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Yoga/Meditation
Sanskrit/English Dictionary

Getting Started

Useful References

Use the list of terms below as a study reference moving forward. To best support your learning, you will find that each term (but this is currently a work in progress so bear with me as I complete the list) has a transliteration, its Sanskrit form, and its English translation.

To quickly look up/search for any term’s definition: hold Ctrl+F on your keyboard to use the “find” function.

Please note that Sanskrit is a phonetic language, which means that each letter used in the written form of any given word corresponds directly with the way that the word sounds.

Āsana (āsana) is pronounced aahhh-sa-na (long starting “a” followed by “sa” with an “s” sound like the one that appears in the word snake–since Sanskrit has three different “s” sounds–and a short “a” at the end of the word following the “n” sound. We know this is so because the word looks like this in Sanskrit Devanagari: आसन). आ is aahhh. स is sa. न is na. Āsana.

Color Key (To Identify How To Form Sound):

Red: Gutteral/Throat Sound | Orange: Palatal/Hard Palate Sound | Purple: Labial/Lip Sound  | Green: Cerebral/Retroflexive/Tongue Curls Back | Blue: Dental Sound

Simple Vowels

Sanskrit Simple Vowels

Compound Vowels

Sanskrit Compond Vowels

Anusvara (after sound) and Visarga (release)

sanskrit anusvara and visarg

Consonants
Sanskrit Consonants

For Reading Transliteration:

ā=long a

ī=long ee

ū=long oo

ś=sh

ṣ=retroflexive sh

u̐=nazalize on oo

ṁ=example of prompt to nazalize on the a

ṃ=example of prompt to nazalize on the consonant

 

Information from the Learn Sanskrit Project/Guide. Used under Creative Commons Attributions License. Website: https://learnsanskrit.org/guide.

Please note that the general letter guidelines that are included above do not include a breakdown of how consonants looks when combined with one another or when combined with vowels, for a more detailed understanding of how to combine sounds to make words in Devanagari please refer to the link above for further learning.

Common Yoga/Meditation Terms, Sanskrit/Phonetic Form & English Translations/Definitions

Please note that if you are new to Devanagari script and letter sounds, you can refer to the guide included above, or simply do your best to use the English transliterations below to pronounce any given word.

