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Glossary Of Terms
Asana:
The third of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The physical
postures.
Ashram:
Typically secluded community setting where
yoga is practiced.
Asthanga:
Meaning "8 limbs", referring to the eight limbs of Raja Yoga:
- Yama- The "don'ts of living... 5 Moral Restraints: Ahimsa-Non
Violence, Satyam-Truthfulness, Bramacharya-Moderation of all things, (control
of senses), Asteya-Non stealing, Aparigraha-Noncovetousness
- Niyama- The "do's" of living... 5 Ethical precepts: Saucha-Purity,
Santosha-Contentment, Tapas-Austerity, Swadhyaya-Study of the sacred texts,
Ishwara Pranidhana-Surrender to God's will.
- Asana- The physical postures (poses) of yoga
- Pranayama- Regulation & control of the breath (Asanas and
Pranayama form a subdivision of Raja Yoga Called Hatha Yoga.)
- Pratyahara- Withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
- Dharana- Concentration. The last three steps constitute the
internal practice of Raja Yoga. When Dharana is achieved, it then leads
to the next step...
- Dhyana- Meditation... is that state of pure thought and absorption
in the object of meditation. there is still duality in Dhyana.
When mastered Dhyana leads to the last step...
- Samadhi- The super consciousness state. In Samadhi
non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest
state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi
is one with the self or God.
Commonly you will also hear this word in association with a style of Hatha
yoga practice that emphasizes strength and intense stretching. An athletic
yoga style, popularly known as Power Yoga or Flow Yoga.
Ayurveda:
Ancient holistic Indian medical system that places emphasis on the
individual's involvement in his or her own well-being.
Bhagavad Gita:
Essential text of Hindu philosophy; contains essential yoga concepts.
Bhakti:
Yogic system of devotion or unselfish love.
Bhujangasana:
Cobra
posture.
Chakras:
The body's spiritual energy centers.
Dhyana:
Meditation.
Guru:
Yoga master.
Hatha:
Yogic system of balancing the body's energies. Consists of
three of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The physical exercises, known
as asana; The breathing practice known as Pranayama, and the meditation known
as Dhyana.
Iyengar:
As taught by Sri B.K.S
Iyengar, a style of Hatha yoga practice that emphasizes structure and
alignment... The use of props comes from the teaching of Mr. Iyengar.
Jnana:
Yogic system of knowledge.
Kaivalya:
Freedom
from identification with the ups and downs of life and the fluctuation of
thought.
Kapalabhati:
Cleansing breath. The Breath of Fire.
Karma:
Yogic system of action and service.
Kundalini:
The body's energy that is found coiled at the base of the spine; symbolized by
a coiled female serpent. Kundalini yoga uses breath, sound, and meditation as
its major resources -- specifically, moving the breath along the spine to
stimulate different energy centers.
Mantra:
Meditative
sound and prayers.
Namaste:
Sanskrit word meaning "I salute
the spirit in you". Traditional Indian and Nepalese greeting.
Niyama:
Yogic tenets for how to treat yourself.
Om: 
(Pronounced AUM) Origin of all sound, a sacred symbol.
Pantanjali:
Author of The Yoga Sutras, the comprehensive text on the system of yoga.
Prana:
Vital life energy that exists everywhere in the universe in
different degrees
Pranayama:
Rhythmic control of breath used
to increase prana and reduce obstructions in the body and mind.
Raja:
The process in which one
purifies and controls the mind, and prepares for meditation.
Sanskrit:
The ancient language of Hinduism and the Vedas and the
classical literary language of India.
Shakti:
Feminine
energy, also known as kundalini.
Surya-namaskar:
Sun
salutation -- sequence involving twelve separate but flowing postures.
Tadasana:
Mountain posture.
Tantra:
Yogic system that uses the energies of the body, sometimes the
sexual energies, to transcend worldly attachments.
The Yoga Sutras:
A compilation of writings by Pantanjali that is considered the most
comprehensive and fundamental text on the system of yoga.
Ujjayi
breathing:
Deep and audible breath exercise.
Viniyoga:
Hatha yoga practice that takes into account the needs and capabilities of the
individual student and adapts the yoga to the student.
Vinyasa:
The flowing,
preparatory steps taken to reach a specific goal of asana practice.
Yama:
Ethical disciplines for how to treat others.
Yoga:
Literally means to "yoke" -- to bring together. A system of healing and
self-transformation based in wholeness and unity.
Yogi:
Practitioner of yoga.
Yogin:
Male yogi.
Yogini:
Female yogi.
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House
of YOGA