Titusville Yoga Loft Yoga Resources

Yoga Basics

What is Yoga
Yoga means union of the mind, body and spirit with the Divine and while this refers to a certain state of conciousness both individual and Universal, it is also a method to help one reach that goal.

Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is the oldest and most complete system of personal development in the world. Yoga is a life science that encompasses mind, body and spirit. Yoga is a guide to healthy living with a unique blend of physical exercises, psychological insight, and philosophy. 

Yoga was developed up to 5,000 years ago in India as a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Yoga means union. Yoga is the union of body, mind and soul. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "yuj," (pron. "yug") meaning "to join", "to unite".

Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of years ago. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world, encompassing in its scope, body, mind and spirit. The ancient yogis had a profound understanding of man’s essential nature and of what he needs to live in harmony with himself and his environment. They perceived the physical body as a vehicle, with the mind as the driver, the soul as man’s true identity, and action, emotion and intelligence as the three forces which pull the body-vehicle.

What is Meditation
Meditation is a technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness.

What is Prana
The word Prana is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "life force" or "vital principle” known as life energy. Prana is the subtle energy that vitalises both body and mind. Prana refers to energy, life, or breath. Modern science explains the flow of energy within the body in terms of nerve impulses, but the ancient seers perceived it as energy and consciousness flowing through interconnected channels in our body called nadis, which form an energy network. The word nadi means ‘flow’. Thus nadis are subtle flows of energy, just as electricity, radio waves and laser beams are subtle flows. Nadis relate to the energy in our body and should not be confused with nerves, which relate to the physical body. Nadis are pathways of pranic, mental and spiritual currents, which form a matrix throughout the physical body. They provide energy to every cell, and every organ through their vast network, carrying prana back and forth in every direction.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

1. Yamas (Rules of conduct) Sanskrit for "moral discipline" Spontaneous evolutionary behavior of conscious beings

2. Niyama (Rules of personal behavior) Sanskrit for "moral observance" The internal dialogue of conscious beings

3. Asana (Physical postures) Sanskrit for "body posture" Mind-body integration

4. Pranayama (Breath control) Sanskrit for "breath control" Neurorespiratory integration; awareness and integration of the rhythms, seasons, and cycles of our life

5. Pratyahara (Control of the senses) Sanskrit for "withdrawal of the senses" Tuning into our subtle sensory experiences

6. Dharana (Mind control) Sanskrit for "concentration" Evolutionary mastery and expression of  attention and intention

7. Dhyana (Meditation) Sanskrit for "meditation" Resonating at the junction point between the personal and the universal

8. Samadhi (Absorption) Sanskrit for "bliss" Settled in pure awareness; the progressive expansion of the self

Yama - A yama (YAH-mah) is one of a set of ethical standards that offers guidance on how we act toward others. "The Yoga Sutras" lists five yamas:

"Ahimsa" — Sanskrit for "non-harming"

"Satya" — Sanskrit for "refraining from dishonesty"

"Asteya" — Sanskrit for "non-stealing"

"Brahmacharya" — Sanskrit for "wise use of sexual energy"

"Aparigraha" — Sanskrit for "non-possessiveness"

Niyama - Similar to the yamas, the niyamas are also codes of conduct for living. A niyama (nee-YAH-mah) is one of a set of moral observances toward oneself. Turning your awareness inward helps prepare you for the later, more internally focused limbs. "The Yoga Sutras" lists five niyamas:

"Saucha" — Sanskrit for "purity"

"Santosha" — Sanskrit for "contentment"

"Tapas" — Sanskrit for "self-discipline"

"Svadhyaya" — Sanskrit for "self-study"

"Ishvara pranidhana" — Sanskrit for "surrender to a higher source"

Asana - Literally meaning "seat" or "sitting posture," asana (AHH-suh-nuh) refers to a body position used in a yoga practice. Through practicing asanas, you learn discipline and concentration which are necessary for the later limbs. Moving and stretching your body also helps you prepare for long periods of seated meditation.

Pranayama - Pranayama (prah-nah-YAH-muh) can be translated as "restraint of the breath," it refers to more than simply holding your inhalations. In yoga, the life force energy is called "prana." Practicing pranayama includes yogic breath control and regulation techniques. These exercises are intended to manipulate the flow of prana in order to bring about steadiness of mind and changes in consciousness.

Pratyahara - Literally meaning "withdrawal of the senses," pratyahara (praht-yah-HAHR-uh) is the practice of tuning out the distractions of the outside world. Focusing your mind inward allows you to detach from the trials and fluctuations of life and see their challenges in a new light. You can view your habits and patterns more objectively, becoming aware of things the way they are, instead of reacting to the world.

Dharana - Dharana (dahr-AHN-uh) is the practice of concentration or complete attention. It’s the ability to focus entirely on a single point — to be completely in the moment. Once you have withdrawn your senses through pratyahara, you can slow down your thoughts and concentrate on a single thing. Athletes often refer to this mental space as being "in the zone." You can practice dharana by bringing your attention to a single sensation, object, or thought.

Dhyana - Dhyana (dee-YAHN-uh), you turn your focus entirely inward. This is the practice of deep meditation to attain self-realization. In this second-to-last stage of yoga, you become aware of the flow of all life and existence. Unlike the single-pointed concentration of dharana, dhyana is awareness without a singular focus. Your mind becomes still and your thoughts cease. You simply are.

Samadhi - Literally meaning "a putting together," samadhi (sah-MAHD-hee) is supreme bliss; the highest stage of meditation. Also understood as spiritual ecstasy or enlightenment, samadhi is the state in which you transcend your lower self and merge with the universe. You become aware of your connection to all living things, to your higher self, and to the Divine. The freedom, joy, and fulfillment brought forth through samadhi creates peace, internally and in the world. It is the ultimate "goal" of yoga.

The 4 Paths of Yoga

There are four main paths of yoga: Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion), Raja Yoga (the yoga of meditation), and Jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge). The ancient yogis devised these paths to suit different temperaments and approaches to life. Each type of yoga is complementary to the other and all paths ultimately lead to the same destination: self-realization.

 Karma Yoga (the yoga of action)
Karma yoga teaches us how to work and serve selflessly without attachment, egoism, and expectation of reward. Through this practice, we learn to serve others with tolerance and patience and experience the joy of benefitting those around us. This attitude of service purifies the heart and sublimates the ego, preparing karma yogis to experience deeper levels of the Self.

Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion)
Bhakti yoga helps us develop humility, compassion, and unconditional love. Through faith, prayer, and worship, we surrender ourselves to a higher power and transform our emotions into unyielding devotion. This sublime love eliminates restlessness and distraction and opens the heart to seeing everything as a manifestation of the divine. Bhakti Yoga is practiced through meditation, chanting, singing, inspirational talks and celebrations.    

Raja Yoga (the yoga of meditation)
Raja yoga is the practice of controlling the mind, which leads to meditation and ultimately to the super-conscious state (samadhi). Based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, this path (also known as ashtanga yoga) consists of eight “limbs” or steps that outline the process of transforming mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. When the body and mind are under control, meditation comes naturally.

Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge)
Jnana yoga is the intellectual approach to spiritual evolution. Following the teachings of Vedanta (the yogic philosophy of non-duality), the Jnana yogi uses the mind to inquire into its own nature. Through this practice, we learn our essential divinity, the unity of life, and the oneness of consciousness. Jnana yoga requires a firm foundation in the other three paths; without fully integrating these lessons, this practice can become idle speculation.

