Yoga Terminology
Symbol for Om
Yoga Terminology
Asana (AH-sah-nah)- physical postures of yoga
Bandhas (Baun-dah)- series of energy gates in the subtle energy body that regulate the flow of psychosomatic energy, the word bandha means lock, or constriction
Chakra (Chah-KRAH)- wheel or disk, the energy body has seven major chakras
Dhyana (DEE-YAH-nah)- “meditation”- devotional exercise of contemplation. Meditari is the Latin word for meditation which means “to think about or consider”. Postures of hatha yoga were originally created to prepare the body for meditation.
Drishti (DRISH-tee)- gaze, or point of focus.
Hatha (HAH-tah)- Ha (sun) and tha (moon): union of opposite, Sun = heat, masculinity, and effort, Moon = coolness, feminity, and surrender
Hatha (HAH-tah) Yoga- the practice of physical yoga postures
Kundalini (KOON-dah-lee-nee)- dormant energy (life force) at base of spine, awakened through various yoga practices
Mudras (Muh-drah)- yoga of the hands. For example, Anjali mudra is the prayer position of the hands
Nadi (NAH-dee)- central energy channel
Namaste (Nah-MAH stay)- the light in me bows to the light in you
OM (Ohm)- divine sound of the universe
Pranayama (PRAH-nah-YAH-mah)- yogic breathing, prana = life force (breath), ayama = control or restriction
Sanskrit an ancient Hindu language
Sushumna (Soo-SHOOM-nah)- the energy body’s primary pathway for the life force, the chakras line up along this channel which runs from the base of the spine through the top of the head
Ujjayi (OO-JAH-yee) Breathing “victoriously uprising”, created by toning the epiglottis to intentionally create a sound at the back of your throat. Sounds like the whispered sound “haaa”.
Yoga (YOH-gah) "to yoke" or “union” drawing together of heart, mind, and body.
Yogi- anyone who practices yoga, regardless of style or level of advancement.
Yoginis- female yogis often referred as Yoginis
The Seven Principles of Yoga
- release or relaxation
- mental detachment
- integration of breathing into postures
- intention or purpose
- anchoring or rooting
- elongation or expansion
- connection (both physical and body/mind/spirit connection)