHIMSA is one of the main tenants of the Hindu faith, and it is also popular in Jainism. The principle of AHIMSA encourages people to live without violence towards any living being.
ANGA
Anga is one of the eight limbs of yoga. It is the physical practice of yoga and includes asana (poses), pranayama (breath work), and bandha (energy locks).
ANJANEYASANA
Anjaneyasana is a pose named for the Hindu god Hanuman. It is a seated forward fold with the hands clasped behind the back.
ANUSARA YOGA
Anusara Yoga is a modern school of Hatha Yoga that emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of yoga. It was founded in 1997 by John Friend, who developed the philosophy and approach to yoga known as “The Universal Principles of Alignment.” Anusara Yoga classes typically begin and end with a guided relaxation session.
APARIGRAHA
The principle of non-possession or non-covetousness is known as aparigraha in Sanskrit. This precept urges us to be content with what we have and not to desire more than we need. Aparigraha is about living in moderation and not becoming attached to material things.
ASANAS
Asanas, also known as yoga postures, help to stretch and balance the body and mind.
ASHRAM
A space similar to a retreat or secluded place, where the typical stresses and demands of everyday life are left at the door and the mindfulness of yoga is practiced.
ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga Yoga is a form of yoga that comes from Pattabhi Jois, and it literally means “Eight Limbs Yoga.” Ashtanga yoga revolves around the idea that the way to Purification is through Eight spiritual practices according to Patanjali as found in his Yoga Sutras.
ASTHEYA
To not covet, having little or no desire to acquire things that belong to others.
BÁBÁ NÁM KEVALAM
A tantric chant for supreme devotion. An easy-to-use and fun way of meditating. Chant the word Bábá over and over with a melodious tune or simply in your head to get you in the mood for meditation.
BHAKTA
Bhakta is a Sanskrit word that means “devotee.” A bhakta is someone who has a deep, personal relationship with a deity or spiritual figure. Bhaktas often have a strong emotional connection to their chosen deity and perform rituals and ceremonies in honor of them.
BHAKTI YOGA
Bhakti yoga is the path of love and devotion. It is a way to connect with God or the divine. Bhakti yoga is often practiced through prayer, chanting, and meditation.
BHUJA
Bhuja is a Sanskrit word meaning “arm.” In yoga, Bhuja refers to the arm muscles and the actions they perform. The Bhujasana (or “arm-balance posture”) is a yoga pose that strengthens and tones the arm muscles.
BHUJANGASANA
Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose, is a yoga posture that strengthens the spine and opens the chest. It is named for the cobra, a snake that can flatten its neck to look intimidating. In this pose, you’ll do the same, elongating your spine to look like a cobra ready to strike.
BIKRAM YOGA
Bikram Yoga combines elements of hot yoga, breathing techniques and moving through 26 poses in small but increasing intervals. It can be useful for anyone who is looking to become more flexible or wants to go deeper into each pose as they relax over time. It’s also an excellent choice for athletes and those suffering from chronic pain because it helps them develop their strength and endurance.
BRAHMACHARYA
This deals with restraining oneself, practicing moderation, maintaining self-control and the ability to make one’s own choices. It also discussing striving towards becoming a better version of oneself by making positive changes through continued work or practice.
CHAKRA
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle” or “wheel.” It is used to describe the energy centers in the body. There are seven main chakras, located along the spine from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a particular color, element, and function.
CHAKRA (INTUITION) YOGA
Chakra yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on the seven chakras, or energy centers, in the body. Chakra yoga can help to open and balance the chakras, which can lead to improved health and well-being.
CHITTA
Chitta is the Sanskrit word for “mind” or “consciousness”. In Hindu philosophy, chitta is one of the five koshas, or layers of existence. Chitta is the layer of consciousness that contains all memories, thoughts, and feelings.
CORPSE YOGA POSE
Also called Savasana, corpse pose is a yoga position where you lay flat on your back with your legs and arms spread out. This pose is often used as a resting pose in between more active poses.
DHARANA
Dhāraṇā (Sanskrit: धारणा, IAST: dhāraṇā, pronounced [dʰɑːrənɑː]) is a Sanskrit word meaning “concentration” or “fixing the mind”. In the Yoga Sutras, it is the eighth of the eight limbs of classical Yoga.
DHYANA
DHYANA is a Sanskrit word meaning “meditation.” In yoga, dhyanam is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a single object or point of reference. This can be done either with or without concentration on the breath.
DRISHTI
DRISHTI is a Sanskrit word meaning “vision” or “view.” In the yoga tradition, drishti is a focal point for the mind during meditation or asana practice. It can be an object in the physical world, such as a candle flame, or an imaginary point in space.