The 5 Points of Sivananda Yoga

Proper Exercise (Asanas), Proper Breathing (Pranayama), Proper Relaxation (Savasana), Proper Diet, Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana).

1 Proper Exercise – Asana (yoga pose)
Proper exercise act as a lubricating mechanism for the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the body, by increasing circulation and flexibility. The fundamental difference between Yogic exercises and ordinary physical exercises is that physical exercise emphasizes violent movements of the muscles, while Yogic exercises promote slow and conscious movements of the body, thus avoiding the build-up of lactic acid in the muscle fibers, avoiding fatigue.

Asanas
The main purpose of exercise is to increase circulation and the intake of oxygen.  This can be achieved by simple movements of the spine and various joints of the body, with deep breathing, and without violent movement of the muscles. Yogic exercises are in fact called Asanas (yoga poses), an asana being a steady pose.

Yogic exercises, when done correctly, influence and positively energize all the systems of the body: the circulatory system, the muscular and skeletal systems, the endocrine system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and most importantly, the nervous system.yoga helps us develop humility, compassion, and unconditional love. Through faith, prayer, and worship, we surrender ourselves to a higher power and transform our emotions into unyielding devotion. This sublime love eliminates restlessness and distraction and opens the heart to seeing everything as a manifestation of the divine. Bhakti Yoga is practiced through meditation, chanting, singing, inspirational talks and celebrations.  

Spine Health
In terms of muscles, Yogic exercises not only strengthen the muscles but also stretch them.  There is a great emphasis on the flexibility and the youth of the spine.  Swami Vishnudevananda said: “flexible spine, flexible mind.”

The correct postures are performed with awareness and concentration, accompanied by breathing and relaxation.  Thus Yogic exercises affect not only the physical body but also the astral body, the energetic body and the mind.yoga helps us develop humility, compassion, and unconditional love. Through faith, prayer, and worship, we surrender ourselves to a higher power and transform our emotions into unyielding devotion. This sublime love eliminates restlessness and distraction and opens the heart to seeing everything as a manifestation of the divine. Bhakti Yoga is practiced through meditation, chanting, singing, inspirational talks and celebrations.    

Body - Mind
Through the systematic and rhythmic holding of the postures with breathing and concentration we come to a state of relaxation in the posture, where the prana (or chi) is allowed to flow unobstructed through the nadis to all the organs, cells and parts of the body, revitalizing them.

The body and mind are harmonized with each other, removing tension located in the different parts of the body and the mind. Also, in this process, the body and mind are put in alignment or in harmony with their ruler, the Inner spirit, thus giving to the practitioner a deeper sense of well being and meaning.

Yogic asanas prepare the body and mind to be strong for further practice of concentration and meditation. Other exercises that can be complimentary to the practice of Yoga are swimming and walking.  Yoga doesn’t promote any excessive exercise or the kind of exercise that develops only one aspect of the body to the detriment of other parts.

Furthermore, yoga doesn’t consider any exercise without awareness as a Yogic exercise.  Yogic postures (asanas) are internally oriented, non competitive, and meditative, promoting calmness and helping the practitioner to transcend identification with the body; this is as opposed to our over-attachment to the body and to external beauty.  To learn more check out our upcoming

2 Proper Breathing – Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)
Yoga emphasizes breathing correctly (the Yogic full breath using the diaphragm). We substantially increase the intake of oxygen through deep inhalation and release the toxins appropriately through our deep exhalation. Yoga teaches us to be constantly aware of our breathing patterns, and to breathe consciously in our daily life. Specific breathing techniques (pranayama) are devised to further purify the nadis (energy pathways), balance the breath and the energy in our system, and to store and channel the subtle energy (prana - life energy) for higher purposes.

The word Hatha is composed of the words Ha and Tha, which mean sun and moon, respectively.  This refers to the balance between the prana vayu (the positive vital air) and apana vayu (the negative vital air).

Prana (vital air) in the body of the individual is a part of the universal breath.  The regulation of the harmonized breath helps the Yogi to regulate and steady the mind.  Pranayama needs to be practiced by all serious Yoga practitioners.  Advanced practices need to be done only by those already practicing a pure lifestyle, and it is recommended that you put yourself under the supervision of a teacher in a pure environment, like an ashram.

3 Proper Relaxation – Savasana

Relaxation techniques, such as Savasana, cool down the system like the radiator of a car. When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their efficiency diminishes. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging the body. The state of our mind and the state of our body are intimately linked. If your muscles are relaxed, then your mind must be relaxed. If the mind is anxious, then the body suffers too.

3 Levels of Relaxation
We can say that there are three levels of relaxation: physical, mental and spiritual; there are also three levels of tension, or stress: physical stress, mental stress and spiritual stress. Relaxation is actually very scientific. Physical stress comes from poor eating habits, sedentary living, repetitive movements of the body, and poor posture. Modern life, especially in big cities, is full of stress as modern working and living conditions are full of pressure, and devoid of prana and relaxation.

Mental and emotional stress comes from a hectic lifestyle, highly demanding jobs, distractions of the mind, low vitality due to lack of prana, and negative emotions such as anger, hatred, jealousy, fear, and anxiety. The solution is to achieve the three levels of relaxation.

Physical Relaxation
Physical relaxation is achieved through the systematic practice of conscious relaxation (Savasana) and correct posture.can say that there are three levels of relaxation:

Mental Relaxation
Mental relaxation is achieved through correct breathing, concentration of the mind and positive thinking.  A distracted mind is always anxious.  A mind concentrated on a positive object is more relaxed and recharged.

Spiritual Relaxation
Spiritual relaxation is a deeper type of relaxation, when we become content, a detached witness of the body and mind. Through complete relaxation we live in the solid present, overcome our fears of death and of the future, and welcome life’s demands with strength and courage, able to guide our mind, control our desires and choose better priorities.

4 Proper Diet – Vegetarian
Correct nutrition and diet gives proper fuel for the body and the mind without creating toxins and digestive problems. Optimum utilization of food, air, water and sunlight is essential.

There is medical evidence that a balanced vegetarian diet is extremely healthy and provides everything the body needs. The Yogic vegetarian diet is sattvic (pure), and helps to calm the mind, and to reveal the spirit as well as nourish the body. The body needs food for two purposes: as fuel to supply energy, and as materials to repair body tissues. For repairing and building tissue, the body needs: 1. protein; 2. carbohydrates; 3. fats; 4. minerals.

These elements are found in larger proportions in vegetable tissue than in animal tissue. Nuts, peas, beans, soy bean products like tofu, and milk contain protein. Wheat, oats, rice and other grains are mainly carbohydrates. All protein foods and vegetable oils provide the fats, and the main supply of organic minerals and vitamins comes from fruit and vegetables.

A vegetarian diet is a natural diet, fresh and wholesome, full of fiber and alkaline in nature, energy producing, and easy to absorb and to eliminate.

Sattvic Diet
To maintain a sattvic diet, free from rajasic and tamasic influences, avoid stimulants and depressants such as caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs of all kinds, overly spicy food, onions, garlic, overcooked food, old food, frozen food, canned food, sodas and processed foods, as well as all meat.

Yogis advocate “ahimsa”, the principle of non-violence, non-injury and respect for life.  Everything our body and mind needs for growth can be provided from the vegetable kingdom.

By avoiding eating animal flesh we nourish ourselves in a natural and healthy way.

