Yoga Dictionary: Your Guide to Key Terms

Stepping into the world of yoga can feel like learning a new language, because most yoga terminology is in fact from the ancient language of Sanskrit. From asana to vinyasa, yoga vocabulary can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. This yoga dictionary is your guide to understanding the key terms you'll encounter in class, on your mat, and in your yoga journey. No more feeling lost in translation – let's demystify the dialect!

A

  • Asana

    A physical yoga posture. Think downward-facing dog, warrior pose, or tree pose. It's the foundation of the physical practice.

  • Ahimsa

    Non-violence. One of the Yamas (ethical restraints) of yoga, it extends to thoughts, words, and actions towards oneself and others.

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana

    Downward-facing dog. A common resting and transitional pose.

B

  • Bandha

    Energetic locks or engagements in the body. They help to stabilise postures and direct energy flow. Common bandhas include Mula Bandha (root lock) and Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock).

  • Bhakti Yoga 

    The yoga of devotion. Focuses on cultivating love and surrender through chanting, prayer, and worship.

  • Bikram Yoga

    A style of hot yoga consisting of a specific sequence of 26 postures performed in a heated room.

C

  • Chakra

    Energy centres in the subtle body. There are seven main chakras, each associated with specific qualities and emotions.

  • Chitta Vritti Nirodha

    The stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. A key concept in yoga philosophy.

D

  • Drishti

    A focal point for the eyes during a pose. Helps with balance and concentration.

  • Dhyana 

    Meditation. A state of deep focus and contemplation.

H

  • Hatha Yoga

    A general term for physical yoga practices. Often emphasises postures and breathwork.

I

  • Iyengar Yoga 

    A style of yoga that emphasises precise alignment and the use of props.

J

  • Japa

    The repetition of a mantra.

K

  • Karma Yoga 

    The yoga of selfless action. Performing actions without attachment to the results.

  • Kriya

    A cleansing technique used in yoga.

M

  • Mantra

    A sacred sound or word repeated during meditation.

  • Mudra

    A hand gesture used to seal energy and enhance the effects of a pose or meditation.

N

  • Nadi

    Energy channels in the subtle body.

  • Namaste 

    A common greeting in yoga, meaning "the light in me bows to the light in you."

  • Niyama 

    Ethical observances or principles in yoga philosophy.

P

  • Prana

    Life force energy.

  • Pranayama 

    Breathing practices. Essential for regulating prana.

R

  • Raja Yoga 

    The royal path of yoga. Focuses on meditation and self-realisation.

S

  • Savasana

    Corpse pose. A relaxation pose at the end of a yoga practice.

  • Sanskrit

    An ancient language of India and the classical yoga texts.

  • Surya Namaskar

    Sun salutations. A sequence of poses performed to warm up the body.

T

  • Tantra

    A philosophical system that emphasises the interconnectedness of all things.

  • Tapas

    Discipline, heat, or austerity. One of the Niyamas (ethical observances) of yoga. A necessary component of the yogic path.

U

  • Ujjayi Breath

    A breathing technique that creates a slight constriction in the throat, often described as the sound of the ocean.

V

  • Vinyasa

    Meaning ‘to place in a special way’. Vinyasa yoga incorporates a flowing sequence of poses synchronised with the breath. 

Y

  • Yama

    Ethical restraints or principles in yoga philosophy.

  • Yoga Nidra 

    A guided meditation practice that leads to deep relaxation.

This yoga dictionary is a starting point. As you continue your practice, you'll learn even more terms and deepen your understanding of the rich language of Sanskrit. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher for clarification if you're unsure about anything. Embrace the journey of learning, and enjoy the transformative power of yoga!


The Healing Power of Restorative Yoga Brisbane

The Healing Power of Restorative Yoga Brisbane

Restorative yoga is more than relaxation – it is a gateway to profound healing and transformation. This is a branch of yoga that will support and sustain you throughout your lifetime, offering tools to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and ease.  

The self-healing power of this practiced is based on the neuroscience behind rest, which is at the heart of living well. We have inherited a grind culture – a constant need to push, to work, to never slow down, and quality rest represents resistance against the grind. 