  1. Abhyāsa (अभ्यास)– Practice. Composed of two words: abhi (अभि), meaning “towards” or “in the direction of”, and yasa (यस), which means “to exert” or “to endeavor.”
  2. Abhiniveśha (अभिनिवेश)– Clinging to bodily life. Focusing on the bodily identity. Fear of death of one’s physical body or identity. [Klesha/Poison]. Composed of two words: abhi (अभि), meaning “towards” or “in the direction of”, and nivesha (निवेश), which means “dwelling” or “residence.”
  3. Āchārya (आचार्य)– Teacher, instructor, guide: one who imparts knowledge and serves as a good role model for the next generation. Derived from the root “ācā” (आचा), which means “to teach” or “to instruct.”
  4. Advaita (अद्वैत)– Non-dualism. Oneness. Composed of two words: a (अ), meaning “non-” and dvaita (द्वैत), which means “duality” or “dualism.”
  5. Agni (अग्नि)– Fire element.
  6. Ahaṁkāra (अहंकार)– Sense of “I”-am-ness (most commonly of the individual ego). Composed of two words: ahaṁ (अहं), meaning “I” or “self”, and kāra (कार), which means “maker” or “doer.”
  7. Ahiṃsā (अहिंसा)– Nonviolence: One of the Yamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga. Composed of two words: a (अ), meaning “non,” and hiṃsā (हिंसा), which means “violence.”
  8. Ajapā (अजपा)– Total absorption of a mantra. Refers to “silently” and effortlessly integrating a mantra: “repeating” without repeating.” The word Ajapā is derived from two words: a (अ), meaning “not,” and japa (जप), meaning “repeated.”
  9. Ājnā (आज्ञा)– Means “command.” Refers to the Third-Eye Chakra.
  10. Ākāśha (आकाश)– Space/Ether element. Derived from the root kāś (काश), meaning “to be visible.”
  11. Aladāni (अलदानि)– The transition into “deep sleep” or formless thought. This is a state of latent impressions and knowledge that includes dormant Samskaras and past karmas. This state can be a distraction to Samadhi if one gets attached.
  12. Anāhata (अनाहत)– Refers to pure “untouched” sound (made without touching two parts/things), the sound of the celestial realm, and/or the Heart Chakra. Derived from the Sanskrit word a (अ), meaning “not,” and nāhata (नाहत), which means “struck, beaten”, leading to the literal translation “unstruck, unbeaten.”
  13. Anichcha (अनिच्च)– Impermanence: Everything in the universe comes and goes; everything has a beginning and an end. Related to the word “anitya”, which means “impermanence.” It is derived from the root “nitya,” meaning “eternal,” with the prefix “a-” negating the word, leading to the meaning “not eternal” or “impermanent.”
  14. Antarāyaha (अन्तरायः)– Obstacles to Samadhi. Derived from the Sanskrit root “antara” (अन्तरा), which means “obstacle” or “hindrance.”
  15. Anuśhāsanaṃ (अनुशासनम्)
    – Discipline (as in instruction on a subject). Derived from the root word “shas” (शास), which means “to instruct.” When it is connected to “anu” (अनु), it means that the atoms will instruct you: the essential nature within all of life will be your teacher.
  16. Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह)– Non-Greed/Non-Attachment. Not taking more than one needs: One of the Yamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga. Derived from the Sanskrit “a” (अ), a prefix meaning “non,” or “not,” “pari” (परि), meaning “on all sides,” and “graha” (ग्रह), meaning “to take,” “to grab” or “to seize.” Parigraha means focus on material gain so aparigraha is the negated version of this.
  17. Āpas (आपस्)– Water element.
  18. Asaṃprajnāta (असंप्रज्ञात) (Referring To A Stage Of Samadhi)- Undistinguished “I” of the pure self. Being, without thought/cognition (in pure awareness). Derived from the Sanskrit “a” (अ), a prefix meaning “non,” or “not,” and the word “samprajnāta” (संप्रज्ञात) meaning “with cognition.”
  19. Āsana (आसन)– Limb three of the Eight-Limbed Path in Raja (Royal), and some other types of, Yoga: Stretching and bodywork designed to create lightness of the body and an effective posture to sit comfortably in meditation. The term is derived from the Sanskrit word “ās” (आस्) which means “to sit down”
  20. Aṣhtāṅga (अष्टाङ्ग)– Eight-Limbs (see Eight-Limbed Path). Derived from “ashta” (अष्ट) meaning “eight” and “anga” (अङ्ग) meaning “limb,” or “part.” 
  21. Asmita (अस्मिता)– Egoism. [Klesha/Poison]. Derived from “Asmi” (अस्मि), which means “I am”, and “-ta” (ता), which means “-ness”
  22. Asteya (अस्तेय)– Non-Stealing: One of the Yamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga. Derived from “A” (अ), a prefix in Sanskrit, referring to “non-,” and “Steya” (स्तेय), referring to the “practice of stealing.”