The vegetarian diet helps in the performance of asanas as the body and the joints becomes more flexible.  It is a wonderful way to prevent heart disease, arthritis, obesity, and a good remedy for many chronic diseases.nutrition and diet gives proper fuel for the body and the mind without creating toxins and digestive problems. Optimum utilization of food, air, water and sunlight is essential.

Gradual Change to Vegetarian Diet
Changing to a vegetarian diet can be gradual and life transforming.  It consists not only in deciding to stop eating meat, but in learning a new way of life, by being conscious of how you nourish yourself.

It includes not only being aware of what you eat, but also how you eat.  Yogis promote taking time to cook, and to eat consciously in a regular manner, with appropriate intervals between meals to allow the digestive fire to activate and digest the food.

Blessing meals is also encouraged to sanctify the act of eating and for offering thanks to the Creator.

Proper diet includes periodic fasting as well, to give a break to the digestive system, purify body and mind, and to make the mind more perceptive, more sattvic, and more conducive to concentration, contemplation and meditation.nutrition and diet gives proper fuel for the body and the mind without creating toxins and digestive problems. Optimum utilization of food, air, water and sunlight is essential. Gradual Change to Vegetarian diet

5 Positive Thinking and Meditation
Just as a driver of a car manages to bring himself to his destination without accidents and setbacks, so the yogi learns to manage his mind and emotions in order to keep him positive at all times. Positive thoughts are energizing and facilitate growth, while negative thoughts are draining and inhibit growth.

Only with a positive outlook about oneself can one can maintain a meditative life which will ultimately lead to intuitive knowledge and inner strength. Techniques, such as Savasana, cool down the system like the radiator of a car. 

When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their efficiency diminishes. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging the body. The state of our mind and the state of our body are intimately linked. If your muscles are relaxed, then your mind must be relaxed. If the mind is anxious, then the body suffers too.

Yoga Glossary of Terms

Agni – Fire. Personification of fire: the God of fire. Likewise, it refers to the inner fires of the body, generally referred as “covers”, meaning sacred temperature.

Agni-Sara Dhauti – Literally it means “to purge through the fire cascade”. One of the six kriyas, agni-Sara dhauti consists of a series of fast abdominal contractions (rising) or uddhyana bandha. This technique increases the body temperature (agni/covers) in the body while toning up the muscles that protect the internal organs. This temperature quickly burns calories in the abdominal region.

Agni Kumbhaka – In yoga it is the “breathing of fire”. This complex breathing technique combines kapalabhati, bastrika, dirgha svasam, rechaka kumbhaka, bandha-triya and an intense pratyahara. In the most advanced techniques, it is combined with sapta bandha and dharana mudra in yantras, as well as with specific mantras associated with the main chakras.

Ajna Chakra – Literally, it is the “wheel of command”. It is also known as the “Third eye” or “the eye of Shiva”. It is the sixth chakra located in-between the eyebrows. Usually Shiva is represented with the “third eye” open so as to signalize its divine vision.

Akasha – Space: Opening

Anahata Chakra – It literally means “wheel of the un-blocked (sound)”. It is the fourth Main Chakra located near the heart.

Anata – It literally means “endless”. The second chakra is associated with the respiratory system and closely related to the anahata chakra in the heart. It is also the name of the great coiling serpent on which Vishnu reclines while the serpent blocks him the light and casts a shadow with its seven hoods.

Antara Kumbhaka – Holding one’s breath after inhaling. .

Asana – It literally means “seated” or “comfortable position”. It is third of the eight principles of the Yoga of Patanjali. Originally, the word referred only to several seated positions for meditation. In tantra and Hatha yoga, Asana applies to all the positions of the body.

Ashram – It is a school or center of yoga. A community of individuals with the same mentality. Any spiritual community or establishment. The residents of ashram typically live under an economic cooperative or are sustained by donations of the bigger communities from outside the ashram. In many ways, the ashram resembles a monastic community.

Ashrama – Commonly referred as ashram in the modern languages indues, asharama makes reference to any of the four stages in the ideal life of a Hindu, namely, brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa.

Astanga – “Eighth principle”. The eight parts or stages in which Patanjali divided up the practice of yoga when he traveled through India in the year 200 A.C. approximately. He studied everything that could took the name yoga, and soon he prepared a treaty where he analyzed in a systematic fashion the structure and function of yoga techniques.

Astanga yoga – The “eight principles” of the classic raja yoga, as it was taught by Patanjali and as indicated in its treaty The Yoga Sutras. This text is the single most venerated work on yoga ever composed and it is definitive text on raja yoga.

Aswani Mudra – It literally means “the seal of the horse” or “gesture of the horse”. It is a rhythmical and continuous contraction and relaxation of mula bandha aimed at fortifying the muscle of the anus in preparation for the bandha.

Atman – In the word atman, the root Sanskrit root “at” means “to move”. The second root, “an”, means “to breathe” or “to live”. Atman is “the breathing that moves”, or the “spirit in motion”. In other words, a living being, in motion and breathing: a person.

In everyday life, the word atman means “person” or “being” just like these are employed in English or Spanish. In the esoteric language of India, as used in yoga texts, whether philosophical or religious, the word atman refers to the “Being”, just like in English or Spanish we make reference to the “Spirit”, or the true essence of a person, our true nature or ideal being.

Neither the word “spirit” nor “soul” corresponds exactly with the meaning of atman. There is no whether English or Spanish equivalent word. Atman is the essence of each person as distinguished from his or her appearance.

Aum (Om) – It is the mystical syllable that represents, among other things, everything that is, everything that was and everything that shall be.

Ayurveda – It is the Vedic science of the sacred health or medicine. It is considered as a supplement to Athara, which forms the basis of most of its textual authoritativeness. Yoga and Ayurveda always have been in close proximity to each other. Yoga deals with physiology (both subtle and physics), whereas Ayurveda deals with pharmacology (whether esoteric or scientific).

Bahya Kumbhaka – Holding one’s breath after exhaling..

Bandha – It literally means “to tie or to moor”. In Yoga the word makes reference to several muscular contractions or “closings” used to hold one’s breathing, prana or energy in a determined area of the body.

Bandha Triya – It literally means “the triple closing” consisting of mula bandha, uddhyana bandha and jalandhara bandha performed simultaneously in order to seal the ends of sushumna nadi, forcing the prana towards Manipura Chakra where they are purified and prepared to be sent towards sushumna nadi until chakra of the crown.

This process is also known as the waking up of kundalini, thus Shakti (the feminine principle), that resides like a coiled serpent, Kundalini, in the basic chakra, which can make its union with Shiva (the masculine principle) in chakra of the crown, where it handles the Great White Swan of the released being.

Brahma – Member of the Hindu Trinity, Brahma is the creative God. Vishnu is the conservative and Shiva the destroyer. The most important work of Brahma was creating the universe, and having essentially finished it, He is not very interested in human affairs, for which reason He is neither widely nor devoutly worshipped.

Brahmacharya – It literally means a “student of God”. In everyday language it refers to him or her who is celibate. It is the first ashrama, or stage of life in classic India. The years of childhood, schooling and apprenticeship.

Brahman – The root “brih” means to grow, to increase, to expand. The root “an” means to breathe or to live. Brahman is the spirit/breath that expands. The principle of life that has expanded to become the entire universe.

The Vedas speak about day and night of the Brahman, making reference to long periods of time during which the principle of universal life may manifest itself (like now, being the Day of Brahma) or not (like before the Bing Bang, when nothing existed except for singularity – when the entire universe was reduced to less than the size of a neutron, known like the Night of the Brahman). According to ancestral texts, this cycle keeps going forever.

