Yoga Glossary: 150+ Sanskrit Yoga Terms Explained

Walk into almost any yoga class in the world and you will hear words like asana, drishti and namaste within the first few minutes. Learning what they mean makes classes easier to follow and connects your practice to a tradition that is thousands of years old.

This U of Yoga glossary covers 180 of the most common Sanskrit and English yoga terms: pose names, philosophy, breathing techniques, energy anatomy, styles and the alignment cues teachers use. Each entry includes an easy pronunciation guide (the capitalized syllable gets the stress) and a link to a deeper guide where we have one.

A

Abhyasa (ab-YAH-sah)

Steady, devoted practice sustained over a long time. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali pairs abhyasa with vairagya (non-attachment) as the two keys to a calm mind. See What Is Yoga?.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-ah-nah)

Downward Facing Dog, an inverted V shape with hands and feet on the floor and hips lifted. It stretches the hamstrings and calves while strengthening the shoulders and arms. See our Downward Dog guide.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana (AH-doh MOO-kah vrik-SHAHS-ah-nah)

Handstand, literally “downward facing tree pose.” It is an advanced inversion usually learned with the support of a wall.

Ahimsa (ah-HIM-sah)

Nonviolence or non-harming in thought, word and action. It is the first of the five yamas and, on the mat, means never forcing your body into pain. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Ajna (AHJ-nah)

The sixth chakra, often called the third eye, located between the eyebrows. It is associated with intuition and insight. See our guide to the chakras.

Alignment

The way your bones and joints are arranged in a pose. Good alignment spreads effort evenly and helps protect vulnerable areas like the knees, lower back and wrists. See Yoga for Beginners.

Anahata (ah-NAH-hah-tah)

The fourth chakra, or heart chakra, located at the center of the chest. It is linked with compassion, love and connection. See our guide to the chakras.

Ananda Balasana (ah-NAHN-dah bah-LAHS-ah-nah)

Happy Baby Pose, a reclining posture where you hold the outer feet with the knees drawn toward the armpits. It gently releases the hips and lower back. See our Happy Baby Pose guide.

Anjali Mudra (AHN-jah-lee MOO-drah)

Palms pressed together in front of the heart, a gesture of respect and centering. It is often used with the greeting namaste. See What Does Namaste Mean?.

Anjaneyasana (ahn-jah-nay-AHS-ah-nah)

Low Lunge, with the back knee on the floor and the front knee bent over the ankle. It stretches the hip flexors and front of the thigh.

Aparigraha (ah-pah-ree-GRAH-hah)

Non-possessiveness or non-grasping, the fifth yama. It invites you to let go of greed and of attachment to outcomes, including how a pose “should” look. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Ardha (ARD-hah)

Sanskrit for “half.” It appears in many pose names to show a half or modified version, such as Ardha Chandrasana.

Ardha Chandrasana (ARD-hah chan-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Half Moon Pose, a standing balance where you lean onto one hand or a block and lift the other leg parallel to the floor. It builds balance and strength in the standing leg.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (ARD-hah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, a classic seated spinal twist. Lengthen your spine on each inhale and rotate gently on each exhale.

Asana (AH-sah-nah)

A physical yoga posture, and the third of Patanjali’s eight limbs. The word originally meant “seat,” a steady and comfortable position for meditation. See the A to Z Pose Library.

Ashtanga (ahsh-TAHN-gah)

Literally “eight limbs,” the eightfold path described in the Yoga Sutras. It is also the name of a vigorous style that follows a set series of poses linked with breath. See our Ashtanga Yoga guide.

Asteya (ah-STAY-yah)

Non-stealing, the third yama. Beyond material things, it includes not taking other people’s time, energy or credit. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Atman (AHT-mahn)

The true or inner self in Hindu and yogic philosophy. Many yoga traditions describe the aim of practice as recognizing the atman.

Ayurveda (ah-yur-VAY-dah)

The traditional medical system of India, often called the sister science of yoga. It describes three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) that shape a person’s constitution.

B

Baddha Konasana (BAH-dah koh-NAHS-ah-nah)

Bound Angle Pose, also called Cobbler’s or Butterfly Pose. You sit with the soles of the feet together and knees falling open to release the inner thighs and hips. See Yoga for Flexibility.

