Yoga Lingo

Some Definitions Worth Knowing

Asana
A posture practiced to strengthen the body, purify the nervous system and develop one-pointedness of the mind. In hatha yoga, asana refers to any of numerous poses prescribed to balance and tune up the subtle energies of mind and body for meditation and to promote health and longevity. Each asana possesses unique benefits, affecting the varied inner bodies and releasing energies in different parts of the nervous system. While the physical science of hatha yoga can dramatically influence health and general well-being, it is primarily a preparation for the deeper yogas and meditations.

Hatha
The yoga of physical well-being; in Sanskrit “ha” means sun and “tha” means moon; yoga is the union between them; a joining of opposites.

Mantra
A repeated word or phrase (usually during meditation practice although used also as a means of concentration) which evokes focus and mindfulness.

Namaste
A respectful greeting that is accompanied by a gesture of joining one’s palms, with the fingertips pointing upwards. The joined palms are brought close to the chest. The national expression of India used as a greeting or upon parting, by putting the palms of the hands together in prayer position and bowing forward. The meaning/translation of “Namaste” is:

I honor the place in you which is of Love… of Truth… of Light… and of Peace,
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One.

Om (or Aum)
The primal sound; the sound or vibration from which the entire universe emanates. The supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads and believed to be the spoken essence of the universe. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings. To yogis, it represents a vibration which they say pervades the entire universe.

Prana & Pranayama
Prana is often referred to as breath, however, it is more accurately defined as that which causes you to breathe – or your life force (life-breath); the vital force of the body and the universe which sustains life and is the power of animation. Pranayamas are breathing techniques and practices where prana is controlled, managed, and developed and its quantity and quality enhanced to a higher level – affecting us physiologically and psychologically. Through Pranayama practice we develop a state of centeredness, balance and calmness.

Shanti
Simple means “peace.” Can be interpreted as meaning peace in body, speech, and mind (i.e. in the entirety of one’s being), or as a wish for peace individually, collectively, and universally. Many yoga teachings typically end with the words “Om shanti shanti shanti” as an invocation of peace.

Ujjayi (Pranayama)
The victory or ocean sounding breath (also sounds like Darth Vader or a radiator hiss). Ujjayi breathing helps to aid in concentration and heats the body. The sound is produced by contracting the glottis (back of the throat) with the inhalation and exhalation.

Yoga
Union; to yoke or unite.