Yoga is much more than physical postures — it’s a complete philosophy with its own language, rooted in Sanskrit. Many of the words you hear in yoga classes carry deep symbolic and spiritual meanings. To help you navigate them, here’s an A–Z glossary of 55 yoga terms, their origins, and what they represent in practice.
A
Asana — Literally “seat” or “posture.” Refers to the physical yoga poses that steady the body and prepare the mind for meditation.
Ahamkara — The sense of “I” or ego. In yoga, it is the false identification of the self with body and mind rather than with the soul.
Ahimsa — The principle of non-violence in thought, word, and action. It is the first of the Yamas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Anahata — The heart chakra, located in the center of the chest. Symbolizes compassion, love, and balance. Its name means “unstruck sound.”
Ajna — The third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows. Associated with intuition, wisdom, and insight.
Avastha — A state of being or level of consciousness.
Ashtanga — Literally “eight limbs.” Refers to Patanjali’s eightfold path of yoga, as well as the dynamic style of yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois.
Akasha — The subtle element of ether or space. In yogic philosophy, Akasha represents the cosmic field of memory and consciousness.
B
Bandha — Energy “lock.” A muscular contraction that directs and contains prana (life force) within the body.
Bhramari — “Bee breath.” A humming meditation practice that calms the mind and nervous system.
Bhakti — Devotion, love, and surrender to the divine. Bhakti yoga emphasizes prayer, chanting, and service.
Bikram Yoga — A style of yoga practiced in heated rooms (around 40°C) with a set sequence of 26 poses.
Buddhi — Higher intelligence or the faculty of wisdom and discernment.
C
Chaturanga — “Four-limbed staff pose.” A foundational yoga posture resembling a low plank, building core and upper body strength.
Chakra — Energy center in the subtle body. The seven main chakras run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
D
Dhyāna — Meditation. The practice of focused awareness leading to stillness and union with the self.
Dandasana — “Staff pose.” A seated posture with legs extended and spine upright.
Duhkha — Suffering or dissatisfaction. A central concept in Indian philosophy, describing the pain caused by attachment and ignorance.
E
Eka — Means “one” or “single.” Often used in yoga pose names (e.g., Eka Pada Rajakapotasana — one-legged king pigeon pose).
G
Gomukhasana — “Cow face pose.” A seated posture with legs crossed and arms bound behind the back.
Guru — Spiritual teacher or guide who illuminates the path of yoga.
Guna — The three qualities of nature: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).
H
Halasana — “Plow pose.” A deep forward fold where legs drop overhead while lying on the back.
Hatha — A branch of yoga focusing on physical postures and breath. The word means “force,” symbolizing the balance of sun (ha) and moon (tha).
I
Iyengar Yoga — A style of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, known for its precision, use of props, and therapeutic focus.
J
Jnana — Knowledge or wisdom. Jnana yoga is the path of self-inquiry and realization.
K
Kundalini — Dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine, envisioned as a coiled serpent. Awakening Kundalini leads to profound transformation.
Kirtan — Devotional chanting, often accompanied by music, as an expression of love and union with the divine.
Kapalabhati — “Skull-shining breath.” A pranayama technique involving rapid, forceful exhalations.
M
Mantra — Sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated in meditation to focus the mind and connect with higher states.
Mudra — Symbolic hand gesture used to channel energy and deepen concentration.
Muladhara — The root chakra at the base of the spine, associated with stability, survival, and grounding. Check also these Muladhara affirmations.
N
Namaste — Traditional greeting meaning “the divine in me honors the divine in you.”
Nadis — Subtle energy channels through which prana flows. Ancient texts describe 72,000 nadis.
Nirvana — Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth. The ultimate state of peace and freedom.
O
Om (Aum) — The primordial sound, representing the vibration of the universe. Considered the most sacred mantra.
P
Patanjali — Ancient sage credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on yoga philosophy.
Pranayama — Breath control practices that regulate life force energy.
Prana — Vital life energy that animates the body and mind.
Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the senses, turning inward to prepare for meditation.
Pratikraman — A Jain practice of repentance and reflection, seeking forgiveness for past actions.
S
Samsara — The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The journey of the soul through lifetimes.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) — Third chakra, located above the navel. Associated with willpower, confidence, and transformation. Check out these solar plexus affirmations.
Sahasrara — Crown (7th) chakra at the top of the head. Symbolizes spiritual connection and enlightenment.
Savasana — “Corpse pose.” A final relaxation posture at the end of yoga practice.
Shitali — Cooling breath technique that lowers heat and calms the body.
Swadhisthana — The sacral chakra, located below the navel. Associated with creativity, sexuality, and flow.
T
Tantra — A spiritual path emphasizing expansion, union, and the weaving together of opposites.
V
Vairagya — Detachment or non-attachment. Recognizing the impermanence of worldly experiences.
Vishuddha — The throat chakra, governing communication and self-expression.
Vedas — Ancient scriptures of India, considered the source of spiritual knowledge.
Y
Yamas — Ethical disciplines in yoga that guide moral living (e.g., non-violence, truthfulness).
Yoga Sutras — Foundational text by Patanjali outlining the philosophy and practice of yoga in concise aphorisms.
This glossary gives you a strong foundation in the vocabulary of yoga. Whether you’re deepening your practice or just beginning, understanding these words will help you connect more deeply with yoga’s roots and meaning.