95% of the universe is not matter the way we see it our eyes, but rather matter that our eyes cannot see. Matter whose nature mystifies astronomers and cosmologists alike. Two thirds of this matter is seemingly an intriguing type of matter known as dark energy, and is considered as the driving force behind the swift expansion of the universe.

“Brahman” is sometimes used instead of “Brahmin.”

Brahmin – A priest; also, a sacerdotal caste. .

Chakra – A wheel, specially a light wheel. It refers to any of the numerous energy centers located inside and around the body that the clairvoyants perceive like wheels in motion. The seven main chackras are located along the column, from its base to the crown.

According to the philosophy of Yoga, the vital force (prana) activates these centers. If some chackras are under- or over-energized, there will be no harmony or there will be disease in the body. This state is known as “no balance state”.

One of the main goals of Hatha, Kundalini and Tantra yoga is to preserve these chackras well attuned so that the Divine energy may manifest itself through them.

Dharana – It literally means “the act of maintaining” or “firmness”, meaning to firmly maintain a thought in the mind. Concentration. It is the sixth principle of the yoga system of Patanjali.

Dhyana – It literally means “meditation”, “thought” or “reflection”. Whereas Dharana simply consists of maintaining a thought in the mind, Dhyana allows for the expansion of the mind or its reflection on that thought. It is the seventh principle of the system of Patanjali.

Dirgha Svasam – It literally means “to delve deep and to look for within oneself”.

Gheranda Samhita – The Treatise of Gheranda was written during the 17th Century and it is one of three main surviving documents of the Classic Hatha Yoga. Like several of the first writings of yoga, this text is little more than a series of notes from an instructor, who just covers the main aspects and then leaves the rest in blank to be completed orally or by demonstration.

The Gheranda Samhita consists of more or less of 351 verses, divided up in seven sections, to wit:
1- Shat Kriyas – there are 6 categories of techniques of hygiene and purification which totalize 20.
2- Asanas – there are 32 physical postures described along with their resulting benefits.
3- Mudras – There are 20 physical mudras and bandhas, and 5 dharana mudras describing only the mental focus on the chackras.
4- Pratyahara – it is a short section on the control of the mind.
5 – Pranayama – they are 8 breathing techniques with instructions on kumbhakas, focused on chackras and the application of the mudras.
6- Dhyana – they are 5 techniques of meditation.
7- Samadhi – 6 variations of mental absorption.

Gorakhnath (aka Gorak, GorakhNath, Gorakhnata, etc.)

A disciple of Matsyendranath (Matsyendra) and an early exponent of Hatha Yoga. He is credited for having founded Laya or Kundalini Yoga, as well as Hatha Yoga. Specifically, he founded an order called Kanphata Yogis, which is based on Hatha Yoga and which survives to the present time.

Goraksha and Matsyendra were both renowned yoguis who lived somewhere between the 9th and the 12th centuries. We know very little about them because, no sooner had they died, their achievements and accomplishments were mixed with myth, folklore, and magic almost to they point they become virtual deities. Innumerable legends, which trace their origin to the North and the West of India, are a testimony to their supernatural and magical powers.

Gorakhnath is known as the author of innumerable works, including Goraksha Shataka, a dialogue between him and his master Matsyendra. This text survives in many translated version, but not in its original Sanskrit version; Hatha Yoga was lost, except for small excerpts including the Hatha Yoga Pradiprika by Svatmarama. This later work is not, however, the oldest known manuscript on Hatha Yoga.

Grishastha – “The occupant”. The second ashrama or stage of life in classic India. The occupant’s years, of bread-earning and of supporting a family.

Hamsa – It literally means “swan”. Shiva leads a White Swan into his chackra of the crown, symbolizing the spirit of the Divinity or the liberated being.

Hamsa Kumbhaka – The breathing of the swan. It is a smooth yet powerful pranayama used in meditation to guide Shakti towards the swan. It is breathing for meditation in each chackra, which proceeds progressively upwards by shushumna, up until all yantras can be held in the mind (dhyana) during the same breathing.

Hamsa Mantra (hamsa japa) – It is the continuous chanting of hamsa. If the word hamsa is continually and quickly repeated, it becomes indistinct with “so-ham” sung quickly. Put together they mean: I am a liberated spirit.

Hatha – Ha and yang, both represent the masculine polarities or the suns, whereas and the yin represent the feminine polarities or the moons. The Term Hatha Yoga, then, makes reference to the integration of (seemingly) opposites in an union or complete whole.

Hatha Yoga – In India, during the Middle Ages, Hatha Yoga and Tantra yoga were detached from their common roots, which stretched in essence to the prehistoric Valleys of the Hindu Culture of the third millennium A.C.

Hatha Yoga adopted an existential and ascetic approach, under the belief that integration with the Divinity would be faster (and stronger) when the person in question lives an ascetic and celibate life in retirement.

Most yoga positions that are familiar to Westerners are part of the Hatha Yoga tradition. Technically speaking, the term means “personal integration through the union of opposites.” Hatha Yoga looks to to eliminate any false sense of duality between the practitioner and the spiritual universal reality (Brahman). The conscious practice of physical positions (asanas), and specifically modified breathings and other techniques, help to integrate body, mind and spirit.

Tantra Yoga developed in fine contrast with the heritage of yoga and the ascetic common principles of Hatha Yoga. Tantra yoguis aim at integrating the polarities like the occupants (inhabitants): Couples who live together and who enjoy the pleasures, amusements, and luxuries of life (tantra of the right hand), or in other more exotic unions (tantra of the left hand).

Hatha Yoga Pradiprika – This text, written in the 14th Century by Svatmarana Wisdom, is the most significative and oldest manuscript dedicated specifically to the Hatha Yoga which has survived. Previous texts describe the materials that precede the foundation of Hatha Yoga, which was not established as a separate form until around the years 700 – 100 A.C. A previous text, written by Gorakhnath and called Hatha Yoga was available in the times of Svatmarama, and some sections evern reproduced in its Pradipika. Unfortunately, this previous text was lost. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is composed of approximately 383 verses, divided up in four sections, as follows:

1. Asanas: 5 basic positions for meditation and 10 for the back’s flexibility or for
deep relaxation. It also includes some dietary guidelines.

2. Pranayama: Suddhis Nadis to purify the subtlest Nadis and 7 kriyas for the physical nadis

3. Mudras: A deep description of 10 mudras.

4. Samadhi: 3 additional mudras (sambhavi and two related techniques) and the elaboration of kechari-mudra. It is also emphasized in several sounds (nothingness) that originate in in sushumna nadi whereas the prana flows in there. The sounds help to focus the mind and offer to the yogui information on his progress in Samadhi.

Ida – “Channel of consolation, tranquility, containment (comfort). This is one of the three primary currents of vital force flowing through the body. It is located on the left of Sushumna nadi and it is associated with the energy of cooling down of the inner moon. The current of Ida corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system.

Jalandhara Bandha – It is the “closing of the pear jaw” and it is used to prevent the premature, ascending motion of prana, sending it towards Manipura Chackra, where it is Transmuted and redirected to the central nadi sushumna.

Japa – Literally, it means “repetition”. It is often used as synonymous for mantra.

Jiva-mukta – Spiritual liberation. Jiva means life and mukta means liberation. Jiva-mukta is
spiritual liberation while it is living in a mortal body.

Jiva-mukti – It is he who has found spiritual liberation while living in the body.

