Apr 26, 2005 | The deputy peeks out of his cage, picks up the phone, and his deep monotone echoes through the pod. “Meditation, meditation, everybody wanna do meditation, make your bed, go to the bathroom.”

I thought at first he said “medication,” but I already got my T.B. test, so the nurse doesn’t need me for anything. I look around confused and then my Salvadoran celly blurts out bossily, “Joga. It’s joga time.”

What? Oh, yoga. In jail. Of course. Why not?

A moment later “Hawaii,” my other celly, asks mindfully, “Is it gonna be bitches?”

Good question, Hawaii. Is it gonna be bitches indeed. We’ll have to investigate.

Hawaii and I shuffle through the pod up to the classroom in our county-issue orange pajamas and flip-flops. Upon opening the door, however, we realize that instead of bitches, we’ve got two of the gayest, whitest, squarest hippies in America on our hands. In sweat pants. But it’s too late. We’ve entered the “calm zone.”

Nothing left to do now but sit cross-legged on the floor with our fellow inmates and listen to the spiritual musings of our sweat-panted man Jerry and his friend, the Michael Bolton of yoga. But it’s cool.

“Stretch it out, motherfucker.” This is what thugs must say to themselves as they sneak into downward dog. It’s what I say to myself. “Don’t be a bitch. You can do this motherfuckin’ backbend. Maaan, Michael Bolton can do this shit.”

I look around nervously and spot a dozen men from my unit contorting themselves in a serious effort to appreciate the “calm zone” — because, of course, outside that door is no more calm zone. Outside that door is psycho zone.

Giant corn-fed white boy goofy teenager is smoking ice with the shadiest Mexican in California, standing on a toilet seat ducked low enough for the deputy to miss it. That toothless Italian is messing with the fat comic book nerd ’cause he borrowed a chapstick without asking. My 400-pound Samoan neighbor is crying to the tiny Filipina nurse for some methadone because it’s day three without heroin and he’s drenched in sweat. The gay Filipino is trying to handle the gun-smuggling Chinese ponytail at Ping-Pong (the winner gets a clean set of laundries or a porno, depending).

It’s a circus out there. But this is the calm zone.

For the moment, corn-fed white boy is right next to me. He is pointing his chin at the fluorescent-lit ceiling, eyes gently closed, and twisting his torso toward the Pacific Ocean. So is orange-dreadlock gold-teeth kid over in the corner. And so is oily, scabby, HIV-positive, always hungry or sleeping “Hawaii” — my celly and best friend in this motherfucking circus.

My back is against the wall and Michael Bolton is leading us through the most serene, magic, flying-bullfrog fantasy forest I’ve ever floated by. I won’t say that clocks were melting down the chalkboard, or a majestic toucan flew through the room, but time passed. And it passed without “Fear Factor” or baseball or Ultimate Fighting or beauty pageants or tanks, tanks, tanks on television. There’s also no beer or heroin or stolen cars or bruised wives or hungry daughters inside the calm zone.

Gently, we float back out of the forest and past the safe zone. We find ourselves stomping back through the circus, under the suspicious gaze of those who have not joined us — “What they be doin’ up in there, man?”

Up in there, I saw serenity in the faces of needle worshippers and droopy dog-eyed wife beaters. Fuck Ultimate Fighting and the whole three-ring “Fear Factor.” I saw serenity.

Still floating, I cross the threshold of my cell, tumbling into my cardboard-thin mattress like a mountain of miniature marshmallows. My eyelids fall again and I half smile just as corn-fed whispers to me, “Man, yoga is weak. That shit don’t do nothin’.

       

Yoga — will we ever really understand it? Once the domain of what used to be called New Age types, the discipline is now practiced by an estimated 20 million Americans, according to something I read on the Internet somewhere. That means that up to 7 percent of the population could be running around in tights as you read this. Still, yoga somehow managed to elude me. That is, until I discovered a new regimen called Better Sex Through Yoga. Then it started to make a whole lot of sense.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s not as though I’m necessarily “getting any,” as the young people like to say. But the next time I get called into active duty, I want to be ready. Really, really ready.

