Yoga Terminology

In this lesson, you will learn the most important yoga terms. The most important expressions are listed first. Find more information about yoga and asanas at Yoga Main.

Terminology

General Yoga Terminology

• Yoga – To yoke; to join together. Union between two opposites – body and mind.
• Yogi – Yoga practitioner.
• Acharya – Teacher / instructor.
• Abhyasa – Practice; practicing yoga or a yoga session.
• Asana – A yoga posture.
• Vinyasa – A routine of different asanas (yoga poses).
• Tantra – Technique or skill.
• Bahir – Outside, external.
• Dhyana – Meditation.
• Chakras – Center of energy; between the base of the spine and the top of the head.
• Prana – Soul of the universe.
• Abhinivesha – Survival instinct.
• Tapas – Self-discipline.
• Upanishads – Ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy describing the path of Jnana Yoga.
• Om – Meditation syllable used in Mantra Yoga.
• Ahimsa – Non-violence or non-injury.
• Jala – Water.
• Karma – Action; act of doing.
• Yoga Nidra – Also called yogic sleep; a deep technique. The body and mind are at complete rest but at the same time fully aware.

Yoga Styles

• Hatha Yoga – Ha & Tha = Sun & Moon. Emphasizes the physical aspect, asanas, flexibility, breathing, and meditation.
• Jnana Yoga – Emphasizes meditation and philosophy, self-analysis, and investigation of abstract, speculative ideas.
• Kriya Yoga – Emphasizes meditation on action and participation in life.
• Mantra Yoga – Yoga style that involves chanting of sounds.
• Raja Yoga – Emphasizes the control of the intellect to obtain enlightenment.
• Bhakti Yoga – Praying and devotion style.

Suggestions

• Tadasana – Mountain Pose
• The 5 Tibetans – Rejuvenation Exercise
• Shoulder Stretch – Yoga Strap Exercise
• Bilikasana – Cat Pose (Warm-Up Exercise)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana – Dog Pose
• Vrksasana – Yoga Tree Pose
• Dhanurasana – Yoga Bow Pose
• Prasarita Padottanasana – Forward Bend with Wide Legs
• Trikonasana – Yoga Triangle Pose
• Parivrtta Trikonasana – Crossed Trikonasana
• Virabhadrasana 1 – Warrior Pose 1
• Upavista Konasana – Spread-Leg Forward Fold
• Padmasana – Yoga Lotus Pose

Videos/Images

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