Bakasana (bah-KAHS-ah-nah)

Crow or Crane Pose, an arm balance where the knees rest on the backs of the upper arms and the feet lift off the floor. See our Crow Pose guide.

Balasana (bah-LAHS-ah-nah)

Child’s Pose, a kneeling rest with the hips toward the heels and forehead on the floor. You can return to it any time you need a break. See our Child’s Pose guide.

Bandha (BAHN-dah)

An energetic “lock” created by gently engaging specific muscles to direct prana. The three main bandhas are mula, uddiyana and jalandhara.

Bhagavad Gita (BAH-gah-vahd GEE-tah)

A classic Sanskrit scripture framed as a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Krishna. It outlines several paths of yoga, including karma, bhakti and jnana yoga. See The History of Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga (BHAK-tee YOH-gah)

The yoga of devotion, practiced through love, prayer, chanting and service to the divine. See Types of Yoga.

Bhastrika (bah-STREE-kah)

Bellows breath, a forceful and energizing pranayama with equal, vigorous inhales and exhales through the nose. Skip it if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Bhramari (brah-MAH-ree)

Humming bee breath, where you exhale slowly while making a soft humming sound. Many people find it calming before sleep. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Bhujangasana (boo-jahng-GAHS-ah-nah)

Cobra Pose, a gentle backbend from lying on your belly, lifting the chest with the help of the hands and back muscles. See our Cobra Pose guide.

Bitilasana (bee-tee-LAHS-ah-nah)

Cow Pose, the arching half of Cat Cow, where the belly drops and the chest and tailbone lift on an inhale. See our Cat Cow guide.

Block

A firm foam, cork or wood brick used to bring the floor closer, support the body or add stability. Blocks make many poses more accessible. See How to Choose a Yoga Mat.

Bolster

A firm, long cushion used to support the body in restorative and yin poses so muscles can fully relax. See Restorative Yoga.

Box Breathing

A breathing pattern of four equal parts: inhale, hold, exhale, hold, often for a count of four each. It is widely used to settle stress. See our Box Breathing guide.

Brahmacharya (brah-mah-CHAR-yah)

The fourth yama, traditionally celibacy and today often interpreted as wise use of energy and moderation. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

C

Chair Yoga

Yoga adapted so you can practice seated in or supported by a chair. It is ideal for seniors, office workers and anyone with limited mobility. See Chair Yoga for Seniors.

Chakra (CHAHK-rah)

Sanskrit for “wheel.” In yogic tradition, chakras are energy centers along the spine, most commonly described as seven, from the root to the crown. See our guide to the chakras.

Chaturanga Dandasana (chah-tur-AHN-gah dahn-DAHS-ah-nah)

Four Limbed Staff Pose, a low plank with elbows bent close to the ribs. It appears in most sun salutations and is often modified with knees down. See our Plank Pose guide.

Chin Mudra (CHIN MOO-drah)

A hand gesture where the tip of the index finger touches the tip of the thumb, often with palms facing down on the thighs during meditation. See Yoga Mudras.

Chitta (CHIT-tah)

The mind or field of consciousness. Yoga Sutra 1.2 defines yoga as the stilling of the fluctuations (vrittis) of the chitta. See What Is Yoga?.

Core Engagement

A cue to gently firm the deep abdominal muscles to support the spine. It should feel like a light hug around your middle, not clenching or holding your breath.

D

Dandasana (dahn-DAHS-ah-nah)

Staff Pose, sitting tall with legs straight in front of you and hands beside the hips. It is the foundation for many seated poses.

Dhanurasana (dah-noo-RAHS-ah-nah)

Bow Pose, a prone backbend where you hold the ankles and lift the chest and thighs so the body looks like a drawn bow.

Dharana (dah-RAH-nah)

Concentration, the sixth limb of yoga: holding attention on a single point such as the breath, a sound or an image. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Dharma (DAR-mah)

Duty, right action or one’s life purpose. The Bhagavad Gita explores how to act according to your dharma.

Dhyana (dee-YAH-nah)

Meditation, the seventh limb of yoga, where concentration deepens into an unbroken flow of awareness. See How to Meditate.

