Yoga and Meditation Vocabulary Practice

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering terminology, Sanskrit terms for specific asanas, and notable figures in yoga as presented in the lecture notes.

asana

A physical yoga pose.

dharma

Virtuous duty, destiny, or path of living.

drishti

Gaze or point of focus.

dhyana

Meditation; it is lead to by dharana (concentration).

guru

A spiritual teacher or guide.

Hatha Yoga

Translated as "intense/vigorous"; it combines physical postures and breathing to restore the body to its natural equilibrium through a balance of effort and ease.

Ha

Sun energy representing masculine energy: heat, expansion, strength, and invigorating qualities.

Tha

Moon energy representing feminine energy: cooling, contraction, flexibility, and calming qualities.

kirtan

Devotional singing, usually accompanied with instruments.

kula

Community.

mandala/yantra

A geometric design often used as a visual aid in meditation.

mantras

Sounds, thoughts, or prayers that calm the mind and awaken the senses, often used in meditation.

mudra

Meaning "seal"; symbolic hand gestures like Anjali mudra or chin mudra.

pranayama

Breath work.

sadhana

Personal practice.

samskara

Subconscious impressions, ideas, or actions that imprint a pattern; can be negative or positive.

Sanskrit

The ancient Indian literary language of yoga.

seva

Selfless service performed without concern of reward or repayment.

svadhyaya

Self-study.

Ujjayi

Derived from Uj (to expand) and jjayi (success). A breath work characterized by a soft, deep hollow even sound while breathing through the nose to reduce stress.

yoga

Meaning "to yoke, join, make whole"; bringing the body/mind/spirit into alignment and an inward search to find the best in yourself.

Adho Mukha Svanasana

Downward-facing dog.

Ardha Chandrasana

Half-moon.

Baddha Konasana

Bound angle.

Bakasana

Crane/crow.

Balasana

Child's pose.

Bhujangasana

Cobra.

Chaturanga Dandasana

Four-limbed staff, low plank.

Dhanurasana

Bow.

Gomukhasana

Cow face.

Hanumanasana

Front splits.

Natarajasana

Dancer.

Navasana

Boat.

Paschimottanasana

Seated forward fold.

Savasana

Corpse.

Sirsasana

Headstand.

Sukhasana

Simple cross-legged seated pose, also known as easy pose.

Surya Namaskar

Sun salutations.

Tadasana

Mountain.

Trikonasana

Triangle.

Urdhva Dhanurasana

Upward-facing bow, wheel.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

Upward-facing dog.

Utkatasana

Chair.

Uttanasana

Standing forward fold.

Vasisthasana

Lateral incline plane, side plank.

Virabhadrasana

Warrior pose ($1, 2, 3$).

Vrksasana

Tree.

Viniyoga

Yoga style associated with Gary Kraftsow.

Yin

Yoga style associated with Paulie Zink.

Yogamaze

Yoga style associated with Noah Maze.

Yoga Medicine

Yoga style associated with Tiffany Cruikshank.

Yoga Nidra

Yoga style associated with Satyananda Saraswati.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga style associated with Richard Miller.