Yoga Glossary

Complete yoga glossary — from asana to chakra. Clear definitions of Sanskrit terms with pronunciation and explanations in the context of Iyengar yoga.

Philosophy

Yoga

Philosophy

Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit and is an ancient system for physical, mental, and spiritual development with over 5,000 years of history.

Ahiṃsā

Ahimsa

Philosophy

Ahimsa means "non-violence" and is the first and most important ethical principle (yama) in yoga philosophy — the foundation of all practice.

Dharma

Philosophy

Dharma means "duty," "law," or "right path" and is a central concept in yoga philosophy for living in harmony with universal order.

Karma

Philosophy

Karma means "action" and describes the universal law of cause and effect — every action generates a corresponding result.

Namaste

Philosophy

Namaste means "I bow to you" and is a traditional greeting of respect that honors the divine spark in every being.

Asanas & Practice

Āsana

Asana

Asanas & Practice

Asana means "pose" or "seat" in Sanskrit. In Iyengar yoga, asanas are practiced with precise alignment and full awareness.

Vinyāsa

Vinyasa

Asanas & Practice

Vinyasa means "to place in a special way" and describes the flowing transition between poses synchronized with breathing in yoga.

Dṛṣṭi

Drishti

Asanas & Practice

Drishti is the technique of directing the gaze toward a specific point during yoga practice, deepening concentration and inner awareness.

Bandha

Asanas & Practice

Bandha means "lock" or "seal" and describes internal muscular contractions that direct and contain energy (prana) within the body.

Mudrā

Mudra

Asanas & Practice

Mudra means "seal" or "gesture" and describes symbolic hand and finger positions that direct the flow of energy in the body.

Technique

Alignment

Technique

Alignment is the precise positioning of the body in yoga poses — a core principle of the Iyengar method for safe and effective practice.

Prop

Technique

Props are support tools like blocks, straps, and blankets used in Iyengar yoga for accessibility and precision in every pose.

Sequencing

Technique

Sequencing in yoga is the art of ordering poses in a specific sequence to achieve maximum benefit and safety.

Pranayama

Prāṇāyāma

Pranayama

Pranayama is the fourth limb of yoga and encompasses conscious breath control through specific techniques of inhalation, exhalation, and retention.

Ujjāyī

Ujjayi

Pranayama

Ujjayi is the "victorious breath" — a foundational pranayama technique with a characteristic soft sound created by gently constricting the throat.

Nāḍī Śodhana

Nadi Shodhana

Pranayama

Nadi Shodhana is a technique for purifying the energy channels through alternate breathing between the left and right nostrils.