Yoga

Question 1

Yoga

Answer 1

In Hinduism, it refers to a spiritual and ascetic discipline involving practices such as breath control, meditiation, and specific bodily postures, with the goal of attaining spiritual insight and tranquility. It translates to “union” and aims to unite the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman)

Question 2

Union

Answer 2

This concept in yoga refers to the merging of the individual self (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman), achieving oneness with the divine

Question 3

Yoga Sutras

Answer 3

A foundational text that outlines the philosophy and practice of yoga. Composed of 196 aphorisms, they cover the ethical, physical, and mental disciplines necessary for spiritual growth

Question 4

8 Limbs

Answer 4

Described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, these are guidelines for living a meaningul and purposeful life. They include Yama (ethical guidelines), Niyama (personal disciplines), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (medition), and Samadhi (liberation)

Question 5

Yamas

Answer 5

Ethical guidelines or retratins that regulate a person’s interactions with others and the world. They include non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastiy (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha)

Question 6

Niyamas

Answer 6

Personal observances that regulate an individual’s behavior and spiritual practices. They include purity (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), self-discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender to God (Ishvara Pranidhana)

Question 7

Pranayama

Answer 7

Refers to breath control techniques that regulate the flow of prana (life force) in the body. It is a key practice in yoga for balancing the mind and energizing the body

Question 8

Asana

Answer 8

Physical postures or poses practiced in yoga. They are designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and mental focus while preparing the body for meditation

Question 9

Dhyana

Answer 9

The practice of meditation, involving deep, sustained focus and contemplation of the divine. It is a state of uninterrupted flow of concentration

Question 10

Dharana

Answer 10

Refers to concentration or the practice of focusing the mind on a single point, such as a mantra or an object, without distraction

Question 11

Pratyahara

Answer 11

The withdrawal of the sense from external stimuli, allowing the mind to focus inward and prepare for meditation

Question 12

Meditation

Answer 12

A practice in which an indiviedual focuses the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to acheive mental clarity and emotional calmness

Question 13

Samadhi

Answer 13

The ultimate goal of yoga, a state of deep meditative consciousness where the individual self merges with the universal consciousness

Question 14

5 Paths

Answer 14

Different approaches to spiritual realization. They include Raja Yoga (path of meditation), Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), Karma Yoga (path of selfless action), and Hatha Yoga (path of physical posture)

Question 15

Raja Yoga

Answer 15

The path of meditation, focusing on mental control and mastery of the mind through practices like asanas, pranayama, and meditation

Question 16

Jnana Yoga

Answer 16

The path of knowledge and wisdom, involving the intellectual pursuit of spiritual truths and the realization of the unity of Atman (self) and Brahman (universal consciousness)

Question 17

Hatha Yoga

Answer 17

Emphasizes physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) to harmonize the body and mind. It is the most commonly practiced form of yoga in the West

Question 18

Karma Yoga

Answer 18

The path of selfless action and service, emphasizing performing one’s duties without attachment to the results

Question 19

Bhakti Yoga

Answer 19

The path of devotion and love for the divine, expressed through prayer, chanting, and worship. It emphasizes emotional surrender and the cultivation of a personal relationship with God

Question 20

Namaste

Answer 20

A traditional Hindu greeting that means “I bow to the divine in you.” It is often accompanied by a gesture of placing the hands together at the heart (Anjali Mudra)

Question 21

Anjali Mudra

Answer 21

The gesture of placing the palms together in from of the heart, often used during prayer or as a greeting (Namaste)

Question 22

Mantras (Yoga)

Answer 22

Sacred sounds, syllables, or phrases repeated during meditation or worship. They are believed to have spiritual power and the ability to focus the mind

Question 23

Mudras

Answer 23

Symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to channel energy flow and create a connection between the body and mind

Question 24

Sadhana

Answer 24

A disciplined spiritual practice or path undertaken by an individual to achieve spiritual goals. It may involve meditation, prayer, chanting, or physical postures

Question 25

Patanjali

Answer 25

The sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text outlining the philosophy and practices of yoga. He is regarded as the father of classical yoga

Question 26

Satchidananda

Answer 26

A compound Sanskrit word that refers to the nature of Brahman: “Sat” (truth), “Chit” (consciousness), and “Ananda” (bliss)

Question 27

Vivekananda

Answer 27

A 19th-century Hindu monk who introduced yoga and Vedanta to the Western world. He emphasiszed the universality of spiritual truths and the importance of selfless service

Question 28

Sivananda

Answer 28

A renowned 20th-century Hindu teacher and founder of the Divine Life Society. He emphasized the practice of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga in a combined path. His teachings emphasized living a balanced spiritual life and the importance of health, ethics, and spiritual growth

Question 29

Jivamukti Yoga

Answer 29

A modern style of yoga created by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984. It emphasized physical asanas (postures) integrated with spiritual teachings, music (kirtan), meditation, and the ethical practices of non-violence and envrionmentalism

Question 30

Ashtanga Yoga

Answer 30

A rigorous, structred system of yoga postures developed by K. Pattabhi Jois. It consists of a set sequence of poses performed in a specific order, synchronized with breath. It is divided into six series, ranging from basic to advanced, focusing on strength, flexibility, and stamina

Question 31

Integral Yoga

Answer 31

Founded by Sri Aurobindo and popularized by Swami Satchidananda, a holistic system of yoga that seeks to harmonize body, mind, and spirit. It integrates various branches of yoga–such as Hatha, Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma Yoga–into a unified practice aimed at personal transformation and service to others

Question 32

Kundalini Yoga

Answer 32

A spiritual practice that focuses on awakening the kundalini energy, believed to reside at the base of the spine, and channeling it upward through the chakras. It combines physical postures, breath control, chanting, and meditation to stimulate and balance this energy. Yogi Bhajan is credited with bringing this to the West