Yoga is an ancient practice that links body and breath through movement and meditation. The practice has been around nearly 5,000 years but was more formally outlined around 400 to 500 BCE in *The Yoga Sutras*, a yoga text by writer Patañjali. The word *yoga* is derived from the Sanskrit root word yuj, meaning to yoke, join, or unite, which is reflective of the practice’s primary focus: binding together the breath, body, and mind. 

In the modern world, yoga encompasses a variety of practices, done in a variety of environments. Some of the most popular types of yoga in the United States include *Vinyasa* or flow yoga, *Ashtanga* yoga, *Kundalini* yoga, Restorative yoga, and Meditation yoga.

Here are some common yoga terms you may hear in class:

1. __*Annamaya Kosha*__: The first and outermost *Kosha* or sheath of the body. Often referred to as the gross body. 
2. __*Anandamaya Kosha*__: The innermost sheath or *Kosha*, known as the bliss sheath. It represents eternal joy, love, and peace. 
3. __*Ashtanga* yoga__: *Ashtanga* means eight limbs in Sanskrit. This style of yoga is generally much more structured than other varieties. *Ashtanga* largely sticks to a set sequence of yoga postures (known as Primary and Secondary series) that a practitioner moves through at their own pace. *Ashtanga* is typically practiced early in the morning, up to six days a week. 
4. __*Asana*__: The Sanskrit word for “pose.” This is a general term that describes both sequences and a single pose in yoga. 
5. __Chakras__: Seven wheels of energy that are believed to be centered along the spine, from the base of the pelvis to the crown of the head. The chakras are often associated with the colors of the rainbow, moving from red (at the base of your pelvis) to purple (at the crown of your head). 
6. __*Chaturanga*__: A yoga pose in which the body is held <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism","linkCopy":"parallel","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>parallel</a> to the floor in a low plank, similar to a push-up.
7. __*Drishti*__: Focused gaze, or the practice of looking at a fixed point during yogic practice. 
8. __*Hatha* yoga__: A modern type of yoga involving longer-held poses and three body locks called *Bandhas* (*Mula Bandha*, *Jalandhara Bandha*, and *Uddiyana Bandha*). Typically this yoga is slightly slower-paced than modern *Vinyasa* yoga, and sequences can vary.
9. __*Iyengar* yoga__: A type of yoga that focuses on physical alignment through precision and the use of props.
10. __Koshas__: The sheaths of the body. In yoga, there are five koshas: *Annamaya*, *Pranamaya*, *Manomaya*, *Vijnanamaya*, and *Anadamaya*. 
11. __*Kundalini* yoga__: *Kundalini* yoga is a form of yoga that involves chanting, [meditation](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meditate), movement, singing, and breathwork, believed to awaken *Kundalini* energy that’s said to reside at the base of the spine. *Kundalini* energy moves up the spine through the seven Chakras. 
12. __*Manomaya Kosha*__: The third of the *Koshas* or sheaths of the body. This *Kosha* is the mind layer and deals with thoughts and emotions. 
13. __Mantra__: A word or saying that is repeated during meditation or yoga practice. 
14. __Mudra__: A hand gesture held during meditation for a symbolic purpose. 
15. __*Namaskar*__: A traditional Indian greeting or gesture of respect. Typically done when addressing a yoga instructor, at the end of a yoga class, or when saying “namaste.” 
16. __Namaste__: A greeting used in Indian culture and yoga. You'll often hear your yoga teacher saying “namaste” as a closing at the end of class. Namaste translates to “I bow to you.” Usually, this greeting is given while pressing the palms against one another in front of the heart center, bowing the head towards the hands. 
17. __*Niyamas*__: Observances, rules, and guidelines. The *Yoga Sutra* describes five different *[niyamas](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/niyamas-yoga-guide)*, including *Saucha* (cleanliness), *Santosha* (contentment), *Tapas* (self-discipline), *Svadhyaya* (self-reflection), and *Ishvarapranidhana* (surrender to a higher power).
18. __Om or aum__: The sound made when chanting in yoga class. Often given as a mantra, om has a wide variety of significant meanings in yoga; it embodies the unification of mind, body, and spirit. It can also represent the sound of the universe or all sounds together. 
19. __*Prana*__: Energy or life force. It is often associated with the breath. 
20. __*Pranayama*__: The practice of controlling your breath during yoga using methods like Ujjayi breathing techniques and mindfulness. Learn about *[Pranayama](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pranayama-breathing-explained)* breathing techniques in our complete guide.
21. __Proprioception__: Awareness of our body in space.
22. __*Pranamaya Kosha*__: The second of the *Koshas* or sheaths of the body. This *Kosha* represents the body’s life force or energy force and is usually linked to the breath. 
23. __Restorative yoga__: A type of yoga that focuses on deep relaxation through long-held poses often supported by various [yoga props](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yoga-props-guide). 
24. __Sanskrit__: A language of Southeast Asia frequently used in yoga for mantras, pose names, meditation techniques, and other yogic work. Some communities in India still speak Sanskrit. 
25. __*Savasana*__: A resting pose often used at the end of modern yoga. Also called corpse pose. 
26. __*Surya Namaskar*__: Sun Salutation, or a sequence of poses done to warm the body. There are three main variants of the *Surya Namaskar*, which all progress along different patterns.
27. __*Vinyasa*__: Sometimes used to refer to a series of postures done in the common Sun Salutation sequence. 
28. __*Vinyasa* yoga__: A modern type of yoga where one pose flows into another, almost like a dance sequence. Practitioners typically do one breath and one posture in *Vinyasa* yoga.
29. __*Vijnanamaya Kosha*__: The fourth *Kosha* or sheath of the body, focused on our intuition, wisdom, and perception. 
30. __*Yamas*__: *[Yamas](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yamas-yoga-guide)* are the first five ethical principles of yoga—a set of rules that many yogis live by for “right living.” They include *Ahimsa* (non-harming), *Satya* (being truthful), *Asteya* (not stealing), *Brahmacharya* (right use of energy), and *Aparigraha* (non-greed).
31. __Yoga__: The practice of specific poses, meditation practices, and philosophy helps yoke breath, body, and mind for overall wellness.
32. __Yoga *nidra*__: Yogic sleep, a practice that uses deep guided meditation to relax and rejuvenate the body. This practice invokes a state between waking and sleep, wherein the practitioner is still conscious of what is happening around them. 
33. __Yin yoga__: A practice of yoga that is similar to Restorative yoga. It uses long-held poses for deep stretching and relaxation but incorporates some practices of Chinese medicine.