Designed to “give your body an entirely new sexual awareness,” the Better Sex Through Yoga routine (with accompanying DVD collection), was created by licensed Chinese acupressure therapist and certified yoga instructor Jacquie Noelle and fellow yoga devotee Garvey Rich in 2002. San Francisco Bay Area resident Noelle stumbled upon the idea almost by accident. Having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 1999, Noelle found herself largely bedridden for two years. In an effort to rectify the situation, she embraced a daily yoga routine. Not only did it gradually restore her energy but — as in most things that involve a fair amount of gyrating — she also began to notice improvements in her sexual well-being.

At around the same time, New York City resident Rich was doing a little yoga research of his own. He too began to notice a few changes “down there.” One thing led to another, and here I am standing between them in the Manhattan apartment of Better Sex Through Yoga associate and video series costar Jennifer Langheld, trying to find out what the deal is.

Under the guise of journalism, I have persuaded Noelle, who is in New York on a promotional tour, to give me a free hour of personal instruction. To say I am excited is an understatement. Not only will this be my first yoga experience, but as far as women in tight clothing with whom I’d like to be trapped alone in a room go, both Noelle and Langheld are exceptional candidates. They are quite beautiful and, in their tight workout clothes, are showing off bodies that make yoga seem like perhaps the best invention ever. True, Rich is joining us in the workout, but with a bit of imagination and the nonnegotiable demand that he set down his yoga mat several feet behind mine, I am able to convince myself that it’s just me and, you know, the two chicks, working together in the name of sexual awareness.

We start off with some light stretching exercises. As some sort of hyper-sexual remix of the Doors’ classic “Riders on the Storm” plays on a nearby boombox, we stand on our mats, breathing slowly and deeply, alternately bending over and reaching toward the ground and stretching our hands and arms over our heads. This series of movements is known in yoga circles as a “sun salutation.”

“The sun salutations help to warm the body as well as establish connections with heaven and earth,” Noelle explains. I’m not sure what this has to do with my penis, but for some reason I’m willing to do pretty much anything Noelle tells me to do, so I just go along with it.
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These are the Yoga Terms, Definitions, Slang and other words currently stored in our Yoga Dictionary. If you know any yoga terms that are not mentioned in this list then go ahead and suggest a word for our dictionary.

There are 79 Yoga Terms in our Yoga Dictionary:
AGAMI KARMA
“Karma yet to come.” It is the result of acts performed during this present life which will mature in the normal course of events.

AGNI
This refers to the Vedic God of fire.

AHANKARA
This refers to egoism or self-conceit; the false “I”; “I” am-ness. It is the self-arrogating principle “I” that is projected by the mind rather than the real self. “Ego” (ahankara) is manifested whenever “I” is said or claimed by anything other than the spirit-self.

AHIMSA
This is non-injury in thought, word, and deed.

ANGA
Or “limb”, is a fundamental category of the yogic path.

ANJANEYASANA
The halfmoon. It’s a really good warm-up for other asanas bending your back and gives a great stretch to the spine.

ANUSARA YOGA
A new style developed by John Friend, Anusara Yoga is described as heart-oriented and spiritually inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer and inner body alignment. Know what this is all about as well as the other Styles of Hatha Yoga in our Yoga Styles - The Different Styles of Hatha Yoga section.

APARIGRAHA (submitted by: suresh)
This means not receiving anything freely, not receiving and keeping unwanted things.

ASANAS
Also called Yoga Postures, Asanas are gentle stretching movements designed to help balance the mind and body. Learn the different Yoga Postures in our Yoga Exercise - Yoga Postures and Poses section.

ASHRAM (submitted by: joyasto)
A retreat or secluded place, usually where the principles of yoga and meditation are practiced.

