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A Sanskrit yoga glossary

Terms are transliterated and described in context. Interpretations can vary across texts, traditions, and modern teaching.

This glossary introduces Sanskrit words used in yoga and related traditions. Pronunciations are approximate English cues, not a substitute for learning the sounds and transliteration system from a qualified language source.

A

Ahimsa अहिंसा: uh-HIM-sahNon-harming; an ethical principle discussed in several Indian philosophical and religious traditions, including yoga contexts.
Asana आसन: AH-suh-nuhA term used for a seat or posture. Its meaning depends on the text and practice context; modern postural yoga uses it for physical poses.

B

Bhujanga भुजङ्ग: bhu-JUNG-guhA Sanskrit term used for a serpent or snake; it appears in the name Bhujangasana.
Bhujangasana भुजङ्गासन: bhu-jung-GAH-suh-nuhA prone backbend commonly called Cobra Pose in modern postural yoga.

C

Chakra चक्र: CHUK-ruhLiterally a wheel or circle; in particular traditions, a concept in subtle-body models. These models are not anatomical structures.

D

Dharana धारणा: dhaa-RAH-nuhA term associated with concentration or holding attention in the eight-limbed framework of the Yoga Sutras tradition.
Dhyana ध्यान: dhyaa-nuhA term translated in different ways, often as meditation or sustained contemplation, depending on the text and commentary.
Drishti दृष्टि: DRISH-teeA gaze or point of focus used in some yoga instruction; the specific method varies by practice.

H

Hatha Yoga हठयोग: HUH-thuh YOH-guhA historically diverse family of yoga practices and texts; today the label is also used for many different class formats.

M

Mantra मन्त्र: MUN-truhA word, phrase, or sound used through repetition or recitation in a range of religious and contemplative traditions.
Mudra मुद्रा: MOO-draaA term for a gesture or seal. Meanings and practices vary across yoga, Buddhist, and other South Asian contexts.

N

Nadi नाडी: NAH-deeA channel described in traditional subtle-body models; it is not a physical vessel identified by modern anatomy.
Nadi Shodhana नाडीशोधन: NAH-dee shoh-DHAH-nuhA breathing practice commonly taught as alternate-nostril breathing; instructions vary and it should remain comfortable.
Niyama नियम: nee-YAH-muhA category of personal observances in the eight-limbed framework associated with the Yoga Sutras tradition.

P

Pranayama प्राणायाम: praa-naa-YAA-muhA family of breath-related practices in yoga traditions; methods and interpretations differ by source and lineage.

S

Samadhi समाधि: suh-MAA-dheeA term interpreted in various ways, often associated with meditative absorption or integration in yoga and other Indian traditions.
Savasana शवासन: shuh-VAA-suh-nuhA supine resting pose commonly called Corpse Pose in modern postural yoga.
Surya Namaskar सूर्यनमस्कार: SOOR-yuh nuh-muh-SKAA-ruhA sequence of movements and postures commonly called Sun Salutation; versions differ across schools and teachers.

T

Tadasana ताडासन: taa-DAA-suh-nuhA standing posture commonly called Mountain Pose in modern postural yoga.

V

Vinyasa विन्यास: vih-NYAA-suhA Sanskrit-derived term used in multiple ways, including arranging or placing and, in modern classes, linking movement with breath.

Y

Yama यम: YUH-muhA category of ethical restraints or disciplines in the eight-limbed framework associated with the Yoga Sutras tradition.
Yoga योग: YOH-guhA broad term used by diverse South Asian traditions for disciplines, methods, or paths; it does not refer to one uniform system.
Yoga Sutras योगसूत्र: YOH-guh SOO-truhA compact Sanskrit text associated with the classical yoga tradition, preserved and interpreted through commentaries and translations.

A

B

C

D

H

M

N

P

S

T

V

Y

Further reading