November 12, 2025

By L Chehab-Fabry

Yoga Glossary A and B – Learn with a Smile

Welcome to the Yoga Nest Glossary, your mini zen and no-fuss dictionary of modern yoga
Here, we explore the essential terms of yoga, meditation, and conscious movement, without pretending to be gurus.
Because between two asanas and a warm tea, we can talk spirituality, anatomy… and comfortable leggings.

Editorial note

This glossary was originally written in French and organised according to the first letter of each term in French. As a result, the alphabetical structure does not always correspond to the English translation.

🔠 Letter A

Asana

Definition: A physical yoga posture aimed at strengthening the body and calming the mind.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Your favorite position to discover that your mat isn’t as non-slip as you thought.

Ahimsa

Definition: The principle of non-violence, an ethical pillar of yoga, towards oneself and others.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Even towards the person who took your spot in the changing room. Yes, even them.

Ayurveda

Definition: Traditional Indian medicine, a sister science to yoga, based on the balance of energies (doshas).
✨ Yoga Nest Version: When your body craves chai and a nap, it’s often an Ayurvedic diagnosis.

Ananda

Definition: Deep joy and inner bliss, the state of unity between body and mind.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: That feeling after Savasana… just before you remember your to-do list.

Ashtanga (Yoga Style)

Definition: A dynamic yoga style, based on a precise series of postures synchronized with the breath.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The athlete’s yoga: you breathe, you sweat… and you smile (after, not during).

Anahata

Definition: The heart chakra, the energy center of love, compassion, and emotional balance.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Or the exact spot that melts when your teacher puts on the right playlist.

Anjali Mudra

Definition: A gesture of hands joined in front of the heart, a symbol of respect and gratitude, a non-verbal expression of Namaste.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The universal sign for a silent “thank you” at the end of a magical class. And even if it goes far beyond a simple Western “thank you,” it’s always the intention that counts.

Agni

Definition: Digestive fire according to Ayurveda, a symbol of transformation and vitality.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: What abruptly goes out after an overly generous brunch.

Ashtanga Yoga (according to Patanjali)

Definition: The eight-limbed path described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras: discipline, meditation, wisdom, and inner harmony.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Eight keys to living a little better, without necessarily going to meditate on top of the Himalayas.

Aparigraha

Definition: The principle of non-attachment: learning to let go and free oneself from the need to possess.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Yes, even your favorite leggings need to go in the washing machine someday. Breathe, that’s letting go too.

Our Exclusive Yoga Glossary – Letters A & B – Yoga Nest

🔠 Letter B

Bandha

Definition: An internal energy lock, used to channel vital force during practice.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: What you activate when your teacher says “pull your navel in”… and you forget to breathe.

Bhakti

Definition: Yoga of devotion, the path of the heart and unconditional love.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The yogi’s spiritual karaoke: singing for the universe with an open heart.

Brahmacharya

Definition: The principle of moderation and control of desires, to preserve one’s energy.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: That includes not buying all the meditation cushions online.

Bija Mantra

Definition: Root sounds associated with the chakras, used to harmonize the body’s energies.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The “om” that makes your living room vibrate… and worries your cat.

Buddhi

Definition: Intuitive intelligence and discernment, the ability to see with clarity and kindness.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The little voice that says “breathe” instead of “scream.”

Balasana

Definition: Child’s Pose, a symbol of humility, relaxation, and returning to oneself.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Also known as “the yogi’s nap.” A perfect excuse to take a break.

Brahman

Definition: Supreme principle, universal consciousness in Indian philosophy.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The cosmic version of Wi-Fi: connection everywhere, no password needed.

Bikram Yoga

Definition: A style of yoga practiced in a room heated to 40°C, consisting of 26 fixed postures.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Ideal for testing your flexibility, endurance, and waterproof mascara.

Bhagavad-Gita

Definition: A major sacred text of yoga, a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the meaning of life and righteous action.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: The equivalent of an ancient spiritual podcast, but without Wi-Fi or filters.

Breathwork

Definition: A set of conscious breathing techniques to release stress and balance the mind.
✨ Yoga Nest Version: Because sometimes, the best wellness app is just your nose.

Conclusion of our Yoga Glossary

Every yoga word is an open door to a little more awareness, lightness, and sometimes good humor.
Continue reading with the next letters of the Yoga Nest Glossary to learn, laugh, and breathe at every step.