GYAN MUDRA
Gyan Mudra is a hand gesture that is said to improve mental clarity and concentration. To do Gyan Mudra, touch the tips of your thumb and index finger together, and press the other fingers against your palm.
HAMSA KUMBHAKA
The Swan Breath, HAMSA KUMBHAKA is a type of pranayama where you hold your breath for an extended period of time. This practice is said to be beneficial for improving mental clarity and focus, as well as increasing energy levels.
HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on physical postures, or asanas, and breathing exercises, or pranayama. It is one of the most popular types of yoga in the West.
HIRANYAGARBHA
Hiranyagarbha is the creator of the universe in Hinduism. He is also known as the Golden Embryo or the Cosmic Egg.
INTEGRAL YOGA
Integral Yoga is a system of yoga that was developed by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. It is a comprehensive approach to yoga that includes asana, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy.
ISLAMYOGA
Islamyoga is a form of yoga that is based on the teachings of Islam. It combines traditional yoga poses with prayer and meditation.
IYENGAR YOGA
Iyengar Yoga is a type of yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment in the poses. It was created by B.K.S. Iyengar, who is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on yoga. Iyengar Yoga is a great choice for beginners, because the poses are usually held for longer periods of time and are more static than in other types of yoga.
JALANDHAR BANDH
The Jalandhar Bandh is a yoga pose that helps to open up the chest and improve breathing. It is a challenging pose that should be practiced under the guidance of a yoga instructor. The JALANDHAR BANDH is named after its founder JALANDHAR
JAPA
Japa is a practice of mantra repetition, usually done with a rosary (japa mala). The goal is to focus the mind and quiet the ego. Japa can be used to achieve many different goals, such as developing concentration, gaining spiritual insight, or simply calming the mind.
JNANA YOGA
Jnana yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. The goal is to see the true nature of reality and to achieve liberation.
KAPALABHATI
Kapalabhati is an ancient yoga technique that helps to cleanse and purify the lungs. It involves a series of quick, forceful exhalations followed by a passive inhalation. This technique is said to improve respiratory function, increase energy levels, and promote overall health.
KARMA YOGA
Karma yoga is the yoga of action. It is the practice of doing good deeds without any expectation of reward. Karma yoga is the path of selfless service. It is the perfect way to purify your mind and soul.
KARMADY
Karmady is a Sanskrit word that means “the path of action.” In yoga, this refers to the path of self-transformation through action. On this path, we learn to use our actions as vehicles for self-inquiry and growth.
KIRTAN
Kirtan is a form of devotional singing that originated in India. It is typically sung in a call-and-response style, with the leader singing a line and the congregation repeating it. Kirtan can be performed solo or as part of a group.
KRIPALU YOGA
Kripalu Yoga is a gentle, holistic form of yoga that emphasizes the importance of the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. It was developed by Amrit Desai in the 1970s.
KRIYA
Kriya is a yoga technique that involves a set of specific breathing exercises. It is said to help cleanse the body and mind, and to promote spiritual growth.
KRIYA YOGA
Kriya Yoga is a type of yoga that emphasizes on breath control and meditation. It is said to be one of the most powerful and effective forms of yoga.
KUNDALINI
Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning “coiled up.” It refers to a powerful spiritual energy that is said to reside at the base of the spine. When awakened, Kundalini is said to travel up the spine, activating each chakra along the way, until it reaches the crown chakra, resulting in an intense spiritual experience.
KUNDALINI YOGA
Kundalini Yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on awakening the kundalini energy that is said to be dormant at the base of the spine. This type of yoga incorporates mantra chanting, meditation, and breath work to help stimulate this energy and promote spiritual growth.
LAYA YOGA
Laya yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on the dissolution of the individual self into the divine. It is a deeply meditative practice that aims to create a sense of oneness with the universe.
LOTUS YOGA POSE
Lotus yoga pose is a seated posture that opens the hips and groin. It is named for the lotus flower, which has petals that open outward as the flower blooms.
MANTRA
Mantra is a Sanskrit word that means tool of thought. A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated to help focus the mind.
MARJARI ASANA
Cat posture, Marjari asana is a seated forward bend pose that stretches the hamstrings and spine. It is often used to relieve tension in the lower back.
MEDITATION
Meditation is a practice that can help you focus and calm your mind. It can be used to improve your mental and emotional well-being, and has been shown to have physical benefits as well. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works best for you and stick with it!