Kalpa – It is an immense period of time equal to a thousand years (Yugas). Ageless and timeless. A Kalpa amounts to a day for Brahma, and is used to measure the age of the world (being 1000 Yugas, or 4320 million years).

Karma – Literally, it means “action”. In the West, Karma is misunderstood and considered
as the result of our actions. This is the other way around. Phalam (fruit) is what
follows from our actions. Karma, on the other hand, are the actions themselves, rather than what follows from them.

The Law of Karma is the law of cause and effect. Karma (action) is the cause of resulting effects, or phalam. There are three types of Karma: actions of the body, actions of the speech and actions of the mind. Jesus taught this concept in Matthew 5:21: 22.

Kaya Kalpa – Literally, it means “ageless body”. The term Kaya means “body” and Kalpa means “ageless” or “immortal”. Kaya Kalpa is a form of Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine developed in the South of India at about the same time Hatha Yoga developed. Kaya Kalpa has three main objectives: 1. To slow down the aging process; 2. To maintain excellent physical health and youthful vitality; 3. To procrastinate physical death until after one reaches jiva-mukta or spiritual liberation of the karma’s effects.

Kechari mudra (khechari mudra) – Literally, it means “closing or gesture of the movement into space. It is an intense form of the “closing of the tongue”. It requires cutting the retainer of the tongue or the sinew under the tongue gradually for several months, in such a way that the tongue may move freely upward and backward within the nasal cavity.
Note: Kechari mudra is not recommended for the residents

Instead, nabho mudra is recommended, because it only requires folding the tip of the tongue upward and backward as much as possible. The stretching capacity of the tongue shall increase with regular practice.

Kechari mudra is sometimes used as a whole or instead of jalandhara bandha (the closing of the pear) to revert the ascending movements of prana vayu and to send it downward to be warmed it up and reenergized in Manipura. In some texts, the term kechari mudra makes reference to the act of closing the tongue and the eyes (sambhavi mudra) simultaneously.

Kevala Kumbhaka – It is the holding of spontaneous or intuitive breathing regardless of inhalation or exhalation.

Kirtan – Call-and-response mantra chanting and music

Kriya – Literally, it means “an action, an intention, an initiative, an activity or a process”. In Yoga, kriya usually makes reference to any of the 6 categories of the hygiene and purification processes, known as shat-kriya or the six cleaning steps. In fact there are about 20 different kriyas, since there are many specific techniques included within those six categories. Each one of them is described in detail in the Gheranda Samhita.

Kumbhaka – Literally, it means “like in a pot”. In Yoga, kumbhaka makes reference to the retention of breathing. The breathing may be retained after inhalation (antara kumbhaka), after exhalation (bhaya kumbhaka), or automatically at any intermediate point (kevala kumbhaka). In the breathing of Yoga, where we focus on the sacred breathing (prana), we prepare the body to become sacred “Caliz” of divine fluid.

Kumbhaka mudra (kumbhaka bandha, hridya mudra, etc.) – Kumbhaka mudra literally means “the closing of Caliz” or “the gesture of Caliz”. Kumbhaka bandha is the “closing of Caliz” and hridya mudra is the “closing of the heart”, “gesture of the heart” or “gesture of gratitude”. Kumbhaka mudra (or bandha) is one of the most advanced closings used to control the fluctuation of prana in the body. It is performed through the contraction and the symmetrical raising of the muscles of the chest, usually during rechaka kumbhaka, or retention of the internal breathing. In the physical body, this pressurizes the air in the lungs and promotes internal (cellular) breathing. In the subtle body, it helps to lead the prana (Kundalini) towards the center of the heart, opening or energizing it before impelling the prana to the following center.
Kundalini

It is the divine, powerful serpent that slept in Muladhara Chackra. This energy is stimulated by practicing of Yoga and it is possible being waked up and it raises through chackras main until the Lotus of Thousand Petals located in the crown. This is the objective of most of the ways of yoga physical.

Kundalini Yoga (Laya Yoga) – It is an intense form of Hatha Yoga that puts great emphasis in strong pranayama techniques in order to raise the body temperature, which in turn is thought to raise the dormant shakti energy (Kundalini) which resides at the base of our column. Some say that Gorakhnath founded the Hatha and the Kundalini Yoga. This is possible since both are similar, except for some details, and so they may very well have developed from a common root many centuries ago.

Laya Yoga – Laya means “absorption” or “dissolution” of the mind.
A variant of the Kundalini Yoga, Laya Yoga awakes latent powers of the Kundalini, causing the rise from Muladhara towards Ajna (or higher), but dissolving the mind (conscience) and giving rise to a state of superior conscience of Samadhi or Turiya.
Moreover, “yoga of the absorption’ in the current of sound (nadam), aka Nada Yoga.
Literally, it means “falo”. The masculine principle and the symbol of the masculinity. Lingam is a common symbol for Shiva.

Maha Mudra – Literally, it means “the great closing” or “Great Gesture”. The position of the head towards the knee (alternate stretching of the legs) made with puraka kumbhaka, bandha triya and yantra meditation.

Maha Samadhi – Literally, it means the “Great Samadhi” or “Great Absorption”. Ideally, this would be the final conscience of a spiritual teacher as he exits his body, just as Jesus said “to yield his breathing”, while he was on the Cross; or when Paramahansa Yogananda left this world in 1952. In reality, it refers to the death of a venerated figure.

Maithuna – It is pronounced mi-tuna. It is a sacred ritual of love making of Tantra Yoga that helps couples to wake up the kundalini together.

Manipura Chackra – Literally, it means “the wheel of the Jewel of the City”. This chackra is the third of the main chackras, and it is located just behind the navel.

Mantra – Literally, it means “instrument of the thought”. It is a prayer song. A mystical verse or a magic formula used to invoke the deity or to acquire divine power. It makes reference to any word, phrase or prayer used in meditation. The Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary are two classic examples of Christian mantras.

Marga (margha) – Literally, it means “step” or “path”. In the terminology of yoga, it refers to a particular spiritual path, such as for instance bhakti marga, which means “the path of the devotion”.

Matsyendranath (Matsyendra, Matsyendra Nath, Matsendranathe, etc) – It is the master or guru of Goraknath (Goraksha), and an early exponent of Hatha Yoga.

Mudra – Literally, it means “closing” or “gesture”. In many Hindu forms of dance, thousands of these mudras – specific gestures with the face, the hands, the arms and the body – are recognized. In yoga, mudra is a specific muscular contraction (bandhas), positions of the body (asanas) and concentration areas (dharanas), which are used in order to locate or to control the movement of the pranic energy.

The Gheranda Samhita contains a listing of 20 physical mudras and of 5 dharana mudras. The latter ones specify the meaning of concentration (dharana) in each one of the first five main chackras (the five centers associated with the physical elements).

Mula Bandha – Literally, it means the “closing from the by root”. It is performed by contracting the muscles of the anus, and it is used to redirect downwards the apana vayu and to then send it upwards.

Muladhara Chackra – Literally meaning “root support wheel.” This chakra is the first of the major energy centers, located near the coccyx. Opens backwards.

Nabho Mudra – Fold the lower section of the tongue upwards, then press it against the palate, extending the tip of the tongue backwards and towards the soft palate, all the while retaining the air in the lungs. This technique of “closing of the tongue” should be practiced like a real bandha through the pressure of the tongue upwards and backwards. When it is performed in this fashion, nabho mudra automatically suppresses the nonsensical self-conversation, the inner dialogue and the mind’s fluctuations. It is used instead of kechari mudra, and it does not require the cutting of the retainer or sinew of the tongue.

