26 Nov 09 Yoga Dictionary
Yoga Dictionary – Yoga Terms and Definitions
Agami Karma:
“Karma yet to come.” It is the result of acts performed during this present life which will mature in the normal course of events.
Agni:
This refers to the Vedic God of fire.
Ahankara
This refers to egoism or self-conceit; the false “I”; “I” am-ness. It is the self-arrogating principle “I” that is projected by the mind rather than the real self. “Ego” (ahankara) is manifested whenever “I” is said or claimed by anything other than the spirit-self.
Ahimsa
This is non-injury in thought, word, and deed.
Anga
Or “limb“, is a fundamental category of the yogic path.
Anjaneyasana
The halfmoon. It’s a really good warm-up for other asanas bending your back and gives a great stretch to the spine.
Anusara Yoga
A new style developed by John Friend, Anusara Yoga is described as heart-oriented and spiritually inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment.
Aparigraha
This means not receiving anything freely, not receiving and keeping unwanted things.
Abhinivesha
survival instinct, fear of death, one of the five obstacles to self-realization.
Asanas:
Sanskrit word for posture or seat. The physical type of yoga that is a form of exercise. Used as a suffix in the Sanskrit names for yoga poses. One of the eight limbs of yoga. Also called Yoga Postures, Asanas are gentle stretching movements designed to help balance the mind and body.
Ashram
A retreat or secluded place, usually where the principles of yoga and meditation are practiced.
A Style of Yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, it literally means Eight Limb Yoga and revolves in Pattanjali’s idea that the path of purification is composed of eight spiritual practices.
Astheya
This means non-covetousness, not eagerly desirous of things belonging to others.
Atman
The Self, individual soul, spiritual essence
Bhakta
A disciple practicing Bhakti Yoga.
Bhakti Yoga
This is the path of heart and devotion or the Yoga of devotion.
Bhuja
The arm or shoulder
Bhujangasana
the cobra posture
Heat is used in Bikram Yoga in order to allow you to go deeper and safer into a Yoga Pose. It is a series of 26 poses performed in a room heated from around 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brahmacharya
This means self- restraint, abstinence, and moderation, a constant journey to the ultimate, to God.
Brahman
The Creator of the Universe, the absolute reality, manifests force of life and creation.
Chakra
Literally meaning “wheel”, spiritual centres of energy (Prana) in the human system located along the spinal column. Chakras regulate the functioning of the body.
A center of radiating life force or energy that is located between the base of the spinal column and the crown of the head. There are seven chakras.
Chakra (Intuition) Yoga
A style of Yoga practiced in Hatha, Classical Yoga. Chakra Yoga is a holistic practice of ancient techniques, designed to stimulate the flow of energy vortexes known as chakras. It utilizes all forms and types, from the postures of hatha, to breathing practices of pranayama to mantra and meditation in a systematic self study. Chakra Yoga is also an elaborate form of tantra or kundalini yoga.
Corpse Yoga Pose
Also called Savasana, this is the classic relaxation Yoga Pose, practiced before or in between Asanas and as Final Relaxation.
Dharana
From the word dhri meaning “to hold firm,” this is concentration or holding the mind to one thought.
Dharma
Duty, morality, ethical way of living, code of conduct, the life of responsibility and right action.
Dhyana
Contemplation, meditation, the process of internalization of the mind, the seventh limb of the Patanjali’s eight folds Yoga.
Drishti
Drishti is a point of focus where the gaze rests during asana and meditation practice. Focusing on a drishti aids concentration, since it is easier to become distracted when the eyes are wandering all over the room. Each yoga pose has a specific drishti, which also aids in alignment. For instance, in Extended Side Angle Pose – Parsvakonasana the gaze is towards the raised hand, which also reminds us the turn our heads up towards the ceiling. Drishtis are particularly emphasized in Ashtanga yoga. Even though a drishti can be described as a fixed gaze, the eyes should always stay soft, never straining.
