Yoga glossary

The words of a yoga class, in plain language

What asana, pranayama, vinyasa and namaste mean, how they sound in class and what people often misunderstand. Short, practical and free of mysticism.

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How to use the glossary

A teacher may call a pose by its Sanskrit name, ask for a breath you have not heard of or finish the class with a word you do not know. You do not need to learn any of it before your first class: the teacher shows what to do. This page explains the words in a sentence or two, and the main ones have a page of their own with the origin of the word, how to say it and where you meet it in class.

Words such as chakra, mantra and om come from Indian religious and philosophical traditions. We describe them as traditions and as words you hear in a studio, with respect and without promises about their effects. Names and technique differ between schools, so follow your teacher.

How the terms connect

How the terms connect: a yoga class is made of asanas; asanas joined by the breath form vinyasa; breathing techniques are pranayama, and the breath sets the pace of vinyasa; namaste is often said at the end; mantras are sometimes chanted, the best known being om, and chakras are mentioned in meditations; in poses a teacher asks you to engage the trunk muscles gently (bandha) and rest the gaze on one point (drishti); breath with a soft sound is called ujjayi and often used in vinyasa; palms joined at the chest are the best-known mudra.

How the words connect in a typical class:

  • Yoga class → Asana: a class is made of poses, asanas.
  • Asana → Vinyasa: poses joined by the breath in a smooth chain are vinyasa.
  • Yoga class → Pranayama: separate breathing techniques are called pranayama.
  • Pranayama → Vinyasa: the breath sets the pace of the movement.
  • Yoga class → Mantra: mantras are sometimes chanted.
  • Mantra → Om: the best-known mantra is the syllable om.
  • Yoga class → Chakra: chakras are sometimes mentioned in meditations.
  • Yoga class → Namaste: namaste is often said at the end of class.
  • Pranayama → Ujjayi: one breathing technique is breath with a soft sound, ujjayi.
  • Ujjayi → Vinyasa: ujjayi is often heard in dynamic classes where the breath sets the pace.
  • Asana → Bandha: in poses a teacher asks you to engage the trunk muscles gently, a bandha.
  • Asana → Drishti: in balances it helps to rest the gaze on one point, a drishti.
  • Namaste → Mudra: palms joined at the chest are the best-known mudra.

Terms from A to Z

Asana
A pose in yoga: a position of the body held for a few breaths. Read more →
Bandha
A "lock": a gentle drawing in or holding of muscles in a certain area of the body, such as the pelvis. A beginner only needs to follow the teacher's cues. Read more →
Chakra
A "wheel": an idea from Indian traditions about centres along the spine. It is a figurative model, not anatomy. Read more →
Drishti
The point where the gaze rests in a pose. It helps to keep balance and attention. Read more →
Mantra
A syllable, word or phrase that is repeated aloud or silently. Read more →
Mudra
A position of the hands with a symbolic meaning, such as palms joined at the chest. Read more →
Namaste
A greeting with a bow; in class it is often said at the end. Read more →
Om
A sacred syllable of Indian traditions; sometimes chanted together at the start or end of a class. Read more →
Pranayama
Breathing techniques of yoga: a deliberate change in the rhythm and length of the inhale and exhale. Read more →
Savasana
The pose of complete rest, lying on the back, that usually ends a class. Read more →
Ujjayi
Breathing with a soft sound in the throat, like quiet surf. It is used in dynamic classes. Read more →
Vinyasa
Movement tied to the breath. The word names both a flowing class style and the short link between poses. Read more →
Next See how the words show up in a class on the page about yoga styles, start with the beginner guides, learn the poses in the asana guide, or look at yoga in Goa, Arambol and how to find a class near you. Do you teach? Aura is a tool for your work and a map where students find you: for teachers.
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