Kundalini Yoga Glossary

Kundalini yoga draws on a distinct vocabulary of Sanskrit terms describing subtle energy, the body's energetic centres, and the stages of awakened awareness. This glossary defines the terms most commonly encountered in Kundalini-related study and practice, in a single accessible reference.

Core Concepts

Kundalini

A term for dormant spiritual energy traditionally described as residing at the base of the spine, said to activate and rise through the body's subtle energy centres with sustained practice.

Prana

Vital life-force energy, the foundation of pranayama practice, understood to move through the body via subtle channels called nadis.

Nadi

A subtle energy channel through which prana is said to flow, with three, ida, pingala, and sushumna, considered the most significant in Kundalini practice.

Sushumna

The central subtle energy channel running along the spine, considered the primary pathway for Kundalini energy in classical texts.

The Chakras

Chakra

A traditional energy centre along the sushumna nadi, with seven primary chakras most commonly referenced, each associated with particular qualities and regions of the body.

Muladhara

The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, associated with stability, safety, and grounding, and traditionally described as the seat of dormant Kundalini energy.

Sahasrara

The crown chakra, associated with the culmination of awakened awareness in classical Kundalini texts.

Practice Terms

Pranayama

Breath regulation practices used to influence the flow and balance of prana in the body.

Bandha

An internal energetic lock or contraction, traditionally used in more advanced pranayama and meditation practice under experienced guidance.

Mudra

A gesture, typically of the hands, used to direct attention and subtle energy during meditation or pranayama.

Shatkarma

A traditional set of cleansing techniques described in classical hatha yoga texts, some requiring direct teacher supervision.

Dhyana

Sustained, absorbed meditation, typically following preparatory stages of posture and concentration.

Samadhi

A classical term for a profound state of unified, absorbed awareness described as an advanced stage of meditative practice.

Mohan Chute's Teaching Note

I encourage students to treat this vocabulary as a working map rather than a checklist to memorise all at once. Understanding a handful of core terms deeply is more useful than a surface familiarity with dozens.

I also remind students that these terms describe traditional frameworks passed down over centuries, and different lineages sometimes use them with slightly different emphasis. Curiosity and humility serve a student well here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to learn Sanskrit terminology to practise Kundalini yoga?

No, but familiarity with key terms helps when reading traditional texts or working with an experienced teacher who uses this vocabulary.

How many chakras are there?

Seven are most commonly referenced in contemporary practice, though some traditional texts describe additional subtle centres.

What is the difference between prana and Kundalini?

Prana refers to general vital life-force energy, while Kundalini is traditionally described as a specific, dormant form of that energy located at the base of the spine.

Are bandhas safe to practise without a teacher?

Basic bandhas are generally accessible to most practitioners, but more advanced applications are traditionally learned under direct guidance.

Is this terminology used consistently across all yoga traditions?

Largely, yes, though different lineages and teachers sometimes emphasise or interpret specific terms slightly differently.