Yoga Glossary: the terms you need to know
If you’ve ever felt lost in a class when the teacher said “Adho Mukha Svanasana”, this guide is for you. The most common Yoga terms, explained clearly and directly.
Yoga has a vocabulary of its own, mostly in Sanskrit, the classical Indian language in which the original Yoga texts were written. When you start practising, these terms can seem intimidating. In time, they become a natural part of the practice and open a door to a deeper understanding of what you’re doing, and why.
This glossary gathers the most common terms used in Yoga classes and trainings, organised by area, so you can refer to it whenever you need.
Why use Sanskrit terms in Yoga?
Sanskrit is the language in which Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika were written — the classical texts that underpin the practice of Yoga. Many teachers and schools keep the original terms out of respect for the tradition and to ensure consistency across countries and styles. A “Trikonasana” is the same in Lisbon, London or Mumbai.
That said, you don’t need to speak Sanskrit to practise Yoga. You can have a deep, transformative practice without mastering a single term. What these terms offer you is an additional layer of understanding, and a connection to the historical and philosophical root of the practice.
BeYoga training class, Lisbon, 2026
Asanas — Yoga Postures
Asana
A physical Yoga posture. It’s the third of the eight limbs of Yoga according to Patanjali. The aim of an asana goes beyond the physical: to create stability and comfort in the body so that the mind can settle.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Downward-Facing Dog. One of the most recognisable postures: the body in an inverted V, feet and hands on the floor, hips lifted. It’s at once a posture of strength, flexibility and rest.
Savasana
Corpse Pose. The lying-down position at the end of each class, with the body completely still and relaxed. Considered by many teachers the most difficult posture, because it requires total letting go and full presence.
Vinyasa
A sequence of movements synchronised with the breath. In its strictest sense, it refers to the sequence Plank → Chaturanga → Upward-Facing Dog → Downward-Facing Dog. It’s also a dynamic style of Yoga.
Trikonasana
Triangle Pose. One of the fundamental Yoga postures, working lateral extension of the torso, hip opening and balance.
Pranayama — Breathing Techniques
Pranayama is the control and regulation of the breath. “Prana” means vital energy, and “ayama” means extension or control. It’s the fourth of the eight limbs of Yoga according to Patanjali and one of the most powerful practices for regulating the nervous system.
Nadi Shodhana
Alternate-nostril breathing. It balances the two hemispheres of the brain and calms the nervous system. Excellent for moments of anxiety or before meditating.
Kapalabhati
Breath of fire. Short, forceful exhalations through the nose, with passive inhalations. It activates and energises the body, clears the lungs and warms up the practice.
Ujjayi
Victorious breath. Breathing through the nose with a slight constriction in the throat, producing a soft, continuous sound. It’s the base breath in many dynamic Yoga styles.
Bhramari
Bee breath. An exhalation with a soft humming sound, like a bee. Very calming, especially for anxiety and insomnia.
BeYoga teacher training cohort, Lisbon, 2026
Philosophy and Ethics
Ahimsa
Non-violence. It’s the first of the Yamas (ethical principles of Yoga) and applies to actions, words and thoughts, towards yourself and others. In the context of physical practice, it means respecting your body’s limits without pushing beyond what is safe.
Satya
Truth. The second Yama, which invites us to be honest in all dimensions of life — with others, and above all with ourselves.
Karma
The law of cause and effect. The actions we take — physical, verbal or mental — generate consequences. It’s not a system of punishment and reward, but a natural law: what we sow, we reap.
Dharma
Life purpose, duty or right path. In the context of Yoga, it’s often explored as the mission or role each person has in the world.
Terms used in class
Namaste
A greeting used at the beginning and end of classes. It means roughly “the light in me recognises the light in you.” Accompanied by Anjali Mudra, palms together at the heart.
Drishti
The focal point of the gaze during practice. It helps maintain concentration and balance in the postures.
Mantra
A word or phrase repeated during meditation. The best-known mantra is “Om” (or “Aum”), considered the primordial sound of the universe.
Mudra
Symbolic gestures made with the hands or the body. Anjali Mudra (palms together at the heart) is the most common in Western classes.
Chakra
Energy centres in the body, according to Tantric philosophy. There are seven main chakras, aligned along the spine, each associated with specific emotional and physical qualities.
Yoga Nidra
“Yogic sleep.” A state of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness, used for deep relaxation and guided meditation. Very effective for rest and emotional processing.
The vocabulary of Yoga isn’t a test to pass: it’s a language you learn through practice, calmly, at each person’s own pace.
About Yoga terminology
Do I have to learn Sanskrit to practise Yoga?
No. You can have a deep and meaningful practice without speaking a word of Sanskrit. However, knowing the main terms helps you understand the teacher’s instructions, follow classes in different countries and styles, and deepen your study of Yoga beyond the physical practice.
Are Yoga terms the same across all styles?
The Sanskrit terms are shared across most styles, but each school has its own emphases. Ashtanga uses a fixed sequence with specific names; Iyengar is very precise in its alignment terminology; Kundalini has its own terminology tied to energy and the chakras. The essentials are common: the detail varies.
Do the BeYoga trainings teach philosophy and the meaning of the terms?
Yes. In the BeYoga Yoga teacher trainings, philosophy, Sanskrit and vocabulary are an integral part of the curriculum, alongside the physical practice. The aim is for trainees to understand Yoga fully and be able to convey it with depth and authenticity.
What is Om and why is it chanted at the start or end of classes?
“Om” (or “Aum”) is considered the primordial mantra, the sound that represents the fundamental vibration of the universe according to Vedic philosophy. Chanting it at the start or end of a class is a way to create cohesion in the group, mark the transition into the space of practice and connect the session to the Yoga tradition. It’s not mandatory and has no religious connotation. It’s a contemplative practice.
What are the Yamas and the Niyamas?
The Yamas are the ethical principles of Yoga in relation to the outer world (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, moderation, non-attachment). The Niyamas are the principles of personal discipline (cleanliness, contentment, disciplined effort, self-study, surrender). Together, they form the first two of Patanjali’s eight limbs of Yoga, the ethical foundation on which everything else rests.
Want to go beyond the mat?
In the BeYoga teacher training, philosophy, Sanskrit and practice are explored with depth and real support, in Lisbon, Porto or online.
