Ever wondered why yoga teachers insist on saying words like asana, pranayama, or namaste? This is because these ancient Sanskrit terms represent more than just postures—they reflect the philosophy, breath, and meditation that make yoga a holistic practice.
Understanding these Sanskrit terms can change your own personal connection to yoga, helping you connect more deeply with the practice and its roots. That’s why Alpesh Yoga – trusted for yoga teacher training in India – decided to share a glossary of must-know Sanskrit yoga terms in order to bring clarity and inspiration to your yoga practice. Let’s explore the language of yoga!
A – Asana
Yoga asana refers to the physical postures with which yoga is engaged. It means ‘seat’ in Sanskrit and is among Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga. These postures enable one to build strength as well as flexibility and balance while matching the preparation of one’s body for meditation.
B – Bandha
‘Bandha’ means lock or seal. The three main bandhas are Mula Bandha (root lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), and Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock). These energy locks help manage the movement of prana (life force energy) and maintain the bodily balance during practice.
C – Chakras
Chakras are energy centers in the body that align with the spine. There are seven main chakras in the human body, and each chakra is connected with a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual attributes. Balancing these chakras is effective for one’s overall well-being as well as the flow of energy.
D – Dhyana
Dhyana, which means meditation, is a very intense mental concentration and absorption. It is one of the eight limbs of yoga, principally for reaching inner peace, creating self-harmony, and achieving spiritual enlightenment.
E – Ekagrata
Ekagrata, referring again to a state of single-pointed concentration, is an essential quality of meditation and mindfulness in yoga. The mind is being trained to focus on a single point, resulting in the clarity, discipline, and greater awareness it affords.
F – Falah
Falah means “fruits” or “results.” In the yoga philosophy, it signifies the authentic outcome of the actions or practice of one person. Therefore, all practitioners must be encouraged to focus more on process than on the attachment to results so as to develop a very dispassionate and peaceful approach.
G – Guru
Guru is a spiritual teacher or guide who imparts wisdom and leads students on the yogic path. The guru-disciple tradition is deeply respected in yoga, emphasising mentorship and learning as pathways to spiritual growth.
H – Hatha
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that focuses more on physical postures (asana) and breath control (pranayama). It aims to balance the body and mind, preparing the practitioner to be ready for deeper spiritual practices like meditation.
I – Ishvara Pranidhana
Ishvara Pranidhana means to give up everything to a higher power. One of the Niyamas, it teaches yoga practitioners about trusting the universe and letting go of the ego-driven desires.
J – Jnana
Jnana means knowledge or wisdom. Jnana Yoga implies a series of self-enquiry and intellectual understanding, leading to sincere realisation of the eternal being from the materialistic world.
K – Karma
Karma is a Sanskrit word which means “action,” or “deed”. It refers to the universal law of cause and effect where one’s present and future experiences are influenced by actions. The principles of good karma lead to the higher spirituality and harmony of one’s life.
L – Laya
Laya means “dissolution” or “absorption”. It is described as a meditative state in which focus is so finely sharpened that the conscious mind is dissolved into deep concentration, hence also feeling oneness with the universe through inner peace.
M – Mudra
Mudra refers to “seal” or “gesture.” These representational hand positions in yoga and meditation are aimed towards channeling energy flow and increasing focus towards physical and mental well-being.
N – Nadi
Nadi means “channel” or “pathway.” The body has three main nadis that are in charge of carrying prana (life force energy) in the human body. They are named Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
O – Om (Aum)
Om is the primordial sound of the universe and the sacred mantra of yoga and meditation. It stands for the highest consciousness, the realization of the ultimate truth, and is generally chanted to align the mind, body, and spirit.
P – Pranayama
Pranayama is a discipline of breath control, the major yogic exercise that ensures the regulation of energies and pacification of the mind. Techniques that help to enhance psychophysical balance are Nadi Shodhana and Kapalabhati.
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Q – Quiescence (Upashama)
Upashama means peace or tranquility. It is the calmness that would be achieved through yoga and meditation, allowing an inner grace into which a person may then cultivate an emotional balance.
R – Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is the ‘royal path’ in yoga, focusing on the meditation aspect of yoga as well as self-discipline in order to reach enlightenment. Raja Yoga includes the eight limbs of yoga, which lead people to self-realization and spiritual awakening.
S – Samadhi
Samadhi is the ultimate state of yoga, where the practitioner experiences the feeling of one with everything and pure bliss. It is the final state of meditation which leads to liberation (moksha).
T – Tapas
Tapas means “heat” or “discipline.” It refers to the self-discipline and commitment in yoga practice, helping to build the inner strength, resilience, and transformation through dedicated efforts.
U – Ujjayi
Ujjayi is a breathing technique often used in yoga to create a calming and rhythmic flow. In other words, the focus is on complete relaxation of body and mind for achieving concentration for longer periods of time.
V – Vinyasa
Vinyasa means “flow” and “sequence”. It refers to the movement from one yoga pose to another in and with breath, resulting in an incredibly dynamic and meditative practice.
W – Wardhana (Growth)
Wardhana means growth or expansion, symbolizing continuous personal development in yoga. The emphasis is on the power of growth, analogously, consistency in practice- in body and mind.
X – Kshama
Kshama means “forgiveness” or “patience. It is an essential virtue in yogic philosophy, teaching practitioners to cultivate compassion, let go of resentment, and embrace peace.
Y – Yama
Yama is a series of ethical disciplines in yoga. It consists of five alternate principles named as Ahimsa or non-violence, Satya or truthfulness, Asteya or non-stealing, Brahmacharya or control of the senses, and Aparigraha or non-possessiveness.
Z – Zenana (Contemplation)
Zenana refers to a rigorous form of deep contemplation and introspection that accords with the meditative practices of yoga. It is a process of self-examination and gaining a deeper understanding of the mind and consciousness.
Sanskrit Yoga Terms: Glossary
Understanding Sanskrit yoga terms deepens your connection to the practice, allowing you to move beyond physical postures and embrace the true essence of yoga. Ancient words can bring the benefits of wisdom to elevating the mind, body alignment, and inner peace. So the next time you step onto your mat, let these Sanskrit words guide you toward a more meaningful and enriching practice. Namaste!
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