  23. Ātmaṇ (आत्मन्)– True manifested Self. The soul or the true individual self. Derived from the root “an” (अन्) which means “to breathe” or “to live,” or rather, to convey the idea of these vital forces. The prefix “at” (अत्) intensifies the root, emphasizing that the word refers to a higher-than-physical nature as it means “to go,” “to move,” or “to transcend.” Ātman can be translated to “that which moves, goes to, and/or transcends life/breath,” again, referring to the Self beyond physical form.
  24. Aum (ॐ)– See OM.
  25. Avidyā (अविद्या)– Cloud of spiritual ignorance/nescience. A misconception of reality and of one’s true nature. Composed of the prefix “a” (अ), which means “not,” or “without,” and the root vidya” (विद्या), which means “to know,” or “to understand.” [A Klesha/Poison]
  26. Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद)– Study of longevity. Composed of “ayur” (आयुर), which means “longevity” or “life” and “veda,” which means “knowledge,” or “science.”
  27. Baṅdha (बंध)– Internal lock. Can be traced back to the word “bandh,” which means “to bind,” or “to tie.”
  28. Bhāvanā (भावना)– The cultivation of states of being, understanding, feeling, etc. Turns the word “bhāva” (भाव), which means “to be,” “to exist,” or “to feel,” into a noun with the suffix -“anā.” Translates into “feeling,” “emotion,” and/or “mental attitude.”
  29. Bhumisu Viniyogaha (भूमिसु विनियोगः)– Working through/seeing/exploring the layers of inner distortion (the Karmashea) that cloud the True Self. Composed of “Bhumisu” (भूमिसु), which means “earth,” or “ground,” with the suffix “-su” (सु), which means “in,” “on,” or “unto.” “Viniyoga” (विनियोग) is used in Vedic rituals and refers to the application of a mantra for a specific purpose. The word ends in “-ah,” which is a masculine singular suffix. Can be translated into “the application or purpose of (applying a mantra) unto the earth.”
  30. Brahmaṇ (ब्रह्मन्)– The gender neutral form of the Ultimate/Absolute Reality/Self. Derived from the word “brah” (ब्रह्), which means “to grow,” “to expand,” or “to evolve” toward the infinite.
  31. Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य)– Self-Control/living in a way that is aligned with the Ultimate Reality. Living a virtuous and spiritually disciplined/connected life (for some people, this will include celibacy, but for people who are married or in spiritually-grounded committed relationships, celibacy will most likely not apply): One of the Yamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and other types of Yoga. Composed of “Brahma” (ब्रह्म), which means the Supreme or Absolute Being, and “charya” (चर्य), which is composed of the root “char” (चर्), which means “to practice.”
  32. Buddhi (बुद्धि)– The “higher” mind, dealing with advanced cognitive functions, like discernment and decision-making. It is often seen as the doorway to inner wisdom. Composed of the word “budh” (बुध्), which means “to understand.”
  33. Chakras (चक्र)– The body’s energy centers. Means “to move,” or “to wheel.”
  34. Chitta (चित्त)– Mind. The memory bank for mental sensory information and latent impressions. The noun’s root meaning is derived from the verb “chit” (चित्), which means “to be conscious” or “to perceive.”
  35. Chitta Vritti (चित्तवृत्ति)– Mind-stuff. Thoughts, perceptions, etc. Mental distortions, delusions, unconscious and other mental-“modifications,” and perceptions. Composed of two words, Chitta (चित्त), which means mind, and Vrittis (वृत्तिः), which means “modifications,” “fluctuations,” or “waves.”
  36. Concentration– One pointed focus on a subject or object. (See Dharana [धारणा])
  37. Contemplation– To ponder deeply. To consider using attention and focus.
  38. Dama (दम)– Self-control. Derived from the root “dam” (दम्), which, in the context of discipline, means “to tame,” “to subdue,” or “to control.”
  39. Dhāraṇā (धारणा)– Limb Six Of The Eight-Limbed Path In Raja (Royal), and Some Other Types Yoga: Concentration and the development of a focused, pure, well-cultivated mind. Derived from the Sanskrit root “dhr” (धृ), which means “to hold,” “to bear,” or “to maintain” in this context.
  40. Dharma (धर्म)– The nature of things. Is often associated with rightful work or duties. “The meaning of dharma includes virtue, justice, law, duty, morality, religion, religious merit and steadfast decree” (Swami Satchidananda). Derived from the Sanskrit verb “dhṛ,” which means “to uphold,” “to support,” or “to sustain” in this context.
  41. Dharmamegha (धर्ममेघ)– The highest discerning (meaning having the ability to tell reality from fantasy, truth from lies, etc) awareness. Derived from the words Dharma (धर्म), meaning “duty,” or “righteousness,” and Megha (मेघ), which means “cloud.”