Yoga Classes in Brisbane for Every Body

Yoga Classes in Brisbane for Every Body

A new year signals an influx of new students in yoga studios around the world as wellness goals top the list of new year’s resolutions for 2025. If you are looking for yoga classes in Brisbane to start your yoga journey, or if you are returning to yoga after a break from exercise, there are a few factors to consider.

Not all yoga classes are the same. Yoga classes vary from gentle, restorative styles of practice suitable for all levels, to strong, dynamic classes suitable for practitioners with a degree of fitness and experience.

Every body can benefit from yoga. But not all yoga classes are suitable for every body. Depending upon what you want to achieve from your yoga practice, and your current level of strength and fitness, will determine what style of yoga you should seek out.

Learn The Art of Yin Yoga for Yoga Teachers & Practitioners

Learn The Art of Yin Yoga for Yoga Teachers & Practitioners

For several decades western society has suffered from a crisis of dis-ease stemming from our overly yang lifestyles. The drive to ‘advance’ or ‘succeed’ has led to a regression in our quality of life as measured by factors such as genuine social connection, community, mental health and our overall sense of wellbeing. And in the current global economic and geopolitical climate, the outlook for 2025 is even more sombre.

Yin Yoga teacher training offers a transformative healing journey restoring balance to our overly yang lifestyles. Deepen your skills and knowledge in therapeutic yoga modalities to help support yourself and others through personal or global challenges ahead.

Trauma Aware Yoga For Yoga Teachers

Trauma Aware Yoga For Yoga Teachers

Trauma aware yoga (also known as trauma informed yoga) is a gentle and supportive approach to yoga that prioritises the needs of individuals with trauma histories. Unlike many contemporary styles of yoga, which often emphasise physical accomplishment and flexibility, trauma aware yoga focuses on cultivating a sense of safety, grounding, and self-compassion. It involves a slower pace, with a focus on breath work, mindfulness, and gentle movement. The goal is to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and develop resilience in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Yoga for Beginners Brisbane

Yoga for Beginners Brisbane

The benefits of yoga on both physical and mental health are now widely documented, but starting out as a complete beginner can be daunting. There are so many different styles to choose from, and a lot of terminology that may seem alien and confusing. But we are here to demystify yoga for beginners.

Most people turn to yoga for one of two reasons; to improve flexibility and mobility, or to help reduce stress and anxiety. In either case it is easy to be put off by images of young, fit yogis in fashionable activewear performing strong yoga poses. But if you are seeking yoga for beginners in Brisbane, there are plenty of teachers and studios that ensure yoga remains simple and accessible for all ages and abilities.

The Rise & Rise of Restorative Yoga

The Rise & Rise of Restorative Yoga

2024 marks 10 years since the opening of our Brisbane yoga studio, SoHo Yoga. At the outset our focus was very much on a strong, dynamic, flowing style of yoga that was popular in a growing number of yoga studios across Brisbane. And our predominantly vinyasa yoga offering served the SoHo Yoga community well for a few years.

But as the business and community grew, and we introduced new teachers and timeslots, there was the opportunity to trial different yoga classes and styles. In the US there had been a seismic shift towards more yin restorative yoga practices, and a handful of international teachers were gaining renown for teacher trainings in Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga respectively.

Why Does Vinyasa Yoga Feel Amazing?

Why Does Vinyasa Yoga Feel Amazing?

Vinyasa yoga has become one of the most commonly offered styles of yoga in Brisbane yoga studios and around the world. While vinyasa yoga remains rooted in ancient Indian traditions, it is actually a relatively recent phenomenon. So why has it become so popular? The dynamic and flowing style of vinyasa yoga seems to have transformative effects on both the body and mind, and when studied in the context of Tantric philosophy and the concept of Spanda, we begin to understand why.

Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training & Other 200Hr YTTs

Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training & Other 200Hr YTTs

While all 200 hour yoga teacher trainings will include yoga history & philosophy and anatomy & physiology, the key differentiator between most courses will be the style of yoga asana taught.

Vinyasa is a broad term and even vinyasa yoga teacher trainings will vary greatly; from strong powerful practices incorporating advanced yoga asana, to slower, more mindful, alignment focused practices.