MUDITA
Mudita is a Buddhist term that means “sympathetic joy.” It refers to the feeling of happiness we experience when we see someone else being happy. Mudita is one of the four brahmaviharas, or “divine abodes,” which are feelings that we should cultivate in order to live a harmonious life.
MUDRA
Mudra is a Sanskrit word that means “gesture.” In yoga, mudras are used to help focus the mind and connect with the energy of the body. There are many different mudras, and each one has its own unique purpose.
NADI
Nadi is a Sanskrit word that means “stream” or “flow.” In yoga, nadi refers to the energy channels that run along the spine. These channels are said to be the pathways through which energy (or prana) flows. The practice of yoga is said to help cleanse and open these channels, allowing for greater flow of energy and improved health and well-being.
NAMASTE
Namaste is a word often used in yoga that means “I bow to you.” It’s a way of showing respect to your fellow yogis and acknowledging the peace and unity that exists within the practice.
NETI-NETI
NETI-NETI is a Sanskrit term that means “not this, not this.” It is often used in yoga to help practitioners focus on the present moment and let go of distractions.
NIYAMA
NIYAMA is one of the eight limbs of yoga. It is the second limb and is all about self-discipline. There are five niyamas: saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (self-restraint), svadhyaya (study of self), and isvarapranidhana (surrender to a higher power).
NOULI
Nouli is a breath technique that helps to cleanse the body and mind. It involves exhaling completely, then inhaling deeply and holding the breath for a few seconds before exhaling again. This process is repeated several times. Nouli is said to be cleansing because it helps to remove toxins from the body. It can also help to calm the mind and focus the attention.
OM
OM is the most sacred sound in yoga. It is said to be the sound of the universe. When you chant OM, you are connecting with all that is.
PADMA
PADMA is a Sanskrit word that means “lotus.” In yoga, PADMA refers to the lotus position, which is a seated posture with the legs crossed in such a way that the soles of the feet rest on the thighs.
PADMASANA
Padmasana is a seated yoga pose that is said to symbolize the lotus flower. In this pose, you sit with your legs crossed, and your hands resting in your lap with your palms up. This pose is said to be beneficial for digestion, focus, and relaxation.
PANCHA INDRIYAS
The five senses in yoga are known as the pancha indriyas. They are the sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Each of these senses can be used to explore and understand the world around us.
PANCHA KOSHAS
The five koshas, or layers of self, are the physical body, the energy body, the mental body, the emotional body, and the spiritual body. The koshas are like Russian nesting dolls; each layer is contained within the next. Working with the koshas can help us to understand and heal our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
PANCHAMAHABHUTA
Panchamahabhuta is a Sanskrit word that means “five great elements.” These are the five basic elements that make up everything in the physical world: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
POWER YOGA
Power yoga is a type of yoga that is more vigorous than traditional yoga. It is designed to increase strength and flexibility.
PRANA
Prana is the life force or energy that flows through the body. It is said to be the source of all healing and vitality. Prana is said to be located in the breath and can be consciously controlled to promote health and well-being.
PRANAYAMA
Pranayama is a technique in yoga that helps to control the breath. It is said to be one of the most important techniques for gaining mastery over the body and mind. By controlling the breath, we can control our thoughts and emotions, and achieve greater peace and stillness.
PRATYAHARA
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of yoga, and it’s all about withdrawing your senses from the external world. When you’re in pratyahara, you’re practicing sensory deprivation, which can help you focus your attention inward.
RABEEK
Friend in arabic but also RABEEK is a Sanskrit word that means “inner fire.” It refers to the heat and energy that courses through the body during yoga practice. This inner fire is said to purify and energize the body, mind, and spirit.
RAJASIC
Rajas is one of the three gunas, or qualities, that are said to govern all things in the universe. Rajas is associated with energy, passion, and activity. In yoga, rajasic practices are those that are stimulating and challenging. They can include dynamic asanas (poses), vigorous breathing exercises, and fast-paced meditation techniques.
SABDA
SABDA is Sanskrit for “sound.” In yoga, SABDA refers to the use of sound as a tool for meditation and self-realization. Mantras, or sacred sounds, are used to focus the mind and connect with the divine.
SADHAKA
Sadhaka is a Sanskrit word that means “one who accomplishes.” In yoga, a sadhaka is someone who is committed to the practice and is working to achieve the goals of yoga.
SAMANU
Samanu is a Sanskrit word that refers to a specific type of pranayama, or breath control technique. In samanu breath control, the practitioner inhales deeply and then holds their breath for a period of time before exhaling. This technique is said to be beneficial for improving mental focus and concentration.
SANYASIN
Sanyasin is a yogi who has renounced the world. They have given up all their possessions and live a life of simplicity and service.
