Basic Yoga Terms

Let's go through some basic Yoga terms. 

Shall we begin?

The definition of Yoga literally is to 

 hitch up; to put to active and purposeful use; 

join; connect or concentrate.

“Yoga is the neutralization of the vortices of feeling.” 

Paramahansa Yogananda

“The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga.” 

Swami Satchidananda 

“Yoga is the modification of the mind-stuff.” 

Swami Vivikenanda

“Yoga is the clearing of limitation in the field of consciousness.” 

Kripalu Yoga

Yogi, is someone who follows the path of yoga. A female yogi is referred to as yogini.

Namaste is a traditional greeting meaning, "Offering my respects to You". It may also be interpreted as, "I bow to and greet the divine in you."

Om essentially means "word" or eternal vibration of the universe. It's definition is similar to Aum, a syllable for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

Prana means life energy, life force or life current. The Chinese often to refer to this as life force Chi. These finer-than-atomic energies have inherent intelligence as opposed to blind forces such as atoms and electrons.

Asanas, in sanskrit means "manner of sitting". In other words, an asana is any yoga posture or pose.

Karma, a word often heard is an eastern concept of cause and effect. It is seen as not a punishment for actions but merely the result of actions.

Meditation, one of the 5 principles of Yoga is a practice of which there is a constant observation of the mind. It's purpose is learning how to perceive one self. This involves focusing your mind at one single point and stilling the mind.




source: http://www.newplanetyoga.com/components/lingo.html
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yoga-dictionary.asp
http://greatist.com/fitness/ultimate-guide-to-yoga-lingo/