Nadi – Nadis are pathways of pranic, mental and spiritual currents, which form a matrix throughout the physical body. They provide energy to every cell, and every organ through their vast network, carrying prana back and forth in every direction.

“Water running, a river, or current; any tube or channel, specially a tubular organ (like a vein or artery of the body)”. In Yoga, nadi makes reference to the channels of the subtle body by which journeys the prana and the kundalini, as well as to the channels and veins of the physical body. The main Nadi is Sushumna, the central nerve that connects chackras and through which the Kundalini Shakti ascends. It is said that Sushumna is located in the center of the column. Surrounding it there are two secondary nadis, ida and pingala (both associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system).

In many techniques of pranayama, ida and pingala represent the left and right nostrils, respectively. Ida is feminine, ying, lunar and receptive. Pingala is masculine: yang, solar and active. Recent research studies have shown that lunar breathing through the left nostril, called Chandra bedha, helps to activate the right cerebral hemisphere (more intuitive), while the breathing through the right nostril, called surya bheda, helps to activate the left cerebral hemisphere (more logical or analytical).

There are thousands of nadis throughout the subtle body, as well as thousands of nerves and veins throughout the physical body. According to the Shiva Samhita, there are nadis 350,000, of which fourteen are developed. From these fourteen, only ida, pingala and Sushumna are considered of vital importance in the practice of yoga. Hatha Yoga Pradiprika and other sources mention about 72,000 nadis. These numbers are symbolic and based on Hindu numerology. Its exact meaning must have been understood differently by the ancient masters. All of them are in agreement about the importance of ida, pingala and Sushumna, the latter being the most important of all.

Nama-Rupa – Literally, it means “name and form.” It is the linguistic reference, the visual and standard tactile to a living being and to any other object on the universe. It is distinguished from sva-bhava, a person or object have a real life, or from Atman, the “real being”.

The term namarupa is used frequently in Buddhist and post-Buddhist literature to represent the esoteric nature of things, as opposed to their true nature.

Niyama – It is a moral rule. It is the second principle of the Ashtanga Yoga Patanjali system.

Om (Aum) – “Om” is the erroneous pronunciation of the most common “Aum.” In fact there are three sounds different from Aum, but to spell it “Om”, at least in English, is correct, since “O” is the phonetic equivalent of “Au.”

Om Mani Padme Hum – Literally, it means “the jewel in the Lotus” meaning “lingam in yoni”. It is an ancient and sacred tantric mantra, among other things, to the Maithuna ritual.

Padma – Lotus. Lotus Flowe3r. It is another name for chackras, because sometimes they are represented as wheels in motion, and some other times as flowers of lotus.

Patanjali – He is the author of Yoga Sutras. Patanjali lived between the 200 AC and 200 BC, but the exact date remains unknown. Patanjali traveled throughout most of India, studying and analyzing what different practitioners and masters were doing under the name of “Yoga”. Patanjali probably did not contribute new ideas to the practice of yoga, but rather proffered an invaluable structural analysis of yoga at the time.

Phalam – Literally, it means “fruit”. The fruit of Karma. It is used in esoteric texts to make reference to the results or consequences of our actions (karmas). It is what Jesus meant when he said that “He shall be known through His fruits.”

Pingala – It literally means “yellowish current”. It is one of the three primary channels of the vital force. It is located to the right of the central duct (sushumna nadi) and it is associated to the sun. It is responsible for the temperature of the body. On the physical plane, it corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system.

Prana – The root “prana” means to fill. The root “an” means to breathe or to live. Prana is “the life that fills with breathing”. In other words, the principle of life in action. Prana is commonly translated as air, breathing, spirit, life, vital force, energy, subtle energy, or the currents of energy in ascending motion in the body.

Pranayama – Literally, it means “breathing control”. It is any of the hundreds of therapeutic breathing patterns employed in any of the yoga forms or martial arts. It is the fourth principle of Patanjali Yoga.

Pratyhara – To engage in retrospection of the senses to detect subtle currents and the energy centers within the body. It is the fifth of The Patanjali Yoga Principles

Purakak Kumbhaka – It is the holding of one’s breathing after inhalation. It is just like antara kumbhaka.

Rechaka Kumbhaka – It is the holding of one’s breathing after exhalation. It is just like bahya kumbhaka.

Sahasrara Chackra – Literally, it means the “wheel of the thousand petals”. Chackra of the crown is the seventh of the main centers of energy; it is located right above the head’s crown (where the soft part in a baby’s head is located). It is opened slightly backwards.

Samadhi – Literally, it means “to put together”, or “together or in combination with” as well as unity of state.
In yoga, Samadhi may have anyone of the following meaning:
1. Engrossed in meditation.
2. A state of deep meditation or devotion.
3. Intense attention or fixation of the mind in something.
4. Attention, intense absorption or any kind of a trance.
5. Concentration of thoughts.
6. Deep or abstract meditation.
7. Intense concentration on any object in particular so that the yogui identifies himself or herself with the object of meditation. In other words, in Samadhi, the practitioner, through perception and experience, merges with the environment.

This it is the state of “Atman” or “Turiay” (the room).
Then, Samadhi refers to any of the highest levels of conscience, in or out of trance. These states may be reached through the practice of Yoga or through other means. It is the eighth and last Principle of Patanjali Yoga. Most of the systems of Hatha Yoga see the Samadhi like a state which is attained at the very end. In Buddhism, Samadhi is the fourth state, and the end of Dhyana or intense abstract meditation.

There are many levels of Samadhi, and they receive different names. Most basic forms of this absorption are called saguna-samadhi (with attributes), savitarka-samadhi (with deliberation), savikalpa samadhi (with change), savichara-samadhi (with reflection), sabija-samadhi (with seed), etc.

The most elevated forms of this absorption are called nirguna-samadhi (without attributes), nirvitarka-samadhi (without deliberation), nirvikalpa-samadhi (without changes or differences), nirvichara-samadhi (without reflection), nirbija-samadhi (without seed), etc.

Sambhavi Mudra – “Relative to Shiva”. There are many different techniques that go under this name and translations are not consistent. In this text we make reference to the “closing or gesture of the eyes”, when one rolls the eyes upwards, inwards and towards “the third eye” or “eye of Shiva”, located in-between the eyebrows (Ajna Chackra).

Rolling the eyes upwards and to the left allows the brain to visualized stored recollections. Rolling them upwards and to the right allows for construction of new visual recollections. These techniques cause the right eye to gain access to stored recollections, while the left eye gains access to creative images. At the cognitive level this produces a third way through the brain may see, creating almost literally a “third eye”. In addition, this technique fortifies the muscles of the sight.

This dual modality of visual access also has the effect of limiting the ability to start an inner dialogue. Kechari o nabho mudra also help to suppress the inner dialogue through a weakening of the micro-movements of the tongue that are concomitant with the inner dialogue and the sub-vocalizations, be they conscious or unconscious. These two techniques, the closing of the eye and the tongue are in general performed together , and they are excellent techniques to use in the tantric and mantric meditations since working in conjunction they help to control the hearing as well as the visual processes of the brain.

Samavritti (samavritti kumbhaka, samavritti pranayama) – Literally, it means “equal movements”. It is the technique of equal breathing. This technique of controlled breathing may be practiced by dividing up the breathing process into 2, 3 or 4 equal parts, for example: inhalation-exhalation; inhalation-retention-exhalation; or, inhalation, retention, exhalation, retention.

