Yoga Glossary
Sadhana Your spiritual practice. Shastras "Shastra" commonly refers to a treatise or text on a specific field of knowledge. The Vedanta Shastra, Sankhya Shastra and the Yoga Shastra are three examples.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yama: Abstentions and moral restraints. Ethical rules and moral imperatives. Relationship toward others. There are 5 Yama's (sometimes referred to as "The Dont's"). Ahiṃsā (अहिंसा): Compassion and practicing nonviolence, non-harming, and non-killing of other living beings (including animals). Cause no injury, and do no harm in your deeds, your words, or even your thoughts. Satya (सत्य): Truth, truthfulness, non-falsehood. Be truthful in your thoughts, speech and actions...to others as well as [...]
Malasana (Squat)
Malasana (Squat) (mah-LAH-sanna) / tāḍa = “mountain” INSTRUCTIONS Step the feet slightly wider than hip distance apart, turning the toes slightly out. Go into a deep bend. Bring the hands to heart center (Anjali Mudra), pushing elbows into the knees. Try and keep the feet flat, and the spine long, head up towards [...]
Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)
Virabhadra is one incarnation of Shiva, a fierce warrior with 100 heads, eyes, and legs. The story of this warrior reminds us to fuel our lives with the fire of love.
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
Virabhadra is one incarnation of Shiva, a fierce warrior with 100 heads, eyes, and legs. The story of this warrior reminds us to fuel our lives with the fire of love.
Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Utkatasana (Chair Pose) (OOT-kah-TAH-sah-nah) / utkata = “fierce” The word utkata (उत्कट) in Sanskrit means "wild, or furious, or fierce". This asana increases strength, balance and stability. Instructions for Chair Pose Stand at the front of your mat. Inner edges of your feet are together, toes and heels aligned. Lift the toes and spread them and [...]
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) (OOT-tan-AHS-anna) / ut = “intense” + tan = “to stretch or extend” EXHALE swan dive folding forward. Pivot at the hip joint making your spine long. Place your hands as close to your feet as you can in line with the toes, or just touch your ankles. Chin to shins if you [...]
Urdhva Hastasana (Upward hands)
Urdhva Hastasana (Upward hands) (oord-vah hahs-TAHS-anna) / urdhva = “raised (or upward)” + hasta = “hand” INSTRUCTIONS INHALE roll your palms our raising the hands above the head, palms together. Lift the chest (heart) and arch the back a little (do not over-arch). Core is engaged. Neck is long. Look up…and gaze at the [...]
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
The word tāḍa in Sanskrit means "mountain". This pose helps you to improve balance and increase awareness of your body. Mountain pose is a fundamental posture and the basis and starting point for many of the other asanas.