Dosha (DOH-shah)

In Ayurveda, one of three mind and body energies: vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (earth and water).

Drishti (DRISH-tee)

A focused gaze point used in a pose, such as the tip of the nose or the thumb. A steady gaze helps steady balance and attention. See our Tree Pose guide.

E

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali’s eightfold path: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (AY-kah PAH-dah rah-jah-kah-poh-TAHS-ah-nah)

One Legged King Pigeon Pose. Its common forward-folding variation, often just called Pigeon, is a deep outer hip stretch. See our Pigeon Pose guide.

Ekagrata (ay-kah-GRAH-tah)

One-pointedness of mind, the quality of focused attention cultivated in concentration practice.

Extension

An anatomy term for opening the angle of a joint. In the spine, extension means bending backward, as in Cobra or Camel.

F

Fascia

The web of connective tissue that wraps and links muscles and organs. Slow, sustained styles like yin yoga are said to target fascia. See Yin Yoga.

Flexion

An anatomy term for closing the angle of a joint. In the spine, flexion means rounding forward, as in a forward fold.

Flow

An informal name for vinyasa style classes, where you move from pose to pose in rhythm with the breath. See Vinyasa Yoga.

G

Garudasana (gah-roo-DAHS-ah-nah)

Eagle Pose, a standing balance with arms and legs wrapped around each other. It challenges balance and stretches the upper back and outer hips.

Gomukhasana (goh-moo-KAHS-ah-nah)

Cow Face Pose, a seated posture with knees stacked and hands clasped behind the back. It stretches the hips, shoulders and triceps.

Gunas (GOO-nahs)

The three qualities of nature: sattva (balance and clarity), rajas (activity and passion) and tamas (inertia and heaviness).

Guru (GOO-roo)

A spiritual teacher or guide. Literally, “one who dispels darkness.”

Gyan Mudra (GYAHN MOO-drah)

Also spelled jnana mudra, the gesture of knowledge: the index finger and thumb touch, usually with palms facing up on the knees. See Yoga Mudras.

H

Halasana (hah-LAHS-ah-nah)

Plow Pose, an inversion where you lie on your back and bring the legs over your head toward the floor. Avoid it with neck injuries.

Hamstrings

The three muscles along the back of the thigh. Tight hamstrings are common and affect forward folds and Downward Dog, so bend your knees as needed. See Yoga for Runners.

Hatha (HAH-tah)

A broad term for physical yoga. In most studios today it means a slower class where poses are held for several breaths. See our Hatha Yoga guide.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika (HAH-tah YOH-gah prah-DEE-pee-kah)

A classic medieval manual of hatha yoga by Svatmarama, describing asanas, pranayama, bandhas, mudras and cleansing practices. See The History of Yoga.

Hip Opener

Any pose that stretches the muscles around the hips, such as Pigeon, Bound Angle or Lizard. They are popular with runners and desk workers. See Yoga for Desk Workers.

Hot Yoga

Yoga practiced in a heated room. Hydrate well and take breaks, and check with your doctor if you have heart issues or are pregnant. See our Hot Yoga guide.

I

Ida (EE-dah)

The left energy channel (nadi), associated with lunar, cooling and calming qualities. It spirals around the central sushumna.

Inversion

Any pose where the head is below the heart, from Downward Dog to Headstand. Gentle inversions such as Legs Up the Wall suit most beginners. See Wall Yoga.

Ishvara Pranidhana (EESH-vah-rah prah-nee-DAH-nah)

Surrender to a higher power or to something greater than yourself, the fifth niyama. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Iyengar Yoga (eye-YEN-gar YOH-gah)

A style developed by B.K.S. Iyengar that emphasizes precise alignment, longer holds and creative use of props. See Types of Yoga.

J

Jalandhara Bandha (jah-lahn-DAH-rah BAHN-dah)

The chin lock: lengthening the back of the neck and drawing the chin toward the chest, usually during breath retention.

Janu Sirsasana (JAH-noo shear-SHAHS-ah-nah)

Head to Knee Pose, a seated forward fold over one straight leg with the other knee bent and foot against the inner thigh. See Seated Forward Bend.

Japa (JAH-pah)

The repetition of a mantra, often counted on mala beads, as a form of meditation.

