Yoga Terminologies

Aum is the primordial sound consisting of 3 sounds together, representing the 3 forms of the Universe.

Ah - Oo - MM

Creation, preservation, renewal.

Aum is usually chanted x3 times at the beginning of a class and also at the end. This helps quiet the mind, zoning in on that space of meditation, and aids in a practice of sacredness and intention.

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Asana means posture. It can be a seated posture for meditation, or also a particular physical posture in Yoga. The names of asanas' are in Sanskrit. However, with popularity in English-speaking countries, Sanskrit names will have their translated name in English.

You may hear this word in Yoga and other forms of spiritual practice. Kundalini is energy within every one of us. For some, Kundalini energy is more dormant, while for others it is more active. Practices such as Yoga help raise this energy up from the base of the spine, upwards, and throughout the body. Think of it as 'potential' energy. The potential to bring a person's consciousness into higher forms.

Namaste is performed by joining our two palms together, fingertips pointing upwards, with the hands resting at our sternum (middle of the chest), and then verbally saying 'Namaste'. This is a respectful greeting when meeting something, farewelling, as well as at the end of a yoga class.  Namaste when translated from Sanskrit means 'i bow down to you'. When Namaste is performed, there is a slight bow of the head and upper body which is a show of respect.

Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means peace. You may hear Shanti being chanted x3 times at the end of a class like this ' Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

This is a prayer for peace in the world and for all beings' well-being and happiness.

Bandha is a Sanskrit word meaning 'lock'. There a 3 main Bandhas in Yoga. The root Bhanda, or 'Mula Bhanda' is the most commonly practiced in yoga and involves squeezing together the perineum and genital areas. The other two are Jalandhara Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha

More Prana = more vitality, happiness, energy, and vibrancy.

The practice of yoga helps with the intake, flow, and distribution of prana into our bodies.

The main channel in which Prana enters our system is through the breath. Practices such as Pranayama are dedicated to purifying and increasing the Prana in our system.

A Mantra is a word or sentence which is repeated for a set repetition. There are many Sanskrit Mantras that have different meanings and benefits for those who recite them. An example of a well-known Mantra is 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. This Buddhist Mantra helps the reciter purify their mind, words, and actions.