54 essential yoga terms
54 terms
Directional prefix: Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand).
Non-harming in thought, word, and action. First of the five Yamas and moral foundation of yogic practice.
One of five Vayus; governs elimination, downward movement, pelvic region. Associated with grounding.
Fifth Yama; not hoarding or clinging — physically, emotionally, or mentally.
Physical yoga posture; third limb of yoga. Originally a steady seated meditation posture.
Patanjali's eight-limbed path: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.
Third Yama; not taking what is not freely given, including others' time, ideas, and energy.
Eternal, unchanging individual consciousness, ultimately identical with Brahman (universal consciousness).
Energetic lock via muscular contraction to seal and redirect prana. Three primary: Mula, Uddiyana, Jalandhara.
Fourth Yama; wise, intentional use of vital energy. Traditionally celibacy; broadly means moderation.
Seven primary energy centers along the spine, each with specific elements, colors, and psychological themes.
Refers to the spine as central axis. Dandasana (Staff Pose) cultivates axial extension and core awareness.
Sixth limb; focused, single-pointed concentration on a chosen object. Leads to Dhyana.
One's sacred duty or purpose in life, aligned with universal law.
Seventh limb; sustained, unbroken meditative awareness where mind fluctuations settle.
Specific gazing point during practice to support concentration and internal focus.
Three fundamental qualities of nature: Tamas (inertia), Rajas (activity), Sattva (clarity).
Used as prefix in many pose names. Hand positioning and mudras designated using this root term.
Nadi associated with left side, moon, cooling energy, parasympathetic nervous system, receptivity.
Fifth Niyama; surrendering ego and fruits of actions to a higher power. Supports humility and devotion.
Sharp exhalations driven by rapid abdominal contractions with passive inhalations. Cleansing and energizing.
The law of cause and effect: every action creates consequences that shape future experience.
Five layers of being: Annamaya (physical), Pranamaya (energetic), Manomaya (mental), Vijnanamaya (wisdom), Anandamaya (bliss).
Intentional pause of breath — after inhale (Antara) or exhale (Bahya). Deepens pranayama effects.
Dormant spiritual energy at base of spine. Awakened through practice, drawn upward through Sushumna.
Sacred syllable or word repeated in meditation to focus the mind. Spoken aloud, whispered, or silent (japa).
Ultimate goal of yoga: liberation from samsara and dissolution of ego-self into universal consciousness.
Symbolic hand gesture or body position redirecting prana and supporting states of consciousness.
Indicates orientation: Urdhva Mukha (upward face), Adho Mukha (downward face).
Subtle energy channels for prana flow. 72,000 total; three primary: Ida, Pingala, Sushumna.
Balancing pranayama alternating between left and right nostrils. Purifies energy channels.
Salutation; most common in Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), a flowing breath-linked sequence.
Traditional greeting with Anjali Mudra; acknowledges shared divine essence between teacher and student.
Seed sound of the universe. A-U-M represents creation, preservation, and dissolution and waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
Appears in many asana names. Foot engagement (pada bandha) is foundational to standing alignment.
Nadi associated with right side, sun, heating energy, sympathetic nervous system, activity.
Universal life force animating all living beings. Also one of five Vayus governing upward movement.
Fourth limb; conscious breathing techniques to regulate the flow of prana (life force).
Fifth limb; turning attention inward from external sensory input. Bridge between outer and inner limbs.
Eighth limb of yoga; complete meditative absorption where meditator and object of meditation merge.
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma and attachment.
Heartfelt intention set at beginning of practice, aligned with one's highest values. Used in Yoga Nidra.
Relating to Sattva guna: purity, clarity, harmony. A sattvic state supports spiritual practice.
Second Yama; commitment to honesty in thought, speech, and action while holding ahimsa as guide.
Supine resting posture at end of practice. Complete physical relaxation and conscious stillness.
Primary nadi along the central spine axis. Kundalini rises through Sushumna during spiritual awakening.
Concise philosophical statement; notably Patanjali's 196 Yoga Sutras outlining theory and practice of yoga.
Foundational standing posture; home base of all standing poses. Cultivates alignment and awareness.
Pranayama with gentle glottis constriction creating ocean-like sound. Used throughout vinyasa practice.
Directional prefix: Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward-Facing Dog), Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel).
Indicates extension: Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold), Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle).
Five pranic sub-forces governing distinct functions: Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana.
Dynamic style where movement is synchronized with breath, creating continuous flowing sequences.
Foundational single-leg balance; builds stability, concentration, and proprioception for beginners.