Proper form and technique are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a yoga practice. If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before practicing yoga. Yoga poses may be modified based on your individual needs.
Unroll your mat, get a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com), and get your *om* on with Donna Farhi, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of yoga. Follow along as she teaches you the importance of breathing and finding your center as well as how to build a strong foundational practice that will restore your body and mind. 
From namaste to *savasana*, you may hear many new terms in your first yoga class. Here’s a list of common yoga terms words that can help you in your yoga practice.

From namaste to *savasana*, you may hear many new terms in your first yoga class. Here’s a list of common yoga terms words that can help you in your yoga practice. 


33 Common Yoga Terms: Essential Yoga Glossary

Yoga is an ancient practice that links body and breath through movement and meditation. The practice has been around nearly 5,000 years but was more formally outlined around 400 to 500 BCE in The Yoga Sutras, a yoga text by writer Patañjali. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root word yuj, meaning to yoke, join, or unite, which is reflective of the practice’s primary focus: binding together the breath, body, and mind. In the modern world, yoga encompasses a variety of practices, done in a variety of environments. Some of the most popular types of yoga in the United States include Vinyasa or flow yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kundalini yoga, Restorative yoga, and Meditation yoga.

What Is Yoga?

Here are some common yoga terms you may hear in class:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Annamaya Kosha: The first and outermost Kosha or sheath of the body. Often referred to as the gross body. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Anandamaya Kosha: The innermost sheath or Kosha, known as the bliss sheath. It represents eternal joy, love, and peace. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga means eight limbs in Sanskrit. This style of yoga is generally much more structured than other varieties. Ashtanga largely sticks to a set sequence of yoga postures (known as Primary and Secondary series) that a practitioner moves through at their own pace. Ashtanga is typically practiced early in the morning, up to six days a week. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Asana: The Sanskrit word for “pose.” This is a general term that describes both sequences and a single pose in yoga. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Chakras: Seven wheels of energy that are believed to be centered along the spine, from the base of the pelvis to the crown of the head. The chakras are often associated with the colors of the rainbow, moving from red (at the base of your pelvis) to purple (at the crown of your head). </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Chaturanga: A yoga pose in which the body is held <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-parallelism","linkCopy":"parallel","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>parallel</a> to the floor in a low plank, similar to a push-up. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Drishti: Focused gaze, or the practice of looking at a fixed point during yogic practice. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Hatha yoga: A modern type of yoga involving longer-held poses and three body locks called Bandhas (Mula Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, and Uddiyana Bandha). Typically this yoga is slightly slower-paced than modern Vinyasa yoga, and sequences can vary. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Iyengar yoga: A type of yoga that focuses on physical alignment through precision and the use of props. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Koshas: The sheaths of the body. In yoga, there are five koshas: Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, and Anadamaya. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 11. Kundalini yoga: Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga that involves chanting, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meditate' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meditate","linkCopy":"meditation","category":null}'>meditation</a>, movement, singing, and breathwork, believed to awaken Kundalini energy that’s said to reside at the base of the spine. Kundalini energy moves up the spine through the seven Chakras. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 12. Manomaya Kosha: The third of the Koshas or sheaths of the body. This Kosha is the mind layer and deals with thoughts and emotions. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 13. Mantra: A word or saying that is repeated during meditation or yoga practice. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 14. Mudra: A hand gesture held during meditation for a symbolic purpose. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 15. Namaskar: A traditional Indian greeting or gesture of respect. Typically done when addressing a yoga instructor, at the end of a yoga class, or when saying “namaste.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 16. Namaste: A greeting used in Indian culture and yoga. You&#39;ll often hear your yoga teacher saying “namaste” as a closing at the end of class. Namaste translates to “I bow to you.” Usually, this greeting is given while pressing the palms against one another in front of the heart center, bowing the head towards the hands. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 17. Niyamas: Observances, rules, and guidelines. The Yoga Sutra describes five different <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/niyamas-yoga-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/niyamas-yoga-guide","linkCopy":"niyamas","category":null}'>niyamas</a>, including Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-reflection), and Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to a higher power). </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 18. Om or aum: The sound made when chanting in yoga class. Often given as a mantra, om has a wide variety of significant meanings in yoga; it embodies the unification of mind, body, and spirit. It can also represent the sound of the universe or all sounds together. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 19. Prana: Energy or life force. It is often associated with the breath. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 20. Pranayama: The practice of controlling your breath during yoga using methods like Ujjayi breathing techniques and mindfulness. Learn about <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pranayama-breathing-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pranayama-breathing-explained","linkCopy":"Pranayama","category":null}'>Pranayama</a> breathing techniques in our complete guide. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 21. Proprioception: Awareness of our body in space. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 22. Pranamaya Kosha: The second of the Koshas or sheaths of the body. This Kosha represents the body’s life force or energy force and is usually linked to the breath. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 23. Restorative yoga: A type of yoga that focuses on deep relaxation through long-held poses often supported by various <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yoga-props-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yoga-props-guide","linkCopy":"yoga props","category":null}'>yoga props</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 24. Sanskrit: A language of Southeast Asia frequently used in yoga for mantras, pose names, meditation techniques, and other yogic work. Some communities in India still speak Sanskrit. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 25. Savasana: A resting pose often used at the end of modern yoga. Also called corpse pose. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 26. Surya Namaskar: Sun Salutation, or a sequence of poses done to warm the body. There are three main variants of the Surya Namaskar, which all progress along different patterns. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 27. Vinyasa: Sometimes used to refer to a series of postures done in the common Sun Salutation sequence. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 28. Vinyasa yoga: A modern type of yoga where one pose flows into another, almost like a dance sequence. Practitioners typically do one breath and one posture in Vinyasa yoga. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 29. Vijnanamaya Kosha: The fourth Kosha or sheath of the body, focused on our intuition, wisdom, and perception. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 30. Yamas: <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yamas-yoga-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yamas-yoga-guide","linkCopy":"Yamas","category":null}'>Yamas</a> are the first five ethical principles of yoga—a set of rules that many yogis live by for “right living.” They include Ahimsa (non-harming), Satya (being truthful), Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (right use of energy), and Aparigraha (non-greed). </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 31. Yoga: The practice of specific poses, meditation practices, and philosophy helps yoke breath, body, and mind for overall wellness. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 32. Yoga nidra: Yogic sleep, a practice that uses deep guided meditation to relax and rejuvenate the body. This practice invokes a state between waking and sleep, wherein the practitioner is still conscious of what is happening around them. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 33. Yin yoga: A practice of yoga that is similar to Restorative yoga. It uses long-held poses for deep stretching and relaxation but incorporates some practices of Chinese medicine. </li></ol>

33 Common Yoga Terms 

Proper form and technique are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a yoga practice. If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before practicing yoga. Yoga poses may be modified based on your individual needs.

How to Do Yoga Safely and Avoid Injury

Unroll your mat, get a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>, and get your om on with Donna Farhi, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of yoga. Follow along as she teaches you the importance of breathing and finding your center as well as how to build a strong foundational practice that will restore your body and mind.

Ready to Learn More About Yoga?

From namaste to savasana, you may hear many new terms in your first yoga class. Here’s a list of common yoga terms words that can help you in your yoga practice.

From namaste to savasana, you may hear many new terms in your first yoga class. Here’s a list of common yoga terms words that can help you in your yoga practice. 