Guru
Venerable, spiritual preceptor, guide in a spiritual life, soul who can dispel darkness.
Hamsa Kumbhaka
The Swan Breath, a gently powerful pranayama used with meditation to guide the Shakti to the swan.
Hatha
This general term can be used to describe any of the physical practices of yoga. Classes describes as Hatha are usually slow paced and focused on stretching and learning the basic yoga poses.
This is the most popular branch of Yoga and from which a lot of the Styles of Yoga originated including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.
Hiranyagarbha
The mythical founder of yoga; the first cosmological principle to emerge out of the infinite Reality; also called Brahma.
Integral Yoga
This yoga style places almost as much emphasis on pranayama (control of breath) and meditation as it does on postures. Founded by Sri Ghose Aurobindo (1872-1950) and promoted by Rev. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev).
Islamyoga
Islam yoga ( Islamga ) is an old kind of yoga rediscover by Guru Wafaa in 1985 .Islam yoga is the art and science of physical, mental, spiritual health which lead to the harmony and balance to reach the inner peace through the principles of the Islamic culture and civilization for everyone.see:www.islamyoga.com
B.K.S. Iyengar developed this yoga style, which stresses understanding the body and how it works. Students focus on symmetry and alignment, using props — such as straps, blankets, wooden blocks, and chairs — to achieve postures. Each pose is held for a longer amount of time than in most other yoga styles.
Jhalandara Bandha
Throat lock. The third and last of the three interior body “locks” used in asana and pranayama practice to control the flow of energy. Jhalandara bandha can be practiced alone or in conjunction with mula bandha and uddiyana bandha. To engage this bandha, sit in a comfortable cross legged position. Inhale so the lungs are about two-thirds full, and then hold the breath in. Drop the chin down, and then draw the chin back closer to the chest so the back of the neck does not round. Hold as long as is comfortable and then bring the chin up and release the breath. To practice in conjunction with the other two bandhas, first draw the pelvic floor upwards, engaging mula bandha. This leads to the abdomen drawing in and up under the ribcage (uddiyana bandha). Finally, the chin drops to the chest and draws back into jhalandara bandha. When practiced together, the three locks are known as Maha Bandha, the great lock
Japa
Recitation, repetition, continuous chanting of a sacred sound or Mantra practiced verbally or in mind. The process in which a devotee repeats the name of the God. The repetition can be aloud or just the movement of lips or in mind. This spiritual practice is present in the major religions of world. This is considered as one of the most effective spiritual practice.
Jnana Yoga
This is one of the four basic paths in Yoga (Jnana, Bhakti, Raja, and Karma). Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom. Jnana in Sanskrit means “knowledge” and is interpreted to mean “knowledge of the true self”.
Kapalabhati
This refers to a Breathing Technique used specifically for cleansing. Know how it is done in our Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) – Kapalabhati (Cleaning Breath) section.
Karma
Literally action; includes the law of cause and effect, the consequence of an action, performing positive actions results in positive results.
Karma Yoga
The practice of selfless service, as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita. In modern usage, the term can describe volunteer work. Yoga studios often offer karma yoga opportunities (working the front desk, cleaning up, etc.) to students in exchange for classes.
Kosha
One of five sheaths enclosing the Atman, the five koshas are: Physical, Energy, Mental, Wisdom and Bliss.
Kripalu Yoga
Also called the Yoga of consciousness, Kripalu puts great emphasis on Proper Breath, alignment, coordination of breath and movement, and “honoring the wisdom of the body” — you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength.
Kriya
Exercises and breathing techniques intended to purify and cleanse the body’s energy channels. For instance, one kriya is to rapidly pump the stomach muscles in and out as if breathing but without taking a breath.
Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is a set of advanced techniques, or kriyas, practiced as a type of yoga popularized in the West by Paramahansa Yogananda, which, according to those who practice it, accelerates the spiritual evolution of the practitioner. Gurus and their disciples of Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship have and continue to initiate into kriya yoga people professing an interest in becoming more spiritual.