Samhita – It refers to any methodical collection of verses and texts. It is also the name for several works, such as Shiva Smahita, Gheranda Samhita, etc. A “resignee”. It is the fourth Ashrama or stage of life in classic India, when one abandons the security of living as a hermit and goes on to live as a hermit adrift, without any possessions, just the clothes that one is wearing and a small wood container to eat.

Sapta mudra (sapta bandha) – It is the “closing of the seven folding” or the “closing of the seven routes”. It is a very powerful and advanced technique that consists of bandha triya and four more additional gestures or seals: yoni mudra, kumbhaka mudra, kechari mudra (or nabho mudra) and sambhavi mudra, in all of which are concentrated, whether simultaneously or progressively, the six main chackras, helping to carry the force of the prana energy towards Sahasrara Chackra on the crown. Sapta bandha applies in the fire breathing during puraka kumbhaka.

This technique must not be performed by people with high blood pressure, or heart weaknesses, or by those prone to dizziness or faints.

Sahivism – The work of Shiva like a Supreme Being. It is one of the most important sectarian branches of Hinduism.

Shakti – Literally, it means “power”, “ability”, “strength” or “energy.” Yin for the feminine aspect of the Divine creative expression in which Yoga is considered as residing at the base of the column in Muladhara Chackra. Sometimes it is used as a synonym for kundalini. It is the feminine individual in a tantric relationship.

Shiva (Siva) – Literally, it means “auspicious”, “favorable”, “benign” or “benevolent”. Yang or the masculine aspect of the Divine creative expression, which in Yoga is considered to reside on the crown of the head in Sahasrara Chackra. Shiva is distinguished from Shakti, the yin or feminine aspect of the creative force, that resides (as kundalini) at the base of the column in Muladhara Chackra.

As member of the Hindu Trinity, Shiva is the destroyer (of the ignorance).

It is the masculine self in a tantric relationship.

Shiva is the patron of the deity in Yoga, its author and protector. All of the yoga vidya (the knowledge or science of spiritual integration with the divinity) emanates from Shiva.

Shiva Samhita – The Compendium of Shiva was written during the 18th Century by an unknown author who writes as if Shiva in person were speaking. The work frequently alludes to the Tantras, and there is a distinctive Buddhist influence throughout the text. It is one of the three most important surviving treatises on Hatha Yoga. Just like several of the first writings in Yoga, the text is structured as notes from the instructor. It covers the main aspects of Yoga, while leaving details to be filled in orally.

The Shiva Samhita consists of about 645 verses (128 had been lost in the translation of 1914), divided up in five sections, in the following fashion:

1. No Duality: Holding that only conscience exists, the first section has
suggestions of both advaita-edenta (Hindu school of no duality introduced by
Mandukay Upanishad and popularized by Shankara) and vijanavada (a Buddhist
philosophy according to which only conscience exists and nothing else).
2. Subtle body: It describes the system of nadis, discussing at great length the most important ones, while briefly introducing the idea of chackras. The role of
karma is also explained.
3. Pranayama: It discusses the student-master relationship, the requirements to be successful in yoga, it introduces pranayama (nadi suddhi), though it is not very well explained, and it also mentions the siddhis.
4. Mudras: It introduces Yoni mudra to awake the kundalini, as well as 10 additional mudras which are described in order to awake kundalini, but the instructions are not as clear as those offered by the Gheranda Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradiprika.
5. The practice of Yoga: It introduces the main obstacles for the practice of
yoga, four main types of yoga are mentioned and the seven main chackras are described with great detail. In this final Section is where the text really shines, even though it is not exempt from errors, at least in the English translation from the year 1914.

Sivananda Yoga – Sivananda Yoga is a classical style of Yoga that is a slow paced meditative class that helps encourage proper breathing, flexibility, strength and vitality in the body while calming the mind. the philosophy of Sivananda Yoga teaches Proper Exercise (Asanas), Proper Breathing (Pranayama), Proper Relaxation (savasana), Proper Diet, Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana). This class begins with savasana and pranayama (breathing exercises) followed by surya namaskar (sun salutation) and a formula of 12 basic asanas with beginner, intermediate and advanced variations. 

So Hum – Literally, it means “I am”. If one sings so-ham quickly and in succession, it becomes indistinguishable from “hamsa”. Together they mean “I am the Swan” – the liberated spirit.

Sunyata – Literally, it means “to persevere after the void”, without which it would have no value or function. A cup that is not empty cannot hold liquid. A room that is not empty cannot lodge people. A person (atman) who is no empty (for example, pure) may not reach a state of divinity (Atman).

Shushumna Nadi – The first central nervous channel of the subtle body. It rises from the chackra root (Muladhara) to the crown (Sahasrara). Shushumna nadi connects the seven main chackras. This is the only road that Kundalini takes, if it is the case that it is going to rise until Sahasrara and to awake our perceptions of the conscience of Shiva (Atman).

Sva-Bhava (svabhava or swabava) – Literally, it means “the being itself”. It is the true nature of any given thing, as opposed to its appearance, mamarupa.

Svadishtana Chackra – Literally, it means “the permanent being itself” or “the abode of the being”, being the main second chackra located in the zone of the genitals organs. This is the center of creativity and generation of the subtle body.

Svatmarama Yogendra (Atmarana) – This fourteenth Gentleman of Yoga (Yogendra) is the author of Hatha Yoga Pradiprika, the oldest surviving manuscript on Hatha Yoga. A previous work (now lost) called simply Hatha Yoga and written by Goraksha was apparently available to Svatmarana, since students maintain incorporate sections of the latter to the Pradiprika.

Its name may indicate that it belongs to an order of swamis (Swami Rama) in the Yoga tradition of Shiva, or it may be a short form of sva-atma-rama (one-spirit-god) suggesting that he has reached the common goal in Yoga (nirguna-samadhi) and Vedanta (turiya) and that therefore it shares the “same spirit with God.” Both schools are represented in their writings in conjunction with the Yoga Shiva tradition of the time.

Tantra – Literally, it means “loom”, “scheme”, “structure”, and “essential part”. It is used
to suggest the two cosmic principles (masculine-feminine; ying-yang; ha-tha) that
conform the interweave of a piece of fabric in the life of the universe.

1. The term tantra makes reference to post-Upanishad literature, which dates from the year 700-1000 CE. The texts of Tantra mostly make reference to
religious, magic and heterodox practices, specially used to attract the Divine
and magic powers of oneself. These medieval Tantras form the basis of modern Tantric beliefs and practices.

2. Modern Tantra (c. 1000 C.E. until the present) is generally divided up in two ways:

-The left way (vama-margha) is like the dark way of Voodoo. It uses the
power of magic to feel more powerful and to frighten and
control ignorant and superstitious people. This aspect of tantra is very
much feared in many parts of rural India, even in these days.

-The right way (dakshina margha) is a system of beliefs and spiritual
practices designed to attract magical or spiritual powers through the
Immersion in the currents of universal divine force or energy. Tantrikas
(practitioner of Tantric rituals) use these cosmic forces (known as a whole as Shakti or kundalini) to activate the chackras (or subtle glands) in the human body. It is here where tantra practice and traditional yoga begin to intertwine.

Vidya – Literally, it means “knowledge”, “wisdom” or “silence”. A term such as yoga vidya could being translated as (according to the context) “knowledge of yoga”, “wisdom of yoga” or “the science of yoga.”

