Yoga terms can often come from more than one source, although many of the terms are based on ancient Sanskrit and its various dialects. Yoga teachers often use the Western terminology to describe the exercises and practices of yoga but some more traditionally inclined practitioners still use the original Sanskrit terms.
Namaste
Namaste is a salutation used in yoga that can be both a greeting and farewell. Normally spoken at the beginning and end of a yoga class, namaste means "I bow to you" and is a way of offering thanks to both your teacher and yourself for your practice. Namaste is normally spoken from a seated position with your hands pressed together in front of you in a prayer-like position, although there is no prayer association with this posture or by saying the word namaste.
Asana
Yoga consists numerous elements including meditation, poses, breathing exercises and lifestyle factors. The physical poses or exercises of yoga are called asanas. Asanas take a number of forms and can be seated, lying or standing. Some asanas are simple, such as corpse pose, which involves lying flat on your back, or very advanced, such as inverted poses. Asanas usually can be modified to suit your individual abilities, although some may prove dangerous if you try to perform them before you are ready.
Bandha
A bandha is an energy lock used in yoga to create strength within your core when performing various asanas. The three main bandhas are the chin lock, pelvic floor lock and diaphragm lock. By gently contracting these areas, you hold air pressure within a specific area of your abdominal cavity and create intra-abdominal pressure, which helps support your body from within. A similar action is used in Pilates to help maintain spinal rigidity while exercising.
Pranayama
Pranayama describes yogic breathing exercises. Breathing exercises are used in yoga to relax or energize as well as myriad health benefits. Some pranayama involve shallow and explosive diaphragm breathing, whereas others use deep and controlled breaths combined with chanting. Yogis also perform pranayama that involve breathing through alternate nostrils. Most pranayama is through the nose but period "cooling breaths" are taken through the mouth, which is especially useful during hard practice sessions.
Trataka
Trataka is a visual technique used when meditating where you look at an object such as a candle flame or flower to help cleanse your mind. Trataka is often combined with pranayama to achieve a deeply relaxed physical and mental state. Using trataka can help to focus your mind and minimize distractions while meditating.
References
- "The Language of Yoga"; Nicolai Bachman; 2005
- "Yoga Anatomy: Your Illustrated Guide to Postures, Movements, and Breathing Techniques"; Leslie Kaminoff; 2007
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