ISSA Yoga 200 key terms

The first of the eight limbs of classical yoga: five ethical restraints (non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation in sensual pleasure, and non-possessiveness) that guide a practitioner's conduct toward others and the world.

The second limb of classical yoga: five personal observances covering cleanliness, contentment, disciplined effort, self-study, and surrender to a higher principle, which shape the practitioner's inner life and daily habits.

The ethical principle of non-harming in thought, word, and action. In teaching it informs safe sequencing, appropriate touch, respectful language, and avoiding pushing students beyond their capacity.

Patanjali's eight-part framework of yoga practice: ethical restraints, observances, posture, breath regulation, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and complete absorption. It is a map of practice rather than a style of physical yoga.

The fluctuations or turnings of the mind-stuff, including thoughts, perceptions, memories, and misperceptions. Classical yoga defines its aim as stilling these fluctuations so awareness rests in its own nature.

Sustained meditation: the seventh limb, in which attention stays continuously on one object without effortful grasping. It follows concentration and precedes the complete absorption called samadhi.

Concentration: the sixth limb, the deliberate binding of attention to a single chosen object such as the breath, a sound, or a sensation. It is the preliminary stage that makes meditation possible.

Sense withdrawal: the fifth limb, in which attention turns inward and away from external sensory input. Teachers use it as a bridge from physical practice into stillness and breath awareness.

The vital life force or energy that animates the body and mind. Yogic texts describe it as moving through subtle channels, and breath practices are used to influence its flow and quality.

Regulation and extension of the breath and vital energy through structured breathing techniques. It is the fourth limb and is traditionally practiced after posture has become steady and comfortable.

A breathing technique in which the throat is gently narrowed, producing a soft oceanic sound and a slow, even flow. It supports rhythm, heat, and internal focus during asana practice.

Alternate-nostril breathing that balances airflow between the right and left nostrils, commonly used to settle the nervous system before meditation. Beginners are taught to breathe without breath retention.

A subtle energy channel described in yogic anatomy. Three principal channels are named, running along the central axis and crossing near the lower belly, and breath practices are said to purify them.

One of five sheaths or layers said to enclose pure awareness: the physical body, the breath body, the mental-emotional body, the wisdom body, and the bliss body. The model encourages practice across all levels.

A fixed gazing point used during posture practice to steady attention and reduce visual distraction. Common points include the tip of the nose, the navel, the hand, and the thumb.

An energetic lock created by a deliberate muscular seal, commonly at the pelvic floor, lower abdomen, or throat. Locks are used to direct energy and support stability, and are usually taught after basic breath control.

An abdominal lock created by exhaling fully, drawing the abdomen inward and upward under the ribs, and holding briefly. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or glaucoma.

A root lock involving a gentle lift of the pelvic floor muscles. It is often engaged lightly in standing and balancing postures to support the lower back and steady the body.

The classical South Asian language in which most foundational yoga texts are written and from which standard posture names derive. Teachers use it alongside English names to link students to the tradition.

A concise aphorism that states a teaching in very few words. Patanjali's collection of such aphorisms is the foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, and each line invites commentary and reflection.

A classical epic dialogue on duty, action, and devotion that presents several paths of yoga, including disciplined action and loving devotion. It is a core source for yoga ethics and the meaning of practice.

Self-study: one of the personal observances, combining study of inspiring texts with honest reflection on one's own patterns. For teachers it also means continuing education and examining one's own assumptions.

Disciplined effort or the heat generated by sustained practice. It refers to the willingness to stay with discomfort and repetition in order to build steadiness, rather than to forcing the body.

A physical posture practiced with steadiness and ease. Originally a seated position for meditation, the term now covers the full range of postures in modern practice.

A method of linking postures with breath so that movement and breath stay synchronized. The term also names a style of class built on flowing sequences of linked postures.

The natural curves of the spine maintained without excessive rounding or arching. Cueing toward it distributes load evenly and reduces strain in standing, seated, and supine postures.

Rotation of the pelvis forward or backward, changing the curve of the lower back. Naming the direction of tilt helps students find a comfortable position in seated forward folds and backbends.

Bending primarily at the hip joints while keeping the spine long, rather than rounding the back. It is the key movement cue for forward folds and for lifting loads safely.

Drawing the shoulder blades toward the spine and down the back. It stabilizes the shoulders in weight-bearing postures and is distinct from squeezing the shoulders together or lifting them toward the ears.

The sense of body position and movement arising from receptors in muscles, joints, and skin. Clear verbal cues and slow transitions help students refine it, improving balance and alignment awareness.

The dome-shaped muscle separating the chest from the abdomen and the primary muscle of quiet breathing. Its contraction lowers pressure in the chest and draws air in.

Breathing in which the diaphragm descends and the lower ribs and belly expand, rather than the upper chest lifting. It supports efficient gas exchange and calms the nervous system.

The baseline strength of parasympathetic influence carried by the vagus nerve. Slow breathing with a longer exhale is used to increase it, supporting recovery and a calmer state.

A deliberate change to a posture's shape, support, or depth so it fits a student's body and ability. Modifications preserve the intended action of the pose rather than simply making it easier.

A tool such as a block, strap, bolster, or blanket used to support alignment, reduce strain, or make a posture accessible. Props extend practice to more bodies rather than signaling weakness.

A condition or circumstance in which a posture or breathing technique may be unsafe or should be adapted. Teachers ask about health history and offer alternatives rather than diagnosing the condition.

The boundaries of what a yoga teacher is trained and permitted to do. It excludes diagnosis, medical treatment, and prescribing exercise for injuries, and requires referral to qualified health professionals.

Spoken instruction that guides students into and out of postures. Effective cues are brief, directional, and timed to the breath, and they describe action rather than judging appearance.

Showing a posture or transition visually while students observe. It is most useful when paired with minimal talking, and teachers should position themselves so everyone can see without straining.