Jathara Parivartanasana (JAH-tah-rah par-ee-var-tah-NAHS-ah-nah)

Revolved Abdomen Pose, a reclined twist with the knees or legs lowered to one side while the shoulders stay grounded.

Jnana Yoga (NYAH-nah YOH-gah)

The yoga of knowledge and wisdom, practiced through study, reflection and self-inquiry. See Types of Yoga.

K

Kapalabhati (kah-pah-lah-BAH-tee)

Skull shining breath: short, forceful exhales through the nose with passive inhales. It is energizing but not advised during pregnancy. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Karma (KAR-mah)

Action, and the principle that actions have consequences. It is often summed up as “what you sow, you reap.”

Karma Yoga (KAR-mah YOH-gah)

The yoga of selfless action, doing your work and serving others without attachment to reward.

Kirtan (KEER-tahn)

Call and response devotional chanting, often with music, rooted in bhakti yoga.

Kosha (KOH-shah)

One of five “sheaths” or layers of the self described in the Upanishads, from the physical body to the bliss body.

Kriya (KREE-yah)

Action. In yoga it refers to cleansing practices, or to specific sets of exercises, as in Kundalini yoga.

Kumbhaka (koom-BAH-kah)

Breath retention, a pause after the inhale or exhale. Beginners should keep retentions short and comfortable. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Kundalini (koon-dah-LEE-nee)

The dormant energy said to rest at the base of the spine. Kundalini yoga combines breath, movement, mantra and meditation to awaken it. See our Kundalini Yoga guide.

L

Legs Up the Wall

A restful inversion where you lie on your back with your legs resting up a wall. The Sanskrit name is Viparita Karani. See Yoga for Sleep.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (LOH-kah sah-MAH-stah soo-KEE-noh bah-VAHN-too)

A popular closing mantra often translated as “may all beings everywhere be happy and free.”

Lumbar Spine

The five vertebrae of the lower back. Many alignment cues aim to keep this area long and supported in backbends and forward folds. See Yoga for Lower Back Pain.

M

Mala (MAH-lah)

A string of prayer beads, traditionally 108, used to count mantra repetitions.

Malasana (mah-LAHS-ah-nah)

Garland Pose or yogi squat, a deep squat with heels down (or on a rolled blanket) and hands at the heart.

Manipura (mah-nee-POO-rah)

The third chakra, located at the solar plexus, associated with confidence and willpower. See our guide to the chakras.

Mantra (MAHN-trah)

A sound, word or phrase repeated to focus the mind, such as Om. See What Does Om Mean?.

Marjaryasana (mar-jar-ee-AHS-ah-nah)

Cat Pose, rounding the spine on an exhale from hands and knees. It pairs with Cow Pose to warm up the spine. See our Cat Cow guide.

Matsyasana (maht-see-AHS-ah-nah)

Fish Pose, a reclined backbend that opens the chest and throat, often done after Shoulder Stand.

Micro-bend

A tiny bend in a joint, usually the knees or elbows, to avoid locking or hyperextending them.

Moksha (MOHK-shah)

Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth, the ultimate goal in many Indian philosophies.

Mudra (MOO-drah)

A seal or gesture, usually with the hands, used to direct attention and energy. See Yoga Mudras.

Mula Bandha (MOO-lah BAHN-dah)

The root lock, a subtle lift of the pelvic floor muscles that supports stability in poses and breathwork.

Muladhara (moo-lah-DAH-rah)

The first chakra, or root chakra, at the base of the spine, linked with grounding and safety. See our guide to the chakras.

N

Nadi (NAH-dee)

An energy channel in the subtle body. Traditional texts often say there are 72,000 nadis, with ida, pingala and sushumna as the most important.

Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee SHOH-dah-nah)

Alternate nostril breathing, inhaling and exhaling through one nostril at a time to balance and calm the mind. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Namaste (NAH-mah-stay)

A respectful Sanskrit greeting often translated as “I bow to you,” commonly said at the end of class. See What Does Namaste Mean?.

Natarajasana (nah-tah-rah-JAHS-ah-nah)

Dancer’s Pose, a standing balance where you hold one foot behind you and reach forward, combining a backbend with balance.

