Yoga is intimidating. The Sanskirt words don't help. The
good news is, if you stick with yoga long enough, just like ujjayi breath
and vinyasa, recognizing (and eventually understanding) Sanskrit words becomes
second nature. Heck, you might even find yourself sliding back into downward
dog faster than your teacher can say "Adho Mukha Svanasana." Until then, fake it
'til you make it with this basic Yoga Dictionary from Women's Health.
If you were told to move into parivrtta parsvakonasana from this pose, would you know what to do?
asana (AH-sah-nah) Literally, it means "seat," but
it's any yoga posture. A series of asanas, or poses, makes up a vinyasa, or
flow.
chakras (CHA-kruhz) The Sanskrit term chakra literally
translates as "wheel" or "disc," referring to the shape of
these whirling energy centers that control the body's vital organs. They correspond
to nerve plexes, ganglia, and glands. When one's organs are malfunctioning,
yogis believe it is because they lack sufficient life energy (hence, "My
chakras are out of balance"). The seven principal chakras are situated
along the spinal cord, from the base to the cranium and relate to reason,
cognition, memory, willpower, divine love, divine sight, and illumination.
Seven others exist below the spine and relate to fear, anger, envy,
selfishness, and other unenlightened traits. Chakras are typically depicted as
colorful and resembling a lotus flower.
kundalini (kun-duh-LEE-ni) Literally, "coiled up." Kundalini energy is the life force that lies dormant in our bodies. It is often depicted
as a coiled up serpent at the base of the spine; the theory is that practicing
certain spiritual disciplines can cause the serpent to spring awake. The
kundalini style of yoga focuses on the centers in the body (chakras) that can
release kundalini energy.
namaste (NAH-MAH-STAY) Means "May the divine light in
me greet the divine light in you." You know it's coming at the end of
class when your teacher puts her hands in prayer position and bows her head.
Students say it back to convey, "Thank you for class."
om (OH-MMMM) A long and loud sigh or hum chanted at the
beginning and end of a yoga practice. This is intended to warm up the lungs and
focus and quiet the mind. The sound of om is said to be "the sound of all
things," all the noise and music in the universe combined.
prana (PRAH-nah) The "life energy" that keeps us
alive and thriving. The ancient Greeks called it pneuma and the ancient
Hebrews, ruah. The three major sources of prana are air, sun, and ground.
pranayama (PRAH-nah-yah-mah) Controlled breathing technique.
These exercises regulating the breath are intended to calm and focus the mind
for asana practice or seated meditation.
savasana (SHA-vass-ah-nah) Translates as "corpse pose." This is
the full-body relaxation pose done lying on the back, completely still with
eyes closed, usually as the last asana in the practice. Focus is on relaxing
every part of the body from toes to jaw muscles.
Read the rest of the dictionary here.
2 Comments
Anna Pulley said:
this is karandavawesome. just sayin' :)
RevLynn777 said:
Great information.....thank you
Leave a Comment?
What your comment will look like:
said: