Yoga Glossary:
Essential Yoga Terms and Definitions
Your Guide to Yoga Language
Welcome to the Fountain Yoga Yoga Glossary — your go-to guide for understanding the language of yoga. Whether you’re just beginning your practice or looking to deepen your knowledge, this glossary offers clear definitions of yoga poses, chakras, breathing techniques, and philosophy. Use it as a quick reference or as a way to connect more deeply with the roots of yoga.
💡 Don’t forget to check out our Yoga Glossary FAQ at the end of this guide for quick answers to common questions!
A
Ahimsa
The practice of non-violence in thought, word, and action. Ahimsa encourages compassion for all beings, including yourself, and is considered the foundation of yoga ethics.
Ananda
A state of spiritual bliss or joy that arises from deep meditation and connection to the Self.
Asana – Physical yoga posture. Each asana is designed to promote strength, flexibility, balance, and inner stillness.
Asteya
Non-stealing, which extends beyond material things to include not taking others’ time, energy, or ideas unfairly.
Aum (Om)
The sacred vibration of the universe, symbolizing creation, preservation, and dissolution. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of yoga practices.
Ayurveda
The ancient Indian system of natural medicine and holistic living, often called yoga’s sister science. Ayurveda emphasizes balance through diet, lifestyle, herbs, and daily routines tailored to an individual’s dosha (constitution: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Together with yoga, Ayurveda supports harmony of body, mind, and spirit.
B
Balasana
Child’s Pose, a gentle resting posture that provides grounding, relaxation, and release of tension in the back and hips.
Bandha
Energy lock used to control and direct prana (life force) within the body. Main bandhas include Mula (root), Uddiyana (abdomen), and Jalandhara (throat).
Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion, practiced through prayer, chanting, or singing as a means to connect with the divine.
Bhramari
A calming pranayama known as “humming bee breath,” which soothes the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Brahmacharya
Moderation or right use of energy in all areas of life, traditionally associated with celibacy but interpreted as mindful living.
C
Chakra
Energy centers in the body. There are seven main chakras, each linked to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Chaturanga Dandasana
Four-limbed staff pose, similar to a low plank. It strengthens the arms, shoulders, and core while preparing the body for upward-facing poses.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Located at the very top of the head, the crown chakra represents spiritual connection, higher consciousness, and universal awareness. When balanced, it brings a sense of peace, clarity, and unity with the divine. Imbalance can lead to disconnection, confusion, or lack of purpose.
D
Dharma
One’s sacred duty, life purpose, or path that aligns with truth and universal order.
Dharana
Concentration, or holding the mind steady on a single point, such as the breath, mantra, or object of focus.
Dhyana
Meditation, the practice of focusing the mind and cultivating awareness, leading to deeper states of peace and insight.
Drishti
A focused gaze point that aids concentration and balance in asanas and meditation.
Duhkha
Suffering or dissatisfaction, considered a universal human experience that yoga seeks to overcome.
E
Eight Limbs of Yoga
A framework described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outlining the path to spiritual growth and self-realization. The eight limbs are: Yamas (ethical restraints), Niyamas (personal observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union or enlightenment).
G
Guna
The three qualities of nature: sattva (purity, harmony), rajas (activity, passion), and tamas (inertia, ignorance).
Guru
A teacher or spiritual guide who helps students progress along their yoga path.
H
Hatha Yoga
A branch of yoga emphasizing physical postures, breathing techniques, and energy balancing, often seen as the foundation of modern yoga.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Located in the center of the chest, the Heart Chakra symbolizes unconditional love, compassion, and emotional balance. A balanced heart allows for empathy, forgiveness, and meaningful connections. Imbalances may appear as grief, jealousy, or difficulty trusting others.
Hot Yoga
Yoga practiced in a heated room, designed to encourage sweating, flexibility, and detoxification.
I
Ishvara Pranidhana
Surrender to a higher power or divine presence, one of the niyamas in yoga philosophy.
Iyengar Yoga
A style of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, focusing on alignment, precision, and the use of props to support the body.
J
Jnana Yoga
The yoga of wisdom and knowledge, using study and contemplation to understand the Self.
Japa
Repetition of a mantra or sacred sound, often with mala beads, to focus the mind and deepen meditation.
K
Karma Yoga
The yoga of selfless service, offering actions without attachment to outcomes.
Kirtan
Devotional chanting in a call-and-response style, often accompanied by instruments.
Kosha
The five sheaths or layers of the self: physical, energetic, mental, wisdom, and bliss.
Kundalini
Dormant spiritual energy believed to rest at the base of the spine, awakened through practice to move upward through the chakras.
L
Lotus Pose (Padmasana)
A traditional seated posture for meditation, symbolizing spiritual awakening and stability.
Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu
A Sanskrit mantra meaning “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.”
M
Mantra
A sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated to focus the mind, elevate energy, and connect with spiritual truth.
Mudra
Hand gestures or seals used in meditation and pranayama to direct energy flow.
Mula Bandha
Root lock, engaging the pelvic floor muscles to seal and lift energy.
