Sanskrit is the most ancient literary language of India. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning “yoke” or “union.” The meaning of hatha is derived from the syllables ha meaning “sun” and tha meaning “moon.” Hatha Yoga is the union of the sun and the moon, a healthy joining of two opposites – the mind and body, which leads to strength, vitality and tranquility.
Asana(s) |
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| Bound Ankle Pose – Baddha Konasana | |
| Bow – Dhanurasana | |
| Cat Pose I and II– Bidalasana I and II | |
| Child’s Pose – Mudhasana | |
| Cobra – Bhujangasana | |
| Corpse Pose - Savasana | |
| Downward Facing Dog– Adho Mukha Svanasana | |
| Easy Pose – Sukhasana | |
| Easy Pose forward fold – Sukhasana forward fold | |
| Fish – Matsyasana | |
| Headstand – Sirsasana | |
| Hero Pose – Virasana | |
| Lotus Pose – Padmasana | |
| Mountain Pose – Tadasana | |
| Plow Pose – Halasana | |
| Shoulderstand – Sarvangasana | |
| Sitting Forward Bend – Paschimottanasana | |
| Spinal Twist – Ardha Matsyendrasana | |
| Staff Pose – Dandasana | |
| Standing Forward Bend Pose – Uttanasana | |
| Standing Forward Bend – Pada Hasthasana | |
| Sun Salutation – Surya Namaskar | |
| Supported Bridge Pose – Setu Bandha Savangasana | |
| Tree Pose – Vrksasana | |
| Triangle Pose – Trikonasana | |
| Upward Facing Dog – Urdhva Mukha Svanasana | |
| Warrior I – Virabhadrasana I | |
Helpful terms |
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| Agni Prasana – the breath of fire | |
| Asana – all hatha Yoga postures | |
| Easy Breath – an unconstrained, but conscious breath pattern that is used when holding a Yoga pose | |
| Iyengar Yoga – a vigorous style characterized by precision alignment. | |
| Kundalini Yoga– a powerful yoga style used to awaken energy at the base of the spine | |
| Mantra – a word or phrase repeated either verbally or mentally to evoke mindfulness. | |
| Meditation – a deliberate state of withdrawal, conducted in silence, where thoughts are suspended and all concentration is on breath, mantra, or a specific subject | |
| Mudra – a hand position that channels prana. | |
| Om – is the root of all mantra, the sound of AUM. Reminds one that any action should be for the betterment of the universe. | |
| Namaste – traditional Indian greeting that acknowledges the existence of the other’s innate goodness. | |
| Prana – The life force that flows through the body. | |
| Pranayama – rhythmic control of breath | |
| Sutras – Sanskrit for “threads.” | |
| Ujjayi – a breathing technique that produces a throaty sound | |
| Viniyoga – a gentle, recuperative yoga style | |
| Yogi – refers to a male who develops and maintains a committed Yoga practice. | |
| Yogini - refers to a female who develops and maintains a committed Yoga practice. | |
Resources: B.K.S. Iyengar, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; Goswami Kriyananda
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