  42. Dhyāna (ध्यान)– Limb Seven Of The Eight-Limbed Path In Raja (Royal), and Some Other Types Yoga: Meditation. Deep contemplation that involves the cessation of words/thoughts. Derived from the Sanskrit root “dhyai” (ध्यै), meaning “to contemplate” or “to meditate.” 
  43. Doṣha (दोष)– “That which causes problems” in Ayruveda. Reflecting the Ayurvedic understanding of the three fundamental energies–Vata (वात), Pitta (पित्त), and Kapha (कफ), and their potential imbalances in the body.
  44. Draṣhtuḥ (द्रष्टुः)– Seer, or “the one who perceives.” The Seer beyond the ego. It is derived from the root “dṛṣṭ” (दृष्ट), which means “to see” or “to perceive.”
  45. Duḥkha (दुःख)– Suffering…without boundaries, end, and/or limits. In other words, endless suffering, stress, and/or pain, or pain that leads to emptiness/lack of a sense of wholeness/happiness. (All of life is/can be suffering: The first of the Four Noble Truths.)  Composed of the words Du (दु), which is a prefix that often conveys a sense of difficulty, pain, or negativity, and the word Kha (ख), which is often interpreted as “hole” or “empty space.”
  46. Dveṣha (द्वेष)– Aversion/hatred. That which is in opposition to God, or the higher awareness, or higher Truth, higher Self, etc. [Klesha/Poison]. Derived from the words Dvi (द्वि), which is a prefix that signifies duality or opposition, and Isha (ईश), this term means “lord,” “God,” or “master,” the higher awareness, higher Truth, higher Self, etc.
  47. Ekāgratā Pariṇāma (एकाग्रता परिणाम)– One-pointedness. A state, or transformation to a state, of single-pointed focus. Refers to a state of mind. Eka (एक), means “one,” and “Agratā” (अग्रता), means “pointedness,” Parināma (परिणाम) means transformation or shift in consciousness/awareness. A mental shift to one-pointedness.
  48. Eight-Limbed (Eightfold) Path (In Yoga)- The eight-part path lived/practiced in Raja (Royal) and some other types of Yoga. The Limbs of this path include: Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (duties), Asanas (posture), Pranayamas (breath-work), Pratyaharas (withdrawal from external pulls), Dharanas (focus), Dhyanas (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption) in order to reach Kaivalya (aloneness/Liberation).
  49. Four Noble Truths– The Four Truths of Life according to Gautama Siddhartha (The Buddha). These include: Dukka, Samudaya, Nirhodha, and Magga. Life brings ongoing suffering. There is a cause to all suffering. There is an end to all suffering. There is a path (the Eightfold/Eight-Limbed Path) that liberates all beings from this perpetual cycle of suffering.
  50. Graṅthi (ग्रंथि)– Psychic (pertaining to the mind) knot, or complex/complexity, that hinders the flow of vital energy and/or higher understanding. Derived from the root “grath” (ग्रथ) which means “to tie” or “to knot.”
  51. Guṇa(s) (गुण)– Quality/attribute. The three, constantly fluctuating/changing, constituents of Prana (or life force)/material nature: sattva/harmony (सत्त्व), rajas/activity (रजस), and tamas/inertia (तमस). Forces that shape Prakriti/elemental form. Derived from the root “gu” (गु), which means “to shine,” “to reveal,” or “to manifest.” 
  52. Guruh/Guru (गुरु)– That which moves one from/out of darkness to light. Often used to refer to a teacher. Representative of an energy as opposed to a person. The guru energy exists within everyone (to the extent of their higher Self connection or their sheer ability to serve as a means for another to gain insight or understanding either directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, good or bad…the Guru energy is everywhere and is not partial); it can come from anything, including objects. Derived from the root “gṝ” (गृ), which means “to praise,” “to honor,” or “to reverence.” The root “gṝ” is  associated with qualities of weightiness, gravity, and importance. Also said to derive from the root “gu” (गु), which means “to shine,” “to reveal,” or “to manifest” when used in the context of a teacher.
  53. Idā (इडा)– Left energy channel: tied to the parasympathetic nervous system/calmness, lunar energy, receptivity. Standalone word with no roots, derivatives, nor affixes.
  54. Indriyās (इन्द्रियास)- Organs of perception. Derived from the Sanskrit root “Indra” (इन्द्र), which originally refers to the ancient Vedic god of thunder and rain. “Indra” signifies a “ruler,” or “controller” of the forces of nature.