Yoga Dictionary: Your Guide to Key Terms

Yoga Dictionary: Your Guide to Key Terms

The practice of yoga is often misconstrued as a form of purely physical exercise, and the emergence of expensive activewear brands leveraging its surge in popularity in recent decades has done little to demystify it. Yoga is in fact a holistic practice that originated in ancient India, and which can have a profound impact on physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

You may have bought the fancy mat and buttery soft leggings, but do you know the difference between Vinyasa Yoga classes and Yin Yoga classes? This ancient practice encompasses a rich vocabulary of terms that reflect its philosophical roots, as well as breathing techniques and physical practices. Here we’ll explore some key terms used in yoga to provide a better understanding of its core concepts and practices.

Why You Should Be Making Time For Yoga In Your Week

Why You Should Be Making Time For Yoga In Your Week

Do you suffer from exhaustion, burn-out, stress or anxiety? Then you should be making time for yoga in your week. Of course, the irony is you probably don’t have time because you are so busy! But restorative yoga is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health and wellbeing. At our beautiful yoga studio in Grange, we offer restorative yoga classes to help balance your nervous system and find inner calm.

Where to practice yoga in North Brisbane

Where to practice yoga in North Brisbane

Not all yoga is the same! And there are many factors to consider when you are seeking a yoga studio in north Brisbane, other than location and convenience.

The first question to ask yourself is, what are you seeking from your yoga practice? As there are many different styles of yoga that offer different outcomes.

At our boutique yoga studio in Grange, Brisbane we offer a variety of styles that might suit you. For complete beginners, our Slow Flow classes include some gentle movement combined with relaxation and are a great introduction to the practice of yoga.

For those seeking a deep stretch or deep relaxation, our yin yoga and restorative yoga classes are suitable for all levels. And for those that are reasonably fit and healthy, and have some prior yoga experience, our Rise & Shine and Vinyasa yoga classes are more dynamic and may incorporate more challenging postures.

A Perspective on the Pandemic and Personal Choice

A Perspective on the Pandemic and Personal Choice

Extremism has always swirled on the fringes of politics and Western society but, along with the existential threat of climate change, it now howls at the door like extreme weather events threatening to destroy communities and tear families apart.

Even while a global pandemic was still forming over the South China Sea, the flames of political discontent and social divide were already being fanned by social media around the world, and within months the two fronts collided to form a Superstorm unparalleled and unprecedented in recent history.

How and why is this relevant to a yoga blog you may ask? Because I am devastated that a community of humans historically united by a common philosophical belief system based literally on the word ‘union’ (from the Sanskrit to yoke) has also become divided.

Reflections of a Yogini at 50

Reflections of a Yogini at 50

12 months ago as I commenced my 50th orbit around our star I was celebrating with friends in Amsterdam and could hardly have anticipated the tumultuous year that lay ahead. Approaching 50 we would all hope to be on a safe and predictable trajectory towards that dreaded nomenclature, ‘middle age’, and enjoying a period of stability and security in our lives. However the Universe had other plans for me and I was violently knocked off course. Not quite the smooth transition to the fabulous fifties that I had envisaged, in fact probably the single most challenging year of my life! But on the eve of this milestone birthday, the ground beneath my feet is feeling reasonably steady once more, and I am naturally inclined to reflect on a few things I have learned.

Yoga Teachers Sometimes Break Too

Yoga Teachers Sometimes Break Too

Many people discover yoga, or turn to yoga, when they are recovering from illness or injury, or suffering from stress or anxiety or heartbreak, or simply hit rock bottom. While the practices of yoga and meditation may not be a cure-all for devastating diseases, they are widely recognised as healing modalities that can significantly benefit both our physical and mental health.

Long before I became a yoga teacher, I credited my regular dynamic asana practice with keeping me strong and healthy and relatively immune from serious illness. Imagine my dismay then that since leaving the corporate world to start my own business and become a full-time yoga teacher my health seems to have plummeted to an all-time low, and most recently I found myself hospitalised for two weeks with a particularly pervasive case of pneumonia, along with complications too numerous to mention.