10 essential yoga terms defined — Sanskrit names, styles, concepts, and practices.
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga, originally meaning 'seat' in Sanskrit, now encompassing all yoga poses.
Yoga ConceptAshtanga yoga is a rigorous, structured yoga system following a fixed sequence of poses synchronized with breath, based on Patanjali's eight-limbed path.
Yoga StyleChakras are seven energy centers along the spine in yogic tradition, each governing specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions.
Yoga PhilosophyHatha yoga is a traditional branch of yoga focusing on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to balance body and mind.
Yoga StyleA mantra is a sacred word, sound, or phrase repeated during meditation to focus the mind and cultivate spiritual awareness.
Yoga PracticeMudras are symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to direct energy flow and deepen spiritual practice.
Yoga PracticeNamaste is a respectful greeting in yoga meaning 'I bow to you,' honoring the divine in each person.
Yoga ConceptPrana is the vital life force or breath energy that sustains all living beings according to yogic philosophy.
Yoga PhilosophyPranayama is the yogic practice of breath regulation, combining breathing techniques to control prana (life force) for physical and mental well-being.
Yoga PracticeVinyasa is a dynamic style of yoga that links breath with movement in flowing sequences of poses.
Yoga Style