Moksha
Liberation or release from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara).
N
Namaste
A respectful greeting meaning “The divine light in me honors the divine light in you.”
Nadi
Subtle energy channels in the body through which prana flows.
Nadi Shodhana
Alternate nostril breathing, balancing energy and calming the mind.
Niyama
Personal observances for self-discipline and inner growth. Includes saucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), and ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine).
O
Om Shanti
A traditional mantra often chanted at the end of yoga practices. Om is the universal sound symbolizing the vibration of creation, while Shanti means peace. Repeating "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" invokes peace in body, mind, and spirit, as well as peace in the environment and among all beings. This mantra is used to cultivate harmony, release tension, and align with inner and universal tranquility.
P
Prana
Life force energy that sustains body, mind, and spirit.
Pranayama
Breath control practices designed to expand prana (life force), calm the nervous system, and focus the mind.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of the senses, turning attention inward and reducing distractions to prepare for meditation.
Patanjali
Sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of yoga philosophy.
R
Raja Yoga
Known as the “royal path,” focusing on meditation and mental discipline.
Restorative Yoga
A gentle yoga style using props to encourage complete relaxation and healing.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Located at the base of the spine, this chakra is associated with grounding, survival, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and security. A balanced Root Chakra provides stability, safety, and a strong foundation for growth. Imbalances may lead to fear, anxiety, or insecurity.
S
Sadhana
Daily spiritual discipline or practice.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Situated in the lower abdomen, the Sacral Chakra governs creativity, sexuality, pleasure, and emotional flow. When balanced, it fosters healthy relationships, passion, and joy. Imbalances can manifest as guilt, emotional instability, or lack of creative energy.
Samadhi
The ultimate state of yoga, where the practitioner experiences union with universal consciousness and liberation from ego.
Samsara
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Santosha
Contentment and gratitude for what is.
Savasana
Corpse Pose, practiced at the end of a session to integrate benefits and relax deeply.
Seva
Selfless service for the benefit of others.
Shakti
Divine feminine energy, representing creative power.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Found in the upper abdomen, this chakra is the center of personal power, will, and self-confidence. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra encourages motivation, self-esteem, and purpose. Imbalance may cause low self-worth, digestive issues, or difficulty making decisions.
Surya Namaskar
Sun Salutation, a sequence of postures often used to warm up and energize.
Svadhyaya
Self-study, reflection, and study of sacred texts.
T
Tapas
Discipline, willpower, and the heat of focused practice.
Tadasana
Mountain Pose, a grounding and alignment-focused standing posture.
Trataka
Candle-gazing meditation used to improve concentration and cleanse the eyes.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Positioned between the eyebrows, the Third Eye Chakra is the center of intuition, insight, and inner wisdom. A balanced Third Eye fosters clarity, imagination, and spiritual awareness. Imbalance may cause confusion, lack of direction, or disconnection from intuition.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Found in the throat area, this chakra governs communication, truth, and authentic expression. When balanced, it supports clarity, honesty, and confident speaking. Imbalances may cause fear of expression, shyness, or issues with the throat and voice.
U
Ujjayi Breath
Victorious breath; a slow, oceanic-sounding breath often used in vinyasa flow.
Upanishads
Ancient spiritual texts that explore the nature of reality and the Self.
Utkatasana
Chair Pose, strengthening the legs and building endurance.
V
Vinyasa
A style of yoga linking breath with movement in flowing sequences.
Vipassana
Insight meditation, cultivating awareness of sensations and thoughts.
Vrksasana
Tree Pose, a balancing posture that improves focus and stability.
Vairagya
Detachment, letting go of desires and clinging.
W
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
A powerful standing pose symbolizing strength and determination. In Warrior I, the front knee bends deeply while the back leg remains extended and grounded, with arms reaching overhead. This pose builds stamina, opens the chest and lungs, strengthens the legs, and cultivates focus and courage.
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
A grounding and expansive posture representing stability and readiness. With the front knee bent and the back leg strong, arms extend out to the sides at shoulder height. This pose improves balance, strengthens the lower body, opens the hips, and encourages mental clarity and perseverance.
Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)
A dynamic balancing pose symbolizing strength in motion. The body leans forward parallel to the ground with one leg lifted back and arms extended forward or alongside the body. This pose strengthens the core, legs, and back, enhances balance, and develops concentration, willpower, and resilience.
Y
Yamas
Ethical restraints guiding how we interact with others. Includes ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (moderation), and aparigraha (non-attachment).
Yoga
Means “union.” A holistic practice of harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.
Yogi/Yogini
A male (yogi) or female (yogini) practitioner of yoga.
Yoga Nidra
Also known as "yogic sleep," Yoga Nidra is a powerful relaxation and meditation technique practiced lying down. It guides practitioners into a state between wakefulness and sleep, where the body is deeply relaxed but the mind remains aware. This practice reduces stress, supports healing, enhances creativity, and brings clarity by accessing deeper layers of consciousness.
Yoga Sutras
Foundational text by Patanjali outlining the philosophy and practice of yoga.
Frequently asked questions
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