ASHTANGA YOGA
A Style of Yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, it literally means Eight Limb Yoga and revolves in Pattanjali’s idea that the path of purification is composed of eight spiritual practices. Visit our Ashtanga Yoga - Patanjali’s Eight Limbed Yoga section for more details.

ASTHEYA (submitted by: suresh)
This means non-covetousness, not eagerly desirous of things belonging to others.

BHAKTA (submitted by: mec-mec)
A disciple practicing Bhakti Yoga.

BHAKTI YOGA
This is the path of heart and devotion or the Yoga of devotion. Know more about this branch of Yoga in our What is Yoga: Definition of Yoga and the Six Branches of Yoga section.

BHUJA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
the arm or shoulder

BHUJANGASANA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
the cobra posture

BIKRAM YOGA
Heat is used in Bikram Yoga in order to allow you to go deeper and safer into a Yoga Pose. It is a series of 26 poses performed in a room heated from around 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visit our Bikram Yoga - The 26 Pose Yoga in Heat section for details.

BRAHMACHARYA (submitted by: suresh)
This means self- restraint, abstinence, and moderation, a constant journey to the ultimate, to God.

CHAKRA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
A center of radiating life force or energy that is located between the base of the spinal column and the crown of the head. Sanskrit for “wheels.” There are seven chakras.

CHAKRA (INTUITION) YOGA (submitted by: yogidoll)
A style of Yoga practiced in Hatha, Classical Yoga. Chakra Yoga is a holistic practice of ancient techniques, designed to stimulate the flow of energy vortexes known as chakras. It utilizes all forms and types, from the postures of hatha, to breathing practices of pranayama to mantra and meditation in a systematic self study. Chakra Yoga is also an elaborate form of tantra or kundalini yoga.

CORPSE YOGA POSE
Also called Savasana, this is the classic relaxation Yoga Pose, practiced before or in between Asanas and as Final Relaxation. Read our Yoga Exercise - Corpse Pose (Savasana) section and learn how to do this exercise.

DHARANA (submitted by: joyasto)
From the word dhri meaning “to hold firm,” this is concentration or holding the mind to one thought.

DHYANA (submitted by: suresh)
This means meditation.

DRISHTI (submitted by: anagonzales)
Drishti is the focus of the eyes in meditation. This is the focal point where one’s gaze lies to attain concentration alignment, and inner and outer balance. One actually does this to prevent distractions, but should be looking inwardly and not concentrate on the physical object. This could be the tip of your nose or in between your eyebrows, depending on your yoga pose.

HAMSA KUMBHAKA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
The Swan Breath, a gently powerful pranayama used with meditation to guide the Shakti to the swan.

HATHA YOGA
This is the most popular branch of Yoga and from which a lot of the Styles of Yoga originated including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Visit our Hatha Yoga - The Yoga of Postures section for additional information.

HIRANYAGARBHA (submitted by: mec-mec)
The mythical founder of yoga; the first cosmological principle to emerge out of the infinite Reality; also called Brahma.

INTEGRAL YOGA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
This yoga style places almost as much emphasis on pranayama (control of breath) and meditation as it does on postures. Founded by Sri Ghose Aurobindo (1872-1950) and promoted by Rev. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev).

ISLAMYOGA (submitted by: wafayoga)
Islam yoga ( Islamga ) is an old kind of yoga rediscover by Guru Wafaa in 1985 .Islam yoga is the art and science of physical, mental, spiritual health which lead to the harmony and balance to reach the inner peace through the principles of the Islamic culture and civilization for everyone.see:www.islamyoga.com

IYENGAR YOGA (submitted by: joyasto)
B.K.S. Iyengar developed this yoga style, which stresses understanding the body and how it works. Students focus on symmetry and alignment, using props — such as straps, blankets, wooden blocks, and chairs — to achieve postures. Each pose is held for a longer amount of time than in most other yoga styles.

