Glossary

Mystical sound- or energy wave

The Sanskrit term equivalent to the “meridians” of acupuncture. An astral nerve

Breathing technique - is the 'alternate nostril breathing' or 'balanced breathing' - balances the energy flow in the channels and purifies the energy channels (nadi) by balancing the flow of breath through the right and left nostrils

Saluation – salute

Sometimes expressed as Namaskar or Namaskaram, is a customary greeting when individuals meet or farewell.[It is a form of greeting commonly found among Hindus of South Asia, in some Southeast Asian countries, and diaspora from these regions. Namaste is spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest

Hand gesture adopted during pranayama to alternate the flow of breath through the nostrils.

Manipulation and  churning of the abdomen. One of the Shad kriyas ( cleansing excercises)

Cleansing of upper respiratory tract( nose-nasal passages-sinuses) One of the Shad kriyas

Sleep- yogi sleep

Religious study of scriptures observations. Second limb of raja yoga

The Pranava or sacred monosyllable which symbolises the Absolute –Peace the universal mantra; cosmic vibration of the universe; represents the four states of consciousness (also AUM).

Mantra of Vishnu chanted in many yoga Vedanta centres for world peace including Sivananda Yoga Centres

Standing head to knee pose

Lotus Pose. Highly recommended for breathing( pranayama) meditation

The five tantric practices : mansa(meat), madhya(wine), matsya(fish), mudra(grain), and maithuna(sexual intercourse)