Navasana (nah-VAHS-ah-nah)

Boat Pose, balancing on the sit bones with legs lifted. It builds core and hip flexor strength. See our Boat Pose guide.

Neutral Spine

The spine’s natural curves held without rounding or arching. It is a common starting point for safe movement.

Niyama (nee-YAH-mah)

The second limb of yoga: five personal observances, saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya and ishvara pranidhana. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

O

Ocean Breath

A common English name for Ujjayi breathing, named for its soft, wave-like sound.

Om (OHM)

Also written Aum, the sacred sound often chanted at the start and end of class. It is said to represent the vibration of the universe. See What Does Om Mean?.

P

Padmasana (pad-MAHS-ah-nah)

Lotus Pose, a seated posture with each foot resting on the opposite thigh. It requires very open hips, so never force the knees. See our Lotus Pose guide.

Parivrtta (par-ee-VRIT-tah)

Sanskrit for “revolved,” used in names of twisting poses such as Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle).

Parsvottanasana (parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-ah-nah)

Pyramid Pose or Intense Side Stretch, a standing forward fold over the front leg with both legs straight. It deeply stretches the hamstrings.

Paschimottanasana (POSH-ee-moh-tan-AHS-ah-nah)

Seated Forward Bend, folding over both straight legs to stretch the whole back of the body. See our Seated Forward Bend guide.

Patanjali (pah-TAHN-jah-lee)

The sage traditionally credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras, the foundational text of classical yoga. See The History of Yoga.

Pelvic Floor

The layer of muscles at the base of the pelvis that supports the organs. Gently engaging it relates to mula bandha. See Prenatal Yoga.

Phalakasana (pah-lah-KAHS-ah-nah)

Plank Pose, holding the body in one straight line on the hands and toes. It builds full body strength. See our Plank Pose guide.

Pingala (pin-GAH-lah)

The right energy channel (nadi), associated with solar, warming and energizing qualities.

Prana (PRAH-nah)

Life force or vital energy, closely connected with the breath.

Pranayama (prah-nah-YAH-mah)

Breath regulation, the fourth limb of yoga. It includes techniques such as ujjayi, nadi shodhana and kapalabhati. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Prasarita Padottanasana (prah-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-ah-nah)

Wide Legged Forward Fold, folding forward with feet set wide apart to stretch the hamstrings and inner legs.

Pratyahara (prah-tyah-HAH-rah)

Withdrawal of the senses, the fifth limb, turning attention inward away from external distractions. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Props

Tools such as blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets and chairs that make poses more supported, accessible and safe. See Yoga at Home.

R

Raja Yoga (RAH-jah YOH-gah)

The “royal” path of meditation and mental discipline, often linked with Patanjali’s eight limbs. See Types of Yoga.

Rajas (RAH-jahs)

One of the three gunas, the quality of activity, passion and restlessness.

Restorative Yoga

A slow, deeply relaxing style using props to fully support the body in a few long held poses. See our Restorative Yoga guide.

Rotation

Turning a body part around its axis. Spinal rotation happens in twists, while hip rotation (internal or external) shapes many hip openers.

S

Sadhana (SAH-dah-nah)

A dedicated daily spiritual practice, whether asana, meditation, chanting or study.

Sahasrara (sah-hahs-RAH-rah)

The seventh chakra, or crown chakra, at the top of the head, associated with spiritual connection. See our guide to the chakras.

Salabhasana (shah-lah-BAHS-ah-nah)

Locust Pose, a prone backbend that lifts the chest and legs to strengthen the back body.

Samadhi (sah-MAH-dee)

The eighth limb of yoga, a state of complete absorption or union, described as the culmination of practice. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Samskara (sahm-SKAH-rah)

A mental impression or habit pattern left by past experience. Practice aims to create helpful new samskaras.

Sankalpa (sahn-KAHL-pah)

A heartfelt intention or resolve, often set at the beginning of yoga nidra. See Yoga Nidra.

Santosha (sahn-TOH-shah)

Contentment, the second niyama: finding ease with what is. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Sarvangasana (sar-vahn-GAHS-ah-nah)

Shoulder Stand, an inversion supported on the shoulders and upper arms. Use blankets under the shoulders and avoid it with neck problems.