Considered as the mother of all the Styles of Yoga, this is the most powerful Yoga ever known. It centers on awakening the Kundalini, the energy (serpent power or Bhujangini) which is found at the base of our spine or the Muladhara Chakra. For more information, read our Kundalini Yoga – Awakening the Kundalini Energy section.
Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind, senses, and body to create a communication between “mind” and “body”. Kundalini yoga focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body’s potential for maturation, giving special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system in the understanding of yogic awakening (Sovatsky, 1998).
Laya Yoga
The “Yoga of dissolution”: an advanced form or process of Tantric yoga by which the energies associated with the various psycho-energetic centers (cakra) of the subtle body are gradually dissolved through the ascent of the serpent power (kundalini-shakti).
Lotus Yoga Pose
This pose is such a perfect Meditation posture (if you can do it comfortably). It is a Yoga position in which you can sit perfectly straight and be absolutely still, relaxed, comfortable, and alert.
Maharishi
A great sage, a great soul.
Mantra
Holy chant words used in meditation to quiet the mind or acquire a divine power. A sacred mystic syllable, word or verse used in meditation and japa to quiet the mind, balance the inner body and attain other desired aims.
Marjari Asana
cat posture
Meditation
This is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. It is the practice by which there is constant observation of the mind. It requires you to focus your mind at one point and stilling the mind in order to perceive the self.
Moksha
Freedom, salvation, liberation from the round of birth and death.
Mudra
A seating posture that distributes cosmic energy through the mind and body, this can be a whole-body gesture or a hand gesture.
A symbolic gesture transmitting or redirecting energy in yoga or meditation. This can be a whole-body gesture or a hand gesture, like pressing your palms together. It is also defined as a hand gesture used in a traditional Indian dance.
Pronunciation: Moo-dra
Mula Bandha
Root lock. The first of three interior body “locks” used in asana and pranayama practice to control the flow of energy. To activate mula bandha, exhale and engage the pelvic floor, drawing it upwards towards your navel. If you don’t know how to access the pelvic floor, think of it as the space between the pubic bone and the tailbone. Initially you may need to contract and hold the muscles around the anus and genitals, but really what you want is to isolate and draw up the perineum, which is between the anus and genitals. Do not hold your breath. Engaging mula bandha while doing yoga poses can give the postures an extra lift. This is especially useful when jumping.
Mysore
A self-led variation of Ashtanga yoga, done without a teacher calling out the poses. Students practice at their own pace and level of ability, but in the company of other students and with the encouragement and advice of a teacher as needed. The name Mysore comes from the city in India where Ashtanga yoga guru Shri K. Pattabhi Jois lives and teaches.
Nadi
Energy channels in the body through which Prana flow, nadi also refers to the veins and arteries of the material body.
Namaste
Literally, “I bow to you.” It is used as a respectful greeting and also to mean thank you. When you say namaste in thanking your teacher at the end of class, you press your palms together (also called “Anjali mudra”) at your heart or your third eye (middle of the forehead) and bow your head. Although namaste is the greeting and Anjali mudra the position of the hands, they are often conflated and Anjali mudra has come to be called “namaste position” or prayer position. The position, however, need not be associated with Western ideas about prayer.
Neti-Neti
Means “Not this. Not this.” In meditation, you gently dismiss thoughts, images, concepts, sounds, and distractions by applying the principle of neti-neti or telling yourself, “Not this. Not this.”
Nirvana
Final emancipation; is the perfect peace of the mind letting go of anger, passion and desire and other afflictive states.
Niyama
It is the personal discipline such as cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, devotion to God, etc.
Nouli
yoga posture
Ojas
Spiritual energy, vigour.
OM
or “aum”, Om is a very simple chant with a complex meaning. Often chanted three times at the start and finish of a yoga session, om is the whole universe coalesed into a single sound and represents the union of mind, body, and spirit that is at the heart of yoga. When chanted, the sound of om is actually three syllables – a, u, and m.