JALANDHAR BANDH (submitted by: ajay)
A very popular air lock in the cerebral area, it is performed by a deep inhalation and taking the air behind your eyes between the ears, above your pallate, below your brain, and locking the chin by slightly pressing it downwards. This is a powerful energiser of the cerebral area. It increases the oxygen level and blood circulation, clears the sinus blocks, massages the ear drums,and cleans the nasopharangial passage. The bandh has a profound effect on the thyroid and para thyroid glands too which in turn is responsible for the overall growth of the body. The JALANDHAR BANDH is named after its founder JALANDHAR KRISHI.

JAPA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
the process in which a devotee repeats the name of the God. The repetition can be aloud or just the movement of lips or in mind. This spiritual practice is present in the major religions of world. This is considered as one of the most effective spiritual practice.

JNANA YOGA (submitted by: mec-mec)
This is one of the four basic paths in Yoga (Jnana, Bhakti, Raja, and Karma). Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom. Jnana in Sanskrit means “knowledge” and is interpreted to mean “knowledge of the true self”.

KAPALABHATI
This refers to a Breathing Technique used specifically for cleansing. Know how it is done in our Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) - Kapalabhati (Cleaning Breath) section.

KARMA YOGA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Yoga in which action is done as a duty, without any concern for success or failure.

KRIPALU YOGA
Also called the Yoga of consciousness, Kripalu puts great emphasis on Proper Breath, alignment, coordination of breath and movement, and “honoring the wisdom of the body” — you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength. For more information, visit our Yoga Styles - The Different Styles of Hatha Yoga section.

KRIYA (submitted by: anagonzales)
Kriya is a traditional yoga purification movement, physical actions, or exercises that aims to awaken the kundalini energy. This provides a cleansing process of one’s inner body that results to higher knowledge and state of consciousness.

KRIYA YOGA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Kriya yoga is a set of advanced techniques, or kriyas, practiced as a type of yoga popularized in the West by Paramahansa Yogananda, which, according to those who practice it, accelerates the spiritual evolution of the practitioner. Gurus and their disciples of Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship have and continue to initiate into kriya yoga people professing an interest in becoming more spiritual.

KUNDALINI YOGA
Considered as the mother of all the Styles of Yoga, this is the most powerful Yoga ever known. It centers on awakening the Kundalini, the energy (serpent power or Bhujangini) which is found at the base of our spine or the Muladhara Chakra. For more information, read our Kundalini Yoga - Awakening the Kundalini Energy section.

KUNDALINI YOGA (submitted by: Nympheia)
Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind, senses, and body to create a communication between “mind” and “body”. Kundalini yoga focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body’s potential for maturation, giving special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system in the understanding of yogic awakening (Sovatsky, 1998).

LAYA YOGA (submitted by: mec-mec)
The “Yoga of dissolution”: an advanced form or process of Tantric yoga by which the energies associated with the various psycho-energetic centers (cakra) of the subtle body are gradually dissolved through the ascent of the serpent power (kundalini-shakti).

LOTUS YOGA POSE
This pose is such a perfect Meditation posture (if you can do it comfortably). It is a Yoga position in which you can sit perfectly straight and be absolutely still, relaxed, comfortable, and alert. Read our Yoga Exercise - Lotus Yoga Pose (Padmasana) section and learn how to do this Yoga Pose.

MANTRA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
A sacred mystic syllable, word or verse used in meditation and japa to quiet the mind, balance the inner body and attain other desired aims.

MARJARI ASANA (submitted by: Aparna)
cat posture

MEDITATION
This is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. It is the practice by which there is constant observation of the mind. It requires you to focus your mind at one point and stilling the mind in order to perceive the self. For more information, visit our Meditation - Meditation Exercises and Techniques section.

MUDRA (submitted by: anagonzales)
a symbolic gesture transmitting or redirecting energy in yoga or meditation. This can be a whole-body gesture or a hand gesture, like pressing your palms together. It is also defined as a hand gesture used in a traditional Indian dance.