Vishnu – Member of the Hindu Trinity. When Brahma finished creating the world, He found it lacking in life. He prayed for help and the god Vishnu entered the Earth (Vishnu means “to enter”) and filled it with living being.

Vishuddha Chackra – Literally, it means “wheel of the great purity”. It is fifth main chackra, located in the region of the throat.

Yama – It means “to control or to abstain”, “to control or to regulate”. A moral commandment or personal control. It is the first one of the eight principles of the yoga system of ashtanga of Patanjali. Yama may also be a route or way. It is the control to doubt or to feel lost.

Yama also refers to the planet Saturn, whose orbit speed is the slowest (or the most controlled) of all visible planets.

Yama and Niyama – They are the first two principles of Patanjali yoga, being five yamas and five observances of personal conduct the niyamas, those that constitute the “ten commandments” of India. They are similar to those predicated by Moses. Stability in yamas and niyamas is considered of the essence for the success of yoga practice.

Yama consists of non-violence, truth, no theft, containment and no ambition (Yoga sutras 2:30).

Niyama consists of: purity, contentment, acceptance without causing pain, spiritual study, and working in the divinity of God (Yoga sutras 2:32).

Yantra – Literally, it means any instrument used for “maintaining, controlling or adhering to an idea.” In yoga a yantra is a visual symbol used to keep the mind free of distractions during meditation.

Each chackra has its own yantra, a simple geometric design, to which colors may be added, images that surround the loto flower, deities (masculine and feminine) and their animals as a means of transportation, followed by sounds as they are perceived by the internal ear, and so on.

In the Tantra and Hatha Yoga, yantra is studied over time at progressively greater levels of detail. As ach level of detail requires memory, it is retained in meditation. The meditation is typically performed while holding one’s breath both in the breathing of the Swan and in the breathing of fire.

Yoga – Literally, it means “integration” or “union”. The root “yuj” means the yoke that unites animals to join forces and control the direction.

In the Hatha and Tetra Yoga we use pranayama, kumbhaka, mudra and bandha in order to combine bayus (internal energies or prana) and to lead this combined energy upwards towards the central channel (shushumna nadi) to create divine union – Yoga.

This is why that the breathing is so important. The purpose is to persuade the Kundalini Shakti to unite with Shiva so that we may discover our essential nature in that divine union.

Yoga Sutras – The writings of Patanjali reflect almost everything he has studied under the name of yoga over the years in India. It is an excellent treatise on the subject, and an early example of as structural as well as functional analysis.

Yoni -Literally, it means “source” or “abdomen.” The feminine principle and the feminine symbol.

Yoni Mudra – Literally, it means “the seal of yoni” or “the gesture in the source”. It is a contraction either of the vaginal muscles or the testicles. In individual practice it is used to redirect the subtle as well as the physical energy. In couple practice it is used to elevate and prolong pleasure.

Yoga Styles

Ananda Yoga
Ananda Yoga classes focus on gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation. Classes also focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing.

Anusara Yoga
Anusara Yoga is a relatively new form of yoga (1997), which pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Postures can be challenging, but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is the name given to the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Baptiste Yoga
Baptiste Yoga is a hot power vinyasa yoga inspired by the Hatha Yoga teachings of Krishnamacharya. Elements of Baptiste Yoga include drishti, bandhas, pranayama, vinyasa, alignment, and adaptability.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is the method of yoga that is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. The founder, Bikram Choudhury, was a gold medal Olympic weight lifter in 1963 and is a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, (Autobiography of a Yogi). The Bikram yoga method is taught at the temperatures of 95-105 degrees.

Dharma Yoga
Dharma yoga includes a progressive series of vinyasa sequences designed to allow the free flow of prana energy up and down the spine and throughout the physical body and mind. Dharma Yoga is a graceful, yet challenging form of yoga based on Sri Dharma Mittra’s almost fifty years of practice of classical yoga. The practice is appropriate for students of all levels, from beginner to lifelong practitioners and accessible to so many because it meets each student where they are and according to their condition. As students move through the different series, they are encouraged to go deeper and experience the practice in a meditative and spiritual way. Sri Dharma’s passion for helping students go deeper in their practice using only the best and most efficient techniques with the ultimate goal of Self-realization (gaining absolute knowledge of the True Self) is reflected in all aspects of the Dharma Yoga system.

Forrest Yoga
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Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization. It has become very popular in America as source of exercise and stress management. The ideal way to practice the Hatha Yoga poses (asanas) is to approach the practice session in a calm, meditative mood. Sit quietly for a few moments, then begin the series, slowly, with control and grace, being inwardly aware as the body performs the various poses selected for the practice session.

ISHTA Yoga
ISHTA Yoga is a system of yoga developed by South African teacher Mani Finger and popularized in the States by his son Alan, ISHTA (Integral Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts) focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations, and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. This style of yoga promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. The poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga. In Iyengar, you slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so, and then rest for a few breaths before stretching into another. Equipment like cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help the less flexible also distinguishes Iyengar from other types of yoga. Although Iyengar incorporates the traditional postures, or asanas, that make up the broader category of hatha yoga, the cushions and other props revolutionized yoga by enabling everyone -- even the elderly, sick, and disabled -- to practice. Because of its slow pace, attention to detail, and use of props, Iyengar yoga can be especially good if you're recovering from an injury.

Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga was developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life, the Jivamukti Yoga method expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times. It is a vigorous and challenging asana form with an emphasis on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to God and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga. Life and Gannon currently operate a popular yoga studio in New York City. 

Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu Yoga is called the yoga of consciousness. This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage One focuses on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities. Stage Two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.

Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a yoga practice that concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.

OM Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga combined with alignment instruction and Tibetan Buddhist concepts of mindfulness and compassion.

Para Yoga
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Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a style of yoga created from the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. But power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. Many of the poses (also called postures or their Sanskrit name, asanas) resemble basic calisthenics -- push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends -- but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense workout.

Prana Flow Yoga
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Purna Yoga
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Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a deeply nourishing practice with the aid of props to set the tone for deep relaxation and meditation with a relaxing atmosphere and healing properties. During this yoga practice yoga props such as blankets, blocks, bolsters and straps are used to allow the body to fully achieve each position comfortably. This practice is structured to rejuvenate and heal the body by stretching all areas of the body, releasing stress and tension from joints and muscles.

Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga is a classical style of Yoga that is a slow paced meditative class that helps encourage proper breathing, flexibility, strength and vitality in the body while calming the mind. the philosophy of Sivananda Yoga teaches Proper Exercise (Asanas), Proper Breathing (Pranayama), Proper Relaxation (savasana), Proper Diet, Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana). This class begins with savasana and pranayama (breathing exercises) followed by surya namaskar (sun salutation) and a formula of 12 basic asanas with beginner, intermediate and advanced variations. 

Vinyasa Yoga
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Vinyasa Flow
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Yin Yoga
Sometimes referred to as yoga for the joints, not the muscles, it directs the stimulation normally created by the asana into areas deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues. Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones. A significant characteristic is the long held, passive nature of the postures. While initially this style of yoga may seem boring, passive, or "soft," it can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the postures, which can last from five to twenty minutes.

Content written by Anson Bingham Read more articles written by Anson Bingham at www.ansonbinghamyoga.com

Sources: ansonbingham.com, sivananda.org, dlshq.org, sivanandaonline.org, sivanandayogafarm.org, sivananda.eu

Glossary of Terms written by Robert L. Wisehart. Source: dharmayogacenter.com

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