Padma
Padma means flower. Padma originated from Sanskrit language in India.
Padmasana
also known as the Lotus Pose. Lotus pose is the most renowned of all Asanas, Padma means lotus. The position puts the soles of the feet up, reminiscent of a lotus flower. The most renowned of all Hatha Yoga postures.
Pancha Indriyas
Pancha means five and Indriyas means the five senses organs. So these are five senses organs. Followings are the five senses organs and their foods: 1) The eyes – like to see 2) The nose likes to smell 3) The tongue likes to test 4) The ears like to hear melodious sounds and 5) The skin likes the tender touch After having control over the vital forces of the body, a Yogi retracts the ‘Pancha Indriyas’, the five ‘sense organs’ towards the inner self, the CHITTA.
Pancha Koshas
Pancha means five and Kosha means Sheath. According to “Taittiriyopanishad”, Pancha Koshas are the five sheaths, which cover the overall human system. These are the Annamaya kosha (Food Sheath), Pranamaya kosha (Pranic Sheath), Manomaya kosha (Mental Sheath), Vijnanamay kosha (Intellectual Sheath) and Anandamaya kosha (Blissful Sheath).
Panchamahabhuta
Pancha means five, Maha means great, and Bhuta here is elements. According to Indian ancient philosophy, the physical body is made up of five elements or ‘Panchamahabhoota’ in Sanskrit, namely – Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Sky. Some of the Asian countries such as China, Japan, etc. believe this ancient theory as well. Deficiency or Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease. Yogic ways are there for the elements to bring into balance known as Hasta Mudra or Hand Gesture.
Patanjali
The person responsible of the Yoga-Sutras and preacher of the eight-fold yoga.
Pingaja
A nadi running on the right side of the spine through which prana runs.
This is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga.
Prana
Vital energy, soul of the universe, the energy that animates everything, the force sustains life in a physical body.
Life energy, life force, or life current. These finer-than-atomic energies have inherent intelligence, according to Yogananda, as opposed to atoms and electrons, which are considered to be blind forces. The Chinese call this life force chi.
Pranayama
Breath control. Although breathing is one of our involuntary bodily functions (it happens whether you think about it or not, if you are alive) we can also control the breath to some extent. Exercises in breath control, such as breath retention and deliberate methods inhalation and exhalation for specific mental and physical benefits are called pranayama.
Pratyahara
Withdrawing the senses in order to still the mind as in meditation. The fifth stage of yoga.
Rishi
A great sage, one who contemplates the reality of life.
Sadhaka
This is a student who strives for a goal.
Sadhana
Spiritual practice, a spiritual discipline, a means of accomplishing something.
Sakshi
Witness.
Sama
Balanced state of mind, serenity.
Samadhi
State of absolute super-consciousness, joy and peace; is the highest state of being, supreme union with God.
Samanu
This is an advanced practice for purifying the nadis that combines pranayama with chakra visualization and japa on the bija mantras of air, fire, moon and earth.
Samvit
Consciousness, the full energy of knowledge.
Sanyasin
Sanyasin is a woman who left all kinds of emotions like happiness and sadness (without having any feelings or emotions) in the world. She is not the mother of world [somebody wrote she is the mother of world]. Sanyasin is a Sanskrit word.
Sathya
This refers to truth meant to do good to others.
Satsang
(Sanskrit) Usually translated as “truth-company” or being in the company of the wise. And satsang, according to several texts of yoga, is one of the great doorways to inner freedom. As is the case with meditation and asana, the more you practice satsang, the more likely you are to experience its power—and you don’t have to join an existing community in order to do this. Some of the most powerful satsangs are the ones we create informally. An informal satsang group should be small—five to seven is a good number, and you can easily form one with three, two, or even just one other person. All it takes is a decision to have a spiritual dialogue; some sublime and true words to spark your insight; and a shared agreement on the ground rules.
Sattva
Purity, reality and truthfulness.