SATHYA
Sathya is the truth or reality. In yoga, it is the ultimate goal to experience sathya. This can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately it means connecting with the divine within and without.
SATSANG
Satsang is a Sanskrit word that means “association with the truth.” In yoga, satsang refers to spending time with others who share the same values and goals, and who support your journey on the spiritual path. Satsang can be in person or online, and can take many forms, such as a discussion group, meditation circle, or workshop. The key ingredient is the quality of connection and shared intention.
SATTVIC
Sattvic is one of the three Gunas, or qualities, in yoga. The other two are Rajasic and Tamasic. Sattvic refers to that which is pure, peaceful, and harmonious. It is associated with qualities like love, compassion, and clarity. Things that are Sattvic are considered to be good for the mind and body.
SATTVIC DIET
The SATTVIC diet is a yogic diet that focuses on foods that are considered to be sattvic, or pure. These foods are thought to promote balance and harmony in the body and mind. The diet consists of mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Dairy products, meat, and processed foods are generally avoided.
SHADA-RIPU
Shada-ripu is a Sanskrit term that refers to the enemies of sleep. These enemies can be external factors such as noise or light, or internal factors such as anxiety or stress. Addressing and overcoming shada-ripu is essential for achieving deep, restful sleep.
SHANTI
Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means “peace.” In yoga, shanti is often used as a mantra to promote peace and calmness in the mind and body.
SIVANANDA YOGA
Sivananda Yoga is a type of Hatha Yoga that emphasizes the practice of asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation. It was developed by Swami Sivananda, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.
SROTAS
SROTAS is a Sanskrit word that means “upward moving current.” In yoga, SROTAS refers to the flow of energy that travels up the spine and through the chakras. This energy is said to promote health and well-being, and can be harnessed through yoga poses and meditation.
SUN SALUTATION
Sun Salutation is a yoga sequence that incorporates a series of poses that flow together. The sequence is designed to warm up the body, increase flexibility, and energize the mind and spirit.
SVAROOPA YOGA
Svara means “sound” and oopa means “to bind or fasten.” Svara-oopa yoga is the yoga of sound. It is the practice of using sound to control the mind and emotions.
SWASHTHA
The Sanskrit word “swastha” means “healthy” or “to be in good health.” In yoga, “swastha” is considered to be the ideal state of being, both physically and mentally. To achieve swastha, one must maintain a healthy balance of the body, mind, and spirit.
TANTRA YOGA
Tantra yoga is a form of yoga that uses spiritual and physical techniques to increase the practitioner’s awareness and connection to the divine. It is a more advanced form of yoga that can be quite challenging, but also very rewarding.
TASMASIC
Tamasic yoga is a type of yoga that is based on the principle of darkness. This type of yoga is said to be slow and heavy, and it is said to be best for people who are looking to relax and de-stress.
THAI YOGA VINYASA
Thai Yoga Vinyasa is a type of yoga that incorporates elements of Thai massage. It is a very physical style of yoga that emphasizes fluid movement and breath work.
TRATAKA
Trataka is a form of concentration and meditation that involves staring at a fixed object for an extended period of time. This practice is said to improve concentration and clarity of mind.
UJJAYI
Ujjayi breath is a type of pranayama, or breath control, that is used to bring calm and focus to the mind. To do Ujjayi breath, you inhale and exhale through your nose, making a sound like “haaaaa” on the exhale. This helps to regulate the breath and create heat in the body.
VAJROLI
Vajroli is a hatha yoga technique that is used to control ejaculation. It involves contracting the muscles around the urethra to prevent semen from escaping.
VAJROLI MUDRA
The Vajroli Mudra is a yoga pose that helps to control the flow of energy in the body. It is said to be helpful in controlling sexual desire and improving sexual performance.
VINIYOGA
Viniyoga is a form of yoga that is specifically tailored to the individual. It takes into account the person’s body type, strengths, and weaknesses in order to create a practice that is most beneficial for them.
VINYASA
Vinyasa is a sequence of poses that are linked together with breath. The name comes from the Sanskrit word “vinyasa” which means “to place in a special way.” In vinyasa yoga, each movement is coordinated with the inhalation or exhalation of breath.
YAMA
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text for yoga, mention five yamas or ethical principles: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy/sexual restraint), and aparigraha (non-covetousness).
YOGA-SHASTRA
Yoga-shastra is the ancient science of yoga. It is the philosophy and practice of yoga that has been passed down for thousands of years.
YOGI
The Sanskrit word “yogi” refers to a practitioner of yoga. In the Hindu tradition, yoga is seen as a means to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.