Yoga welcomes all bodies, ages, backgrounds, and abilities, creating a safe space where everyone is invited to discover its benefits. No matter one’s life story or experience, yoga encourages personal growth and community without judgment or barriers.
With that in mind, there are quite a few ancient words being used in the practice of yoga which can lead to misconceptions or confusion for newcomers. In fact, many people believe that yoga is a religion or must be connected to a particular spiritual belief system, often because of its vocabulary. This common misconception can result in hesitation or concern, especially among those with strong or differing religious backgrounds.
Yoga itself is not a religion and does not require any specific faith or worship; instead, it is a universal practice focused on harmonizing body, mind, and spirit through breathwork, concentration, and mindful movement. Regardless of personal ideals or religious beliefs, yoga can safely be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds without interfering with or contradicting their values or traditions.
Common Yoga Terms and Meanings
Ashram
A spiritual retreat or community dedicated to studying, practicing, and living yoga principles.
Ashtanga
Refers to the “eight limbs” of yoga as outlined by Patanjali, encompassing ethics, physical practice, and meditation.
Chakra
Energy centers in the body believed to regulate spiritual, mental, and physical well-being; there are seven main chakras along the spine.
Dhyana
Deep meditation; a steady, uninterrupted flow of concentration that leads to heightened awareness.
Dharana
Concentration; intense focus on a single point or object, laying the foundation for meditation.
Dosha
In Ayurveda, the body’s constitutional type, divided into three main categories: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each with unique characteristics.
Guru
A spiritual teacher or guide in the yoga tradition; literally means “dispeller of darkness”.
Hatha Yoga
A branch of yoga emphasizing physical techniques and breath control as a path to mastery of the body and mind.
Mantra
A sacred word, sound, or phrase that is repeated during meditation to aid concentration and transformation.
Meditation
A practice of focused attention and stillness meant to calm the mind and foster self-awareness.
Mudra
Symbolic hand gestures or body positions that influence energy flow and mood.
Namaste
A respectful greeting or farewell used at the start or end of yoga sessions; means “the divine in me honors the divine in you”.
Niyama
Personal observances or disciplines, including cleanliness, contentment, and self-study; the second limb of the eightfold path.
Om (Aum)
A primordial sound believed to be the vibration of the universe, often chanted to begin or end yoga sessions.
Prana
Vital life force or energy thought to permeate living beings and the universe.
Pranayama
The practice of regulating the breath to control prana and promote health, clarity, and focus.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of the senses from external objects, enabling a deeper focus inward and meditation.
Samadhi
A state of deep absorption or spiritual joy; considered the ultimate goal of yoga practice.
Sanskrit
The ancient classical language of India; source of most traditional yoga terms.
Sangha
A supportive spiritual community of practitioners who study and practice together.
Yama
The moral and ethical guidelines yogis follow, such as nonviolence and truthfulness; the first limb of yoga as described by Patanjali.
