Tree Limin' Extreme: Yoga For All: Part 3 "Yoga Vocabulary"

Doing yoga in the comfort of your own home is one thing, but going to a class is a whole different experience. The idea may be daunting for many just starting out, “Am I doing this position right? Is everyone staring at me?” but trust me, no one is judging you and the instructor is there to help you out. I’m here today to help you with something else newcomers to yoga may find difficult when starting classes; the yoga vocabulary.

Yoga has evolved throughout the years and many yoga studios use the translated names for various yoga positions. That being said, there are words in this ancient dialect, Sanskrit, nearly every yoga teacher (or guru) still uses today. There are many reasons these words are important in the yoga community, but the main reason is that these words having a universal understanding.

Here is just a short list of some popular words and their meanings that you may experience while taking a yoga class!

Namaste

Even if you've never taken a yoga class, you've probably heard this one. Its literal meaning is "I bow to you" or "The light in me bows to the light in you".

Drishti

This is your "Focal Point". During a yoga position or meditation, you may focus on your drishti to help keep your balance and stay focused.

Guru

"One who brings lightness to darkness" is the literal meaning. Or, in simpler terms, your yoga instructor.

Chakra

You have 7 chakras or "energy points" throughout the body. We can go into chakras for awhile, so if you'd like to read more, please visit this link:

Beginners Guide to Chakras

Mantra
This is a letter, word, or phrase that is chanted as a way of focusing your thoughts. A popular example of this is "Om".

Asana
A yoga pose or position, but literally means seat. For more on Asana, visit this link:

The Real Meaning of Asana

Savasana/Shavasana
Relaxation/restoration pose that is typically performed at the end of a class. Corpse pose is another word for this.

Pranayama
Pranayama is the control of breath/a way to control your energy through breath.

Ananda
This means bliss/condition of utter joy.

Atman
The transcendental self or spirit.

Karuna
This translates to compassion.

Ujjayi
This is a particular breathing technique from the diaphragm that is practiced throughout the yoga routine.

This is just a small taste of a vast vocabulary that is Sanskrit. For more words and definitions, visit these sites:

Yoga Definitions

More Yoga Definitions

Even More Yoga Definitions

Namaste