  55. Isvara (ईश्वर)– The one who possesses the qualities of rule over the self. The manifested seed of omniscience/ability to know everything. Pure Seer. The word is derived from “Īś” (ईश्), which is associated with the concept of lordship, rulership, and/or mastery. The word ends with the suffix “-ara” (अर), representing the one who possesses these qualities.
  56. Ishvara Praṇidhāna (ईश्वर प्रणिधान)– Devotion to a higher path/practice, or to a higher/greater knowing/being. Devotion to become one who possesses, and is grounded/established in, full self-knowledge/mastery: One of the Niyamas that one must abide by In Raja (Royal), and other types of Yoga in order to attain success. Composed of the word “Ishvara” (see definition above), and the word pranidhana which is composed of the roots “pra” which means “towards” and the root “dha” which means to “to place” or to “establish.”
  57. Japa (जप)– Repetition of a mantra with the intention to fully absorb its meaning into your being. Derived from the root “jap,” which means “to utter in a low voice” or “to repeat silently.”
  58. Jīvanmukta (जीवन्मुक्त)– A soul who is embodied in physical expression but is simultaneously liberated from (the bondage of) it. Composed of from the word “Jiva” (जीव) which means embodied soul and “mukta” (मुक्त), which means “liberated” or “freed.”
  59. Jñāna (ज्ञान)– Knowledge. Wisdom. Pure mental awareness/knowing acquired through clear focus, concentration, contemplation, and meditation, etc. Derived from the Sanskrit root “jñā” (ज्ञा), which means “to know” or “to understand.” 
  60. Jñānendriyās (ज्ञानेन्द्रियास)– Refers to the five senses (five entrance doors). Hearing, tasting, seeing, smelling, touching. Composed of the word “jnana” (ज्ञान), which means knowledge and “indriyas” (इन्द्रियास), which means “sense organs.”
  61. Kaivalya (कैवल्य)– One who is alone, isolated, fully detached, Absolutely independent, self-contained, fully free within (as opposed to being bound by, or dependent on, primal matter, etc. to “know,” “be,” or to define him/herself). The ultimate state of Spiritual Liberation. Composed of the word “Kai” (कै), which is derived from the pronoun “ka” (क), used to indicate possession, such as “of whom” this or that is,  and “Valya” (वल्य), which is related to the word “vali,” which means “enclosure,” “limit,” or “surrounding.” This is followed by the word “ya” (य), which emphasizes the “who,” or the subject.
  62. Kapha (कफ)– Solid/Heavy Dosha in Ayurveda. Has no root nor derivative.
  63. Karma (कर्म)– Action/Doing. Often refers to a non-judgmental and neutral law of cause and effect that states that thoughts, words, and actions have an effect in the world. Derived from the root word “kṛ” (कृ), which implies doing or  taking/performing an action.
  64. Karmasheya (A Modern-Day English-Sanskrit Creation)– Word used to describe the veil of Karmic illusion that hides the True Self. Habit patterns of mind, body, speech, and perceptions. Said to be a modern word with no true Sanskrit origin.
  65. Karmendriyas (कर्मेन्द्रियास)– Five outward movements (five exit doors). Speaking, moving, desiring, pro(creating), eliminating. Composed of the words “Karma” (कर्म), which means action, and “Indriyas” (इन्द्रियास), which means “sense organs.”
  66. Klesha/Klesa– Poisons. Obstacles. Toxicities that create bondage to/within Maya and destructive Karmas. They come in the form of attractions and aversions, biases, judgments, and other types of mental distortions/delusions and “modifications.” Include: ignorance (Avidya), egoism (Asmita), attachment (Raga), hatred (Dvesha), aversion, clinging to bodily life/fear of death and destruction (Abhinivesha).
  67. Kshipta– Disturbed/troubled state of mind. A state of worry, agitation, and general restlessness.
  68. Magga– Liberation from suffering-There is a path (Eightfold/Eight-Limbed Path or any other Yogic path) that liberates one from the inevitable and ongoing sufferings of life: The fourth of the Four Noble Truths.
  69. Mahabhutas– Five great elements. Earth (Prithivi), water (Apas), fire (Agni), air (Vayu), space/ether (Akasha).
  70. Mahapurascharna– A deeply meditative state attained by the most devoted Yogis after 2.4 million mantra recitations.
  71. Maha-Videha– Perception outside of the mind.
  72. Mala– Impurity. Or, garland (as in mala beads used in Japa practice…which one could interpret as being used to clear away the impurity of ignorance, etc to come to greater purity/clarity.)
  73. Manas– Lower mind that relates to the external world through the senses.
  74. Manipura– Solar plexus Chakra.
  75. Mantra– Chant, song, and/or internally generated sound that is used purposefully in practice.