Sattva (SAHT-vah)

One of the three gunas, the quality of balance, clarity and harmony.

Satya (SAHT-yah)

Truthfulness, the second yama, practiced in speech, action and honesty with yourself. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Saucha (SHOW-chah)

Cleanliness or purity of body, mind and surroundings, the first niyama. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Savasana (shah-VAHS-ah-nah)

Corpse Pose, the final relaxation lying on your back. Many teachers call it the most important pose of practice. See our Savasana guide.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SAY-too BAHN-dah sar-vahn-GAHS-ah-nah)

Bridge Pose, lifting the hips from lying on your back with knees bent. It strengthens the glutes and opens the chest. See our Bridge Pose guide.

Shanti (SHAHN-tee)

Peace. It is often chanted three times at the end of a mantra (Om shanti shanti shanti).

Simhasana (sim-HAHS-ah-nah)

Lion Pose, a playful posture with a forceful exhale, tongue out and eyes wide (often called lion’s breath). It releases facial tension. See Face Yoga.

Sirsasana (shear-SHAHS-ah-nah)

Headstand, an advanced inversion balanced on the forearms and crown of the head. Learn it with a qualified teacher.

Sitali (shee-TAH-lee)

Cooling breath, inhaling through a curled tongue (or pursed lips) and exhaling through the nose. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Sukhasana (soo-KAHS-ah-nah)

Easy Pose, a simple cross-legged seat. Sit on a folded blanket if your knees are higher than your hips. See How to Meditate.

Supta Baddha Konasana (SOOP-tah BAH-dah koh-NAHS-ah-nah)

Reclined Bound Angle Pose, lying back with soles of the feet together and knees open, often supported by props. See Restorative Yoga.

Supta Matsyendrasana (SOOP-tah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Supine Spinal Twist, lying on your back and drawing one knee across the body. It is a gentle way to end practice. See Yoga for Sleep.

Surya Namaskar (SOOR-yah nah-mahs-KAR)

Sun Salutation, a flowing sequence of poses linked with breath, commonly used as a warm-up. See our Sun Salutation guide.

Sushumna (soo-SHOOM-nah)

The central energy channel running along the spine, through which kundalini is said to rise.

Sutra (SOO-trah)

Literally “thread,” a concise aphorism. The Yoga Sutras are a collection of 196 of them in the most widely used editions.

Svadhisthana (svahd-hee-STAH-nah)

The second chakra, or sacral chakra, below the navel, associated with creativity and emotion. See our guide to the chakras.

Svadhyaya (svahd-YAH-yah)

Self-study, the fourth niyama: reflection and study of meaningful texts. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

T

Tadasana (tah-DAHS-ah-nah)

Mountain Pose, standing tall with feet grounded and spine long. It is the blueprint for all standing poses. See our Mountain Pose guide.

Tamas (TAH-mahs)

One of the three gunas, the quality of heaviness, inertia and rest.

Tantra (TAHN-trah)

A family of spiritual traditions that use ritual, mantra, visualization and energy practices. Many hatha yoga techniques grew out of tantric traditions. See The History of Yoga.

Tapas (TAH-pahs)

Discipline or inner fire, the third niyama: the effort that keeps you practicing. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Trikonasana (trik-oh-NAHS-ah-nah)

Triangle Pose, a wide standing pose reaching one hand toward the front shin and the other toward the sky. See our Triangle Pose guide.

U

Uddiyana Bandha (oo-dee-YAH-nah BAHN-dah)

The abdominal lock, drawing the belly in and up, traditionally practiced on an empty stomach after exhaling.

Ujjayi (oo-JAI-ee)

Victorious breath, slow nasal breathing with a slight constriction in the throat that creates a soft ocean sound. See Pranayama Breathing Techniques.

Upanishads (oo-PAH-nee-shahds)

Ancient philosophical texts that explore the nature of the self and reality, and are among the earliest sources of yogic ideas. See The History of Yoga.

Urdhva Dhanurasana (OORD-vah dah-noo-RAHS-ah-nah)

Upward Bow or Wheel Pose, a full backbend pressing up from the back onto hands and feet.

