Yoga Glossary of Terms

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• Terms Used in Yoga
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Terms Used in Yoga

• Asana - A low physical impact posture practiced in yoga
• Aum - Sanskrit word meaning "all" represents the omnipresence of Paramatma (the supreme spirit)
• Chakra - A point of intersection of the main channels of energy flow in the body (Chakras regulate the functioning of the body and correspond to the major endocrine glands in the body.)
• Guru - Teacher; spiritual preceptor
• Hatha yoga - The path of yoga that starts with the practice of asanas
• Karma yoga - The path of yoga that starts with emphasis on performing one's duty (action)
• Kundalini - Latent energy lying dormant at the base of the spinal column
• Kundalini yoga - The path of yoga that starts with meditation
• Maharishi - A great sage
• Mudra - A seal; a sealing posture
• Nadi - A tubular organ of the subtle body through which the energy flows
• Nauli - A process in which the abdominal muscles and organs are made to move in a surging motion
• Patanjali - Name of the first writer of the yoga philosophy
• Prana - Breath; life; vitality
• Pranayama - The rhythmic regulation of breath
• Raja yoga - The path of yoga that starts with psychic control of the mind
• Rishi - An inspired sage
• Sadhana - Quest
• Surya - The sun
• Yoga - Union (The aim of Yoga is to practice the means by which the human soul may be completely united with the supreme spirit.)
• Yogi - One who follows the path of Yoga