Asana
What are the three main components of a safe yoga posture?
Proper alignment
Stable and engaged muscles
Steady, controlled breathing
Can you name all eight limbs of yoga?
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi
Who compiled the Yoga Sutras?
The Yoga Sutras were compiled by Patanjali, a sage who systematized and organized existing yogic knowledge into a concise collection of aphorisms (sutras), forming the foundation of classical yoga philosophy.
Why are yama and niyama considered the foundation of yoga practice?
They help to:
-Calm and purify the mind
- Reduce inner conflict and harmful behavior
- Create self-awareness and discipline
- Prepare the practitioner for deeper practices like asana, pranayama, and meditation
Without this foundation, yoga can remain only physical exercise, rather than a holistic practice aimed at mental clarity and self-realisation.
What does “Namaste” mean?
It is commonly translated as “I bow to you” or “The divine in me honors the divine in you.”
Why is it important to include counterposes in a yoga sequence?
Counterposes help rebalance the body, release tension created by previous poses, and reduce the risk of strain or injury.
Name the five yamas.
Ahimsa – non-violence
Satya – truthfulness
Asteya – non-stealing
Brahmacharya – moderation or right use of energy
Aparigraha – non-possessiveness / non-greed
What does the Sanskrit word yoga mean?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to yoke, join, or unite.
It refers to the union of body, mind, and spirit, or the union of the individual self with universal consciousness.
It also implies bringing balance, harmony, and integration to different aspects of life.
What is the meaning of samadhi in yoga philosophy?
Samadhi is the final limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and represents a state of deep absorption or complete union.
In this state:
The mind becomes completely still and focused.
The sense of separation between the observer and the object of meditation disappears.
A practitioner experiences deep peace, clarity, and unity.
Samadhi is often described as a state of enlightenment or profound spiritual awareness.
What does the word “chakra” mean? How many chakras are there?
Chakra literally means “wheel” or “disc” and refers to energy centers in the body. There are 7 chakras.
Why is Tadasana considered a foundational posture?
Because it teaches basic alignment, grounding, and posture awareness, which are essential for many other standing poses.
Name the five niyamas.
Saucha – purity / cleanliness
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – discipline / inner heat
Svadhyaya – self-study
Ishvara pranidhana – surrender to a higher reality
What does AUM mean (each letter)?
1. A - waking state, creation, lower self (Vaisvanara)
2. U - dreaming state, spreservation, inner awareness (Taijasa)
3. M - deep sleep, transformation, the unconscious (Prajna)
4. Pure conscious state (Turiya) - the silence after aum
What is the difference between dharana and dhyana?
Both are stages of mental focus in yoga practice.
Dharana – Concentration
- The mind is intentionally focused on a single point, such as the breath, a mantra, or an object.
- Attention may still wander, but the practitioner keeps bringing it back.
Dhyana – Meditation
- The focus becomes continuous and effortless.
- There is a steady, uninterrupted flow of attention toward the object.
To put it simply:
- Dharana = focusing the mind
- Dhyana = sustained, uninterrupted meditation
What does "drishti" mean?
Drishti means “focused gaze”.
Name all the asanas in Sun Salutation
Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)
Uttanasana (Pada Hastasana) (Hand to Foot Pose)
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)
Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight-Limbed Pose)
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Why is asana placed before pranayama in the eight-limb system?
Asana comes before pranayama because the body needs to be prepared before working with the breath.
Physical preparation: Asana helps develop strength, flexibility, and stability, allowing the practitioner to sit comfortably for breathing practices.
Nervous system regulation: Movement helps release tension and restlessness, making the mind calmer.
Postural readiness: A steady, upright posture is essential for effective pranayama.
Safety: Without proper preparation, pranayama can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming.
Why do we chant Shanti 3 times?
To invoke peace in the body, mind and speech or across 3 realms
How are chakras, bandhas, and pranayama interconnected?
Pranayama moves the energy
Bandhas guide and control the energy
Chakras receive and process the energy
What does the term "mudra" mean?
Mudra means "gesture", "seal," or "symbolic hand position".
Name all the asanas in a shoulder sequence.
Supta Dandasana
Salumba Sarvangasana
Ekapada Sarvangasana
Halasana
Karnapidasana
Supta Konasana
Setubanda Sarvangasana
Matsyasana
Supta Baddha Konasana
What is the difference between dharana, dhyana, and samadhi?
Dharana (concentration):
The practice of focusing the mind on a single point (e.g., breath, mantra, or object).
Dhyana (meditation):
A state of continuous, uninterrupted flow of attention toward that object.
Samadhi (absorption):
A state of complete immersion, where the distinction between the observer and the object disappears.
What is the highest aim of yoga?
Liberation - Moksha
What are the core concepts of Yoga Philosophy?
Atman, Maya, Avidya, Karma, Samsara, Moksha, Abhyasa & Vairagya
Can you count from 20 to 1?
Well done!