Introduction to Yoga and Yogic Practices - I

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the etymology, history, definitions, rules, and major schools of Yoga as outlined in the Class XI Unit 1 curriculum.

Yoga (Sanskrit Root)

Derived from the root "Yuj", which is interpreted in Panini’s grammar as "Yuj Samadhau" (concentration), "Yujir Yoge" (union), and "Yuj Samyamane" (control).

Jivatma and Paramatma

The spiritual concept of Yoga representing the bridge that links individual consciousness (Jivatma) with the ultimate, supreme universal consciousness (Paramatma).

Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah

Patanjali's definition from the Yoga Sutras: "Yoga is the intentional cessation (nirodhah) of the modifications and modifications-turned-fluctuations (vrittis) of the mind-stuff (chitta)."

Samatvam Yoga Uchyate

A Bhagavad Gita definition (Chapter 2, Verse 48) stating that Yoga is evenness of mind, balance, or equanimity in all situations.

Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam

A Bhagavad Gita definition (Chapter 2, Verse 50) stating that Yoga is skill, dexterity, or excellence in action.

Manah Prashamana Upayah Yogah Ityabhidhiyate

A definition from the Yogavashistha stating that Yoga is a tactical, therapeutic skill to calm down the agitations of the mind.

Moksha / Kaivalya

The primary, ultimate aim of Yoga, representing absolute liberation from the cycle of birth and death and emancipation from "Trividha Tapas" (three forms of suffering).

Tamas

A state of lethargy or mental dullness that Yoga aims to eradicate in the mental domain of a student.

Asanas (Misconception)

Commonly mistaken for being the whole of Yoga, physical postures actually comprise only one out of the eight steps of classical Yoga.

Pashupati Seal

Archaeological evidence from the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization (Mohenjo-daro/Harappa) depicting a deity in a meditative posture resembling Bhadrasana or Mulabandhasana.

Katha Upanishad Chariot Metaphor

Compares the human body to a chariot where senses are horses, the mind is the reins, the intellect is the driver, and the Soul (Atman) is the passenger.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

A classical masterpiece containing $196$ concise aphorisms (Sutras) spread over $4$ chapters (Padas) written between $200\text{ BCE}$ – $500\text{ CE}$.

Samadhi Pada

The first chapter of the Yoga Sutras ($51$ Sutras) dealing with the nature and types of deep mental absorption.

Sadhana Pada

The second chapter of the Yoga Sutras ($55$ Sutras) outlining Kriya Yoga and the initial stages of Ashtanga Yoga.

Vibhuti Pada

The third chapter of the Yoga Sutras ($56$ Sutras) highlighting internal psychic powers resulting from deep practice.

Kaivalya Pada

The final chapter of the Yoga Sutras ($34$ Sutras) exploring absolute liberation and the transcendental state of the soul.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

A foundational manual by Swami Swatmarama explaining the four limbs: Asana, Pranayama, Mudra/Bandha, and Nadanusandhana.

Gheranda Samhita

A Hatha Yoga text by Sage Gheranda outlining a $7$-step purification process known as Saptanga Yoga.

Brahmamuhurta

The ideal time for Yoga practice, approximately $1.5\text{ hours}$ before sunrise, when the atmosphere is saturated with pure oxygen and negative ions.

Mitahara

A quantitative rule for diet where $\frac{1}{2}$ of the stomach is for food, $\frac{1}{4}$ for water, and $\frac{1}{4}$ is left empty for air circulation.

Sattvic Diet

A qualitative dietary code emphasizing fresh, seasonal, lightly cooked, and easily digestible foods like whole grains, milk, and green vegetables.

Jnana Yoga

The Path of Intellect and Wisdom, addressing the question "Who am I?" to remove "Agnana" (ignorance).

Sadhana Chatushtaya

The four means of liberation in Jnana Yoga: Viveka (discrimination), Vairagya (dispassion), Shat-Sampat (six virtues), and Mumukshutva (yearning for liberation).

Navadha Bhakti

The nine forms of devotion in Bhakti Yoga, including Shravanam (hearing), Kirtanam (singing), and Atmanivedanam (unconditional surrender).

Nishkama Karma

The core principle of Karma Yoga: performing one’s duty (Dharma) with 100% effort while surrendering the desire for the reward or outcome.

Ashtanga Yoga

The eight-limbed royal path of Raja Yoga consisting of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Pratyahara

The fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga; the internal retraction of the five senses away from external distractions.

Hatha Yoga (Etymology)

Derived from 'Ha' (Sun/Prana/heating energy) and 'Tha' (Moon/Chitta/cooling energy), aiming for equilibrium between these opposing forces.

Sukshma Vyayama

A sequence of $48$ subtle micro-exercises developed by Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari to lubricate joints and activate blood circulation.

Surya Namaskar

A dynamic sequence of $12$ distinct physical postures synchronized with rhythmic breathing to work the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems.

Sthiram Sukham Asanam

Patanjali's definition of Asana: any posture that is maintained with absolute steadiness (Sthiram) and comfort (Sukham).

Prayatna Shaithilya and Ananta Samapattibhyam

The two key methods for perfecting an asana: relaxation of unnecessary muscular effort and meditating on the infinite cosmic space.

Vajrasana

Known as the Thunderbolt Pose; the only yoga posture that can be performed immediately after a meal to boost digestion.