Urdhva Hastasana (OORD-vah hahs-TAHS-ah-nah)

Upward Salute, reaching the arms overhead from Mountain Pose, a part of sun salutations. See Sun Salutation.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (OORD-vah MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-ah-nah)

Upward Facing Dog, a backbend with hands and tops of the feet on the floor and thighs lifted. See Cobra Pose.

Ustrasana (oo-STRAHS-ah-nah)

Camel Pose, a kneeling backbend reaching the hands toward the heels or lower back. See our Camel Pose guide.

Utkatasana (oot-kah-TAHS-ah-nah)

Chair Pose, bending the knees as if sitting in an invisible chair with arms raised. It strengthens the legs. See our Chair Pose guide.

Uttanasana (oot-tahn-AHS-ah-nah)

Standing Forward Fold, hinging at the hips to fold over the legs. Bend your knees as much as you like.

Utthita Parsvakonasana (oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-koh-NAHS-ah-nah)

Extended Side Angle Pose, a wide lunge with the forearm on the thigh or hand to the floor and the top arm reaching overhead. See Warrior 2.

V

Vairagya (vai-RAHG-yah)

Non-attachment or dispassion, letting go of cravings. It is the partner of abhyasa in the Yoga Sutras.

Vasisthasana (vah-shees-TAHS-ah-nah)

Side Plank, balancing on one hand and the edge of one foot with the body in a straight line. See Plank Pose.

Vedas (VAY-dahs)

The oldest scriptures of India, composed in Sanskrit, in which the word yoga first appears. See The History of Yoga.

Vinyasa (vin-YAH-sah)

Linking breath with movement, and the name of a flowing style of yoga. See our Vinyasa Yoga guide.

Viparita Karani (vih-pah-REE-tah kah-RAH-nee)

Legs Up the Wall Pose, a gentle restorative inversion that many people use to unwind before bed. See Wall Yoga.

Virabhadrasana I (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Warrior 1, a lunge with the back foot angled, hips facing forward and arms overhead. See our Warrior 1 guide.

Virabhadrasana II (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Warrior 2, a wide stance lunge with hips open to the side and arms extended parallel to the floor. See our Warrior 2 guide.

Virabhadrasana III (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-ah-nah)

Warrior 3, a standing balance with the torso and lifted leg forming a line parallel to the floor.

Virasana (veer-AHS-ah-nah)

Hero Pose, kneeling and sitting between the heels. Sit on a block if your knees need support.

Vishuddha (vih-SHOO-dah)

The fifth chakra, or throat chakra, associated with communication and self-expression. See our guide to the chakras.

Vritti (VRIT-tee)

A fluctuation or movement of the mind. Yoga is defined in the Sutras as the stilling of the vrittis.

Vrksasana (vrik-SHAHS-ah-nah)

Tree Pose, standing on one leg with the other foot on the inner calf or thigh, never on the knee. See our Tree Pose guide.

W

Wheel Pose

The common English name for Urdhva Dhanurasana, a full backbend on hands and feet.

Y

Yama (YAH-mah)

The first limb of yoga: five ethical restraints, ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Yin Yoga (YIN YOH-gah)

A slow style of long held, passive floor poses, typically held for three to five minutes. See our Yin Yoga guide.

Yoga (YOH-gah)

From the Sanskrit root yuj, “to yoke” or “to unite.” It is a practice of body, breath and mind with roots in ancient India. See What Is Yoga?.

Yoga Nidra (YOH-gah NEE-drah)

“Yogic sleep,” a guided meditation done lying down that leads you into deep relaxation while staying aware. See our Yoga Nidra guide.

Yoga Sutras (YOH-gah SOO-trahs)

Patanjali’s classic text of short aphorisms on the philosophy and practice of yoga, including the eight limbs. See The Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Yogi (YOH-gee)

A person who practices yoga. Yogini is a traditional feminine form. See Start Here.

Key Takeaways

• “Asana” means pose, so most Sanskrit pose names end in it.
• The eight limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi) are the backbone of yoga philosophy.
• Pranayama terms describe breathing techniques, from calming nadi shodhana to energizing kapalabhati.
• Chakras, nadis and bandhas describe yoga’s traditional model of subtle energy.
• You do not need to know Sanskrit to practice. Learning a few words simply makes classes easier to follow.