NAMASTE (submitted by: anagonzales)
or “I bow to the divine in you”. Namaste is a traditional Indian greeting of respect and thank you, with spiritual and symbol meaning. This is done with your palms pressed together in the middle of your forehead (third eye) or at your heart, and lightly bow your head and shoulders.

NETI-NETI (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Means “Not this. Not this.” In meditation, you gently dismiss thoughts, images, concepts, sounds, and distractions by applying the principle of neti-neti or telling yourself, “Not this. Not this.”

NIYAMA (submitted by: suresh)
It is the personal discipline such as cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, devotion to God, etc.

NOULI (submitted by: mygoldlily)
yoga posture

OM (submitted by: anagonzales)
or “aum”, a single-sound mantra that signifies the unification of the body, mind and spirit. This is an ancient Indian chant where the whole world was created and radiates. Om is also the vibration symbolizing Brahman. It was said that enlightenment and unification with the Supreme Being can be attained through this natural sound.

PADMA (submitted by: vanu)
Padma means flower. Padma originated from Sanskrit language in India.

PADMASANA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
also known as the Lotus Pose. The position puts the soles of the feet up, reminiscent of a lotus flower. The most renowned of all Hatha Yoga postures.

PANCHA INDRIYAS (submitted by: yogitonmoy)
Pancha means five and Indriyas means the five senses organs. So these are five senses organs. Followings are the five senses organs and their foods: 1) The eyes – like to see 2) The nose likes to smell 3) The tongue likes to test 4) The ears like to hear melodious sounds and 5) The skin likes the tender touch After having control over the vital forces of the body, a Yogi retracts the ‘Pancha Indriyas’, the five ‘sense organs’ towards the inner self, the CHITTA.

PANCHA KOSHAS (submitted by: yogitonmoy)
Pancha means five and Kosha means Sheath. According to “Taittiriyopanishad”, Pancha Koshas are the five sheaths, which cover the overall human system. These are the Annamaya kosha (Food Sheath), Pranamaya kosha (Pranic Sheath), Manomaya kosha (Mental Sheath), Vijnanamay kosha (Intellectual Sheath) and Anandamaya kosha (Blissful Sheath).

PANCHAMAHABHUTA (submitted by: yogitonmoy)
Pancha means five, Maha means great, and Bhuta here is elements. According to Indian ancient philosophy, the physical body is made up of five elements or ‘Panchamahabhoota’ in Sanskrit, namely - Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Sky. Some of the Asian countries such as China, Japan, etc. believe this ancient theory as well. Deficiency or Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease. Yogic ways are there for the elements to bring into balance known as Hasta Mudra or Hand Gesture.

POWER YOGA
This is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. Read our Power Yoga - Power Up with Power Yoga section for more information.

PRANA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Life energy, life force, or life current. These finer-than-atomic energies have inherent intelligence, according to Yogananda, as opposed to atoms and electrons, which are considered to be blind forces. The Chinese call this life force chi.

PRANAYAMA
Also called Yoga Breathing or Breathing Exercise, Pranayama is one of the Five Principles of Yoga which promotes proper breathing. Learn the different Breathing Exercises and Techniques in Yoga in our Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) - The Art of Yoga Breathing section.

PRATYAHARA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Withdrawing the senses in order to still the mind as in meditation. The fifth stage of yoga.

SADHAKA (submitted by: suresh)
This is a student who strives for a goal.

SAMANU
This is an advanced practice for purifying the nadis that combines pranayama with chakra visualization and japa on the bija mantras of air, fire, moon and earth. Learn how to do it in our Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) - Samanu (Purifying the Nadis) section.

SANYASIN (submitted by: vanu)
Sanyasin is a woman who left all kinds of emotions like happiness and sadness (without having any feelings or emotions) in the world. She is not the mother of world [somebody wrote she is the mother of world]. Sanyasin is a Sanskrit word.