  76. Maya– Unreality. The illusions of/in the world. The false perceptional context created by inner toxicity/being afflicted by Kleshas.
  77. Meditation– Deeply immersed “silent” mental concentration. (See Dhyana)
  78. Mudha– Dull/heavy state of mind. Depressed.
  79. Muladhara– Root Chakra.
  80. Mudra– Purposeful hand gesture used to regulate energy flow in the body.
  81. Mumuksuta– The enduring, unyielding, and powerful desire to be free from suffering and bondage in the world. The intense desire for liberation that is the prerequisite for attaining and maintaining it.
  82. Nadi– Energy channel.
  83. Nidra– See Sutra 10: Sleep. Refers to a type of thought that is of the illusion of blankness.
  84. Nirhodha– All suffering has a beginning/end/reason: The third of the Four Noble Truths. This also refers to the process of letting go of the distortions that prevent the experience of the True Self (see Nirhodha Parinamh). When referring to a mental state it refers to a “mastered” state of mind.
  85. Nirhodha Parinamh– Flow of suppressing/setting aside mind-stuff as they arise. Mind/ego-self-mastery.
  86. Nirbija (Samadhi)– “Seedless” Samadhi in which impressions are wiped out and total Union with the True Self is obtained. Also synonymous at different levels of expression with Kaivalya/Turiya.
  87. Nirvicara (Samadhi)– Non-reflective higher, Asamprajnata, Samadhi on subtle objects where the object shines above the I-am, and “the supreme Self shines.” Impressions are wiped out, and “rtambhara (God) prajna (Deep Sleep/Subconscious Mind State), or the absolute true consciousness” is attained.
  88. Nirvitarka (Samadhi)– The second stage of Lower, or Samprajnata Samadhi, in which the knowledge of an object shines above the name, form, and quality.
  89. Niyama– Limb Two of the Eightfold Path in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga: Habits and ethical practices.
  90. Om (ॐ)– Universal sacred sound and symbol of Yoga and numerous Indian and Asian religions. Represents the Absolute Ultimate Reality.
  91. Parinam (परिणाम)– Signifying transformation that takes place when leaving the cycle of suffering. It refers to the outcome or effect of an action and means “result,” “consequence,” or “transformation.” 
  92. Pingala– Right energy channel: tied to the sympathetic nervous system.
  93. Pitta– Hot Dosha in Ayurveda.
  94. Prakriti– Elemental creative force/energy. Original natural “form” beyond normal perception; it is the essence/source, seed, and energetic material for all objective (subtle, and tangible) form.
  95. Prajna– The “deep sleep” subconscious state of consciousness symbolized by the M, or “mmmm,” of the OM/AUM symbol/word and sound. A state of higher awareness that brings clear wisdom.
  96. Pramana– Sutra 7: Correct or right thought/knowledge.
  97. Prana– Life force/energy.
  98. Pranayama– Limb Four of the Eightfold Path in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga: Breath (force/energy) work/control/expansion.
  99. Prasupta– Inactive/latent/dormant [Relating to Klesha/Poison].
  100. Pratipaksa Bhavana– The practice of replacing negative thoughts with the opposite (positive thoughts), or reflecting upon how negative thoughts (and their resulting actions) bring pain. Aspects of the Yamas and Niyamas.
  101. Pratyahara– Limb Five Of The Eightfold Path In Raja (Royal), and Some Other Types Yoga: Mastery of the senses.
  102. Prithivi– Earth element.
  103. Purascharna– Clear, pure, mind attained after 125,000 manta repetitions.
  104. Purusa– The True Self of Asamrajnata Samadhi. The seed of consciousness. The unchanging/eternal source of awareness that exists within all of creation.
  105. Raga– Attraction/craving/addictive attachment. Greed, lust, etc. [Klesha/Poison]
  106. Rajas– Activity. [Guna]
  107. Rtambhara– God, Upholder of Truth.
  108. Sabja– “With seed” of Samskara impressions.
  109. Sadhana– Daily spiritual practice. A tool for Self-Realization.
  110. Sahaja Samadhi– Spontaneous Union obtained through Sahaja Yoga/Meditation.
  111. Sahasrara– Crown Chakra.
  112. Satya– Truthfulness: One of the Yamas One Must Abide By In Raja (Royal), and Some Other Types Yoga.
  113. Sama– Quietness of mind.
  114. Samadhi– Limb Eight Of The Eightfold Path In Raja (Royal), and Some Other Types Yoga: True clarity of concentration and awareness, occurring in purer and purer stages, which brings Self-Realization and prepares you for union with your Divine aspects/expressions.
  115. Samadhih Parinamh– One-pointed focus.
  116. Samsara– “Wandering.” Perpetual cycle of death and rebirth.
