Yoga Teacher Training Glossary
25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Yoga Teacher Training.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
Non-violence or non-harming; the first and most fundamental of the five yamas in yoga philosophy.
The precise positioning of body parts in a yoga posture for safety, effectiveness, and optimal energy flow.
A physical posture in yoga; the third limb of Patanjali's eight-limbed path.
Meaning 'eight limbs,' referring both to Patanjali's eightfold path and to a specific vigorous yoga style developed by K. Pattabhi Jois.
An energy lock in the body used to direct and contain prana (life force) during practice.
A sacred Hindu text presenting a dialogue on duty, devotion, and the paths of yoga.
An energy center in the subtle body; seven main chakras are identified along the spine from root to crown.
A condition making a specific yoga posture or practice inadvisable due to injury or health risk.
Concentration or single-pointed focus; the sixth limb of yoga, practiced as a precursor to meditation.
Meditation; the seventh limb of yoga, involving sustained, uninterrupted focus leading toward absorption.
A focused gaze point used during asana to cultivate concentration and balance.
A branch of yoga emphasizing physical practices (asana, pranayama, purification) as a path to spiritual awakening.
A sacred word, phrase, or sound repeated during meditation or chanting to focus the mind and cultivate spiritual energy.
An adjustment to a standard posture to accommodate different bodies, abilities, or conditions.
A symbolic hand gesture or body seal used in yoga and meditation to direct energy and deepen practice.
The five personal observances forming the second limb of yoga: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender.
Life force or vital energy in yogic philosophy, primarily regulated through breath.
Breathing techniques for controlling and expanding prana; the fourth limb of yoga.
Withdrawal of the senses from external stimuli; the fifth limb, bridging external and internal yoga practices.
The eighth limb of yoga; a state of complete absorption or union where the meditator merges with the object of meditation.
Corpse Pose; the final resting posture allowing integration of practice benefits through complete stillness.
The thoughtful ordering of postures within a class to create a safe, effective, and balanced practice.
A pranayama technique using slight throat constriction to create an audible breath, used as the foundational breath in vinyasa.
A flowing style of yoga linking breath with movement, or the specific transition sequence of plank-chaturanga-updog-downdog.
The five ethical restraints forming the first limb of yoga: non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness.