Yoga is a method of physical, spiritual, and mental
healing through postures and meditation. Yoga is described as a mental and
physical journey. Practicing yoga provides physical and mental relaxation. The
teaching of yoga consists of 8 stages. Amidst the daily hustle and bustle, you
can rest your mind and body with yoga. Many people who start practicing yoga
want to learn about yoga terminology. When explaining certain poses in yoga,
Sanskrit terminology is used. Knowing the meanings of commonly used Sanskrit
words and terms can be useful in practice. Here are yoga
terms for beginners and those who are curious...
Basic Yoga Terminology
Asana: It refers to the postures or
poses performed during yoga practice.
Bandha: Translated as "lock,"
bandha helps energy flow into blocked areas of the body and provides support.
When a bandha is applied, energy is restricted in a specific area, and upon
release, energy flows more forcefully throughout the body. However, bandha
practices are more advanced and may not be suitable for beginners.
Chakra: Literally meaning
"wheel" or "rotation," chakra refers to the energy centers
in our body.
Dhrishti: It is the technique of
establishing a focal point for the gaze and fixing the eyes during yoga
practice.
Karmic: Refers to the accumulation of
one's actions or deeds. Karmic imprints are the residual effects of unresolved
past events that we carry into the present.
Mantra: "Man" means
"mind," and "tra" means "tool" or
"instrument." Mantra involves repeating certain sounds or words to
harness the power of vibration for meditation.
Mudra: In Sanskrit, mudra means
"seal" or "sign." Mudras are mystical seals, with some
involving the whole body while most are performed with the hands.
Nadi: Translated as "channel"
or "tube," nadi represents the channel system through which
prana/chi, the life force energy, flows.
Namaste: It is an expression of deepest
respect and translates to "I bow to the divine within you" or
"The divine in me bows to the divine in you."
Om: It represents the syllables A-U-M and signifies
wakefulness, dream state, and deep sleep. It is believed to be the primordial
sound heard during the creation of the universe.
Prana: Referring to the life force
energy, also known as chi, prana is a vital force that exists within all living
and non-living things.
Pranayama: Often
described as breath control, pranayama involves expanding and extending the
dimensions of prana.
Samadhi: The final stage of the eight-fold
path of yoga, samadhi is the state of complete absorption or enlightenment. It
is characterized by supreme consciousness, transcendence, unity, and merging
with the divine. Samadhi is described as infinite peace, happiness, and the
realization of oneness. It is the dissolution of the ego or self-identity,
leading to a state of unity consciousness.
Vinyasa: It translates to "placing in
a special way." Vinyasa refers to the coordinated movement of asanas with
the breath throughout the practice.
Please note that this translation is based on the provided text, and variations in the interpretation of these terms may exist.