Sattvic Diet
Considered as the purest Diet, it is the most suitable one for any serious student of Yoga. Sattvic is one of the qualities, or Gunas, of energy in the unmanifested universe.
Shada-Ripu
This means Six-Enemies. Though these are the blessings for living a life, they bring with them some vices which are called “SHADA RIPU” or Six Enemies. In the fourth chapter of Gheranda Samhita, the Six Enemies are said to be SEX, ANGER, GREED, ILLUSION, PRIDE and JEALOUSY. Since the organs are the centers of perception and sensation, having control over the organs keeps the mind free from all these unnecessary disturbances. In Loknath Yogic System, we give more importance to follow this practice to control over Six-Enemies along with the Five-Sense organs or Pancha-Indriya at Pratyahara.
Shanti
is peace or tranquility in Sanskrit. This inner peace is chanted to prevent curses and bad karma. Often, this is repeated three times after a prayer in order to achieve spiritual serenity.
Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda yoga offers a gentle approach, which takes the student through the twelve sun salutation postures and incorporates chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in each session. Teachers encourage students to embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes a vegetarian diet and positive thinking with meditation.
Srotas
Channels or spaces through which flow occurs.
Sun Salutation
Also called Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutation limbers up the whole body in preparation for the yoga asanas.
Svaroopa Yoga
This teaches significantly different ways of doing familiar Poses, emphasizing the opening of the Spine, beginning at the tailbone and progressing through each spinal area in turn.
Swami
Literally: “one with the self”, title given to a monk or spiritual master.
Tantra
Refers to a collection of religious writings written over a period of 300 years, are best known for their combination of sensuality and religious practice.
Tantra Yoga
This yoga uses visualization, chanting, asana, and strong breathing practices to tap highly charged kundalini energy in the body.
Tapas
Self-discipline or austerity, mortification, process of burning away impurities.
Uddiyana Bandha
Abdominal lock. The second of the three interior body “locks” used in asana and pranayama practice to control the flow of energy.
Uddiyana bandha can be practiced alone or in conjunction with mula bandha. To engage this bandha, sit in a comfortable cross legged position. Exhale your breath, then take a false inhale (draw the abdomen in and up without taking in any breath.) Draw the belly up underneath the rib cage. To release, soften the abdomen and inhale.
Uddiyana bandha tones, massages and cleans the abdominal organs. If you are familiar with mula bandha, you will see that the drawing up of the pelvic floor naturally leads into the drawing up of the abdomen. This is how the bandhas work together.
Ujjayi
Also called Loud Breathing, this involves drawing air in through both nostrils with the glottis held partially closed. Ujjayi is translated as “what clears the throat and masters the chest area.”
Viniyoga
This is a yoga style involves the application or use of different tools in yoga practice such as asana, chanting, pranayama (control of breath), and meditation. It is ideal for novices and more and more people are practicing it because they believed that Viniyoga has therapeutic value.
Vinyasa
Breath-synchronized movement.
This is one of the Principles of Ashtanga Yoga that makes it distinct from the other Styles of Yoga. Vinyasa, which means breathing and movement, is for internal cleansing.
Upanishads
ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy contain doctrines such as Yoga, meditation and karma.
Yama
This is a group of disciplines to be maintained by a yoga practitioner. It is the social discipline, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-covetousness, moderation in sex, no acquisitiveness, etc.
Yoga-Shastra
Shastra is scripture or treatise or an art of science. Yoga-Shastra means Yoga Scripture or Yogic Science.
Yogi’s Choice
Yoga teachers use this phrase to mean that you (the yogi) have a choice of what to do in class. Usually this phrase is used when a choice is given between a beginner’s and advanced version of a pose.
Yogi Toe Lock
Though it sounds like yoga’s version of thumb screws, yogi toe lock is just a simple way of taking hold of the toes in poses where that is necessary. You bring the first two fingers under the big toe while bringing the thumb on top of the same toe, and you should have a pretty good grip. Stretch away!
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