Yoga: Basic Terms & Meanings

1. Yoga (योग)

Meaning: Union, integration, or discipline
Root: Sanskrit root Yuj – to yoke, join, or unite

Yoga refers to the union of body, breath, mind, and awareness. In classical texts, Yoga is a disciplined method to still mental fluctuations and realize one’s true nature.

Reference:
- Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2 – “Yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ”
- yogasutra.org

2. Asana (आसन)

Meaning: Posture or seat

Asana refers to physical postures designed to create stability, flexibility, strength, and comfort in the body. In classical Yoga, asanas prepare the body for meditation rather than being an end in themselves.

Classical definition:
- “Sthira sukham āsanam”

Reference:
- Yoga Sutra 2.46
- sivanandaonline.org

3. Pranayama (प्राणायाम)

Meaning: Regulation or expansion of life force
Components: Prana (life energy) + Ayama (control or expansion)

Pranayama consists of breathing techniques that influence the nervous system, metabolism, and mental state. Proper practice enhances vitality and inner balance.

Common techniques:
- Anulom Vilom
- Kapalabhati
- Bhramari
- Nadi Shodhana

Reference:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 2
- biharyoga.net

4. Prana (प्राण)

Meaning: Vital life energy

Prana is the subtle energy that animates all living beings. In the human system, prana flows through nadis and is regulated through breath, food, thought, and awareness.

Related concept:
- Five Pranas: Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana

Reference:
- Upanishads
- swamij.com/prana.htm

5. Nadis (नाड़ी)

Meaning: Energy channels

Nadis are subtle pathways through which prana flows. Though not physical nerves, they influence physiological and psychological functions.

Major Nadis:
- Ida (left, cooling, lunar)
- Pingala (right, heating, solar)
- Sushumna (central, spiritual ascent)

Reference:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- yogapedia.com

6. Chakras (चक्र)

Meaning: Wheels or energy centers

Chakras are psycho-energetic centers aligned along the spine. They govern physical organs, emotions, and states of consciousness.

Seven primary chakras:
1. Muladhara – Root
2. Svadhisthana – Sacral
3. Manipura – Solar Plexus
4. Anahata – Heart
5. Vishuddha – Throat
6. Ajna – Brow
7. Sahasrara – Crown

Reference:
- Sat-Chakra-Nirupana
- swamij.com/chakras.htm

7. Dhyana (ध्यान)

Meaning: Meditation

Dhyana is sustained, effortless awareness without distraction. It is not concentration but a continuous flow of attention toward the object of meditation.

Place in Yoga:
- 7th limb of Ashtanga Yoga

Reference:
- Yoga Sutra 3.2
- himalayaninstitute.org

8. Dharana (धारणा)

Meaning: Concentration

Dharana is the practice of fixing attention on a single point, such as breath, mantra, or symbol. It precedes meditation.

Reference:
- Yoga Sutra 3.1

9. Samadhi (समाधि)

Meaning: Complete absorption

Samadhi is the culmination of Yoga, where the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object merge into one state of awareness.

Types:
- Savikalpa Samadhi
- Nirvikalpa Samadhi

Reference:
- Yoga Sutra, Chapter 4
- yogapedia.com

10. Mantra (मन्त्र)

Meaning: Sacred sound or formula

Mantras are vibrational tools used to focus the mind and influence consciousness. They may be chanted aloud or mentally.

Examples:
- Om (ॐ)
- Gayatri Mantra

Reference:
- Vedic literature
- vedabase.io

11. Mudra (मुद्रा)

Meaning: Seal or gesture

Mudras are symbolic hand or body gestures that redirect energy flow and deepen inner awareness.

Examples:
- Gyan Mudra
- Chin Mudra
- Khechari Mudra

Reference:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- yogapedia.com

12. Bandha (बन्ध)

Meaning: Energy lock

Bandhas are internal muscular locks used during pranayama and meditation to control the movement of prana.

Major Bandhas:
- Mula Bandha
- Uddiyana Bandha
- Jalandhara Bandha

Reference:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- biharyoga.net

13. Ashtanga Yoga (अष्टाङ्ग योग)

Meaning: Eight-limbed path of Yoga

Outlined by Patanjali, Ashtanga Yoga provides a complete framework for ethical living, discipline, and realization.

Eight limbs:
1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi

Reference:
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- yogasutra.org

14. Yama & Niyama (यम, नियम)

Meaning: Ethical restraints and observances

These form the moral foundation of Yoga.

Yamas:
- Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha

Niyamas:
- Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishvara Pranidhana

Reference:
- Yoga Sutra 2.29–2.45