SANYASIN (submitted by: carol)
Mother of all religion, all people

SATHYA- (submitted by: suresh)
This refers to truth meant to do good to others.

SATSANG (submitted by: lguthrie)
(Sanskrit) Usually translated as “truth-company” or being in the company of the wise. And satsang, according to several texts of yoga, is one of the great doorways to inner freedom. As is the case with meditation and asana, the more you practice satsang, the more likely you are to experience its power—and you don’t have to join an existing community in order to do this. Some of the most powerful satsangs are the ones we create informally. An informal satsang group should be small—five to seven is a good number, and you can easily form one with three, two, or even just one other person. All it takes is (1) a decision to have a spiritual dialogue; (2) some sublime and true words to spark your insight; and (3) a shared agreement on the ground rules.

SATTVIC DIET
Considered as the purest Diet, it is the most suitable one for any serious student of Yoga. Sattvic is one of the qualities, or Gunas, of energy in the unmanifested universe. Know more about this diet and other Gunas in our Yoga Diet - The Three Gunas section.

SHADA-RIPU (submitted by: yogitonmoy)
This means Six-Enemies. Though these are the blessings for living a life, they bring with them some vices which are called “SHADA RIPU” or Six Enemies. In the fourth chapter of Gheranda Samhita, the Six Enemies are said to be SEX, ANGER, GREED, ILLUSION, PRIDE and JEALOUSY. Since the organs are the centers of perception and sensation, having control over the organs keeps the mind free from all these unnecessary disturbances. In Loknath Yogic System, we give more importance to follow this practice to control over Six-Enemies along with the Five-Sense organs or Pancha-Indriya at Pratyahara.

SHANTI (submitted by: anagonzales)
is peace or tranquility in Sanskrit. This inner peace is chanted to prevent curses and bad karma. Often, this is repeated three times after a prayer in order to achieve spiritual serenity.

SIVANANDA YOGA (submitted by: joyasto)
Sivananda yoga offers a gentle approach, which takes the student through the twelve sun salutation postures and incorporates chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in each session. Teachers encourage students to embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes a vegetarian diet and positive thinking with meditation.

SROTAS (submitted by: marlonborreo)
Channels or spaces through which flow occurs.

SUN SALUTATION
Also called Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutation limbers up the whole body in preparation for the yoga asanas. Read our Yoga Exercise - Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) section and learn how to do this exercise.

SVAROOPA YOGA
This teaches significantly different ways of doing familiar Poses, emphasizing the opening of the Spine, beginning at the tailbone and progressing through each spinal area in turn. Visit our Yoga Styles - The Different Styles of Hatha Yoga section to know more about Svaroopa Yoga.

TANTRA YOGA (submitted by: marlonborreo)
This yoga uses visualization, chanting, asana, and strong breathing practices to tap highly charged kundalini energy in the body.

UJJAYI
Also called Loud Breathing, this involves drawing air in through both nostrils with the glottis held partially closed. Ujjayi is translated as “what clears the throat and masters the chest area.” Know more about the practice of Ujjayi in our Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) - Ujjayi (Loud Breathing) section.

VINIYOGA (submitted by: joyasto)
This is a yoga style involves the application or use of different tools in yoga practice such as asana, chanting, pranayama (control of breath), and meditation. It is ideal for novices and more and more people are practicing it because they believed that Viniyoga has therapeutic value.

VINYASA
This is one of the Principles of Ashtanga Yoga that makes it distinct from the other Styles of Yoga. Vinyasa, which means breathing and movement, is for internal cleansing. Read our Ashtanga Yoga - Patanjali’s Eight Limbed Yoga section for additional information.

YAMA (submitted by: suresh)
This is a group of disciplines to be maintained by a yoga practitioner. It is the social discipline, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-covetousness, moderation in sex, no acquisitiveness, etc.

YOGA-SHASTRA (submitted by: yogitonmoy)
Shastra is scripture or treatise or an art of science. Yoga-Shastra means Yoga Scripture or Yogic Science.