  117. Samskara(s)– Impression in the mind associated with past actions, words, desires, feelings, and thoughts (often latent/unconscious).
  118. Samprajnata (Samadhi)– Distinguished “I.”
  119. Samudaya– There is a cause to suffering: The second of the Four Noble Truths.
  120. Samyama (Interchangeable With Samyamh)- Work done to attain Samadhi. Primarily includes Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation), but the preceding limbs of the Eightfold Path are preparation for this work as well.
  121. Samyamh (Interchangeable With Samyama)- The practice of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi upon one object.
  122. Sangha– Community.
  123. Sankalpa– Heartfelt, dedicated, intention.
  124. Santosha– Contentment: One of the Niyamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga.
  125. Savicara (Samadhi)– Reflective, Asamprajnata, Samadhi on subtle objects.
  126. Shusumna– Central energy channel: tied to the spinal chord/central nervous system.
  127. Shaucha– Self-Purification: One of the Niyamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga.
  128. Shraddha– Faith/confidence/trust that one is moving in the right direction. Faith in your teacher and what he/she is teaching.
  129. Smrtayah (smirti, smirtih)- Sutra 11: Memory. Type of thought.
  130. Sutra– Translates to “thread.” In Yoga, they refer to philosophical lessons to be practiced in Raja (Royal) and some other types of Yoga.
  131. Sattva– Tranquility. [Guna]
  132. Sattvic– “[T]he quality of goodness, positivity, truth, serenity, balance, peacefulness, and virtuousness that is drawn towards Dharma and Jnana” (Wikipedia).
  133. Savitarka– The initial state of Dhyana (meditation) that leads to a type of Samprajnata Samadhi. A lower, or first step, of Samadhi.
  134. Siddhis– Physical and worldly supernormal powers. Can become obstacles to Samadhi.
  135. Svadhistana– Sacral Chakra.
  136. Swadhyay– Self-Study: One of the Niyamas one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga.
  137. Taijasa– The “dreaming” state of consciousness symbolized by the U, or “oo,” of the OM/AUM symbol/word and sound.
  138. Titiksha– Ability to endure extreme discomfort, suffering, insult, injury and pain.
  139. Tamas– Inertia. [Guna]
  140. Tanu– Weakened [Relating to Klesha/Poison].
  141. Tantra– Interweaving traditions.
  142. Tapa– Self-Discipline: One of the Niyamas that one must abide by in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga.
  143. Tejas– Fire element.
  144. Turiya– The silence/pure state of being symbolized by the silence that precedes the OM/AUM symbol/word and sound.
  145. Udaranam– Active/sustained [Relating to Klesha/Poison].
  146. Unmani – The transition between the concrete form of Vaishvaanara and the dreaming state. Often referred to as a state of “no mind” different from Samadhi. This state exists between the conscious and unconscious mind.
  147. Uparati– A state of being “above” the temptations, and attachment/attraction to objects, in the world.
  148. Vairagya– Non-attachment.
  149. Vaishvaanara– The gross, waking state of consciousness symbolized by the A, or “ah,” of the OM/AUM symbol/word and sound.
  150. Vasanas– Subconscious impressions. Desires.
  151. Vata– Cold/Dry Dosha in Ayurveda.
  152. Vayu– Air. Also refers to the five forms of prana.
  153. Vichchinna– Intercepted/cut-off [Relating to Klesha/Poison].
  154. Vichara– Contemplation with words and thoughts.
  155. Vikalpa– Sutra 9: Type of thought–Verbal delusion, imagination.
  156. Viksepa– Distraction.
  157. Vikshipta– Distracted/noisy state of mind. Often referred to as “monkey mind.”
  158. Viparyaya– Sutra 8: Misconception, incorrect thought/knowledge.
  159. Virya– Devoted/Dedicated. Confident conviction that one will follow through with, pursue, or accomplish a goal/thing.
  160. Visshudha– Throat Chakra.
  161. Viveka– Discernment.
  162. Vritti– Modifications. Delusions. Compulsions, and so forth. See Chitta Vrittis
  163. Yantra– A mystical diagram used for meditation.
  164. Yama– Limb One of the Eightfold Path in Raja (Royal), and some other types of Yoga: The values, morals, ethics, and restraints that we choose to abide by.
  165. Yoga– Translates into “union.” It is a natural phenomenon of human inner evolution and a science of the mind and body that focuses on the connection of body, mind, breath, and spirit, as well as the expression of, and union with, one’s highest Self and the Source/Truth of Creation/pure consciousness itself. The systematic practice originated in the country that is now known as India.

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