Postures in Primary Series Ashtanga Yoga A Comparison from Available Literature of Which Postures are Included, What They Are Called, How They Are Spelled, and What They Mean (FOR WHAT ITS WORTH) Revised 02/24/07 Terry Slade This document lives here: http://www.ionet.net/~tslade/pricomp.txt More info on source materials is on my Yoga Books page here: http://www.ionet.net/~tslade/yogabook.htm Note that in some of the sources used, diacritical markings are shown (such as a line or accent above a letter, or a dot beneath a letter), which cannot be reproduced here. These sources show the diacritical markings: Freeman, Lino, Bachman, Sweeney. These sources do not: Yoga Mala, Swenson, Scott, Maehle. ======================================================================= Yoga Mala = Yoga Mala book - Pattabhi Jois (1st edition) Freeman = booklet with primary series video - Richard Freeman Lino = Astanga Yoga book - Lino Miele (3rd edition) Swenson = Ashtanga Yoga, The Practice Manual - David Swenson Scott = Ashtanga Yoga, book - John Scott Bachman = The Language of Yoga - Nicolai Bachman Sweeney = Ashtanga Yoga As It Is (3rd edition) - Matthew Sweeney Maehle = Ashtanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy - Gregor Maehle descriptions in parenthesis are as given in the sources ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Surya Namaskara First, Second Freeman Surya Namaskara A,B (sun salutation) Lino Suryanamaskara (sun salutation) Swenson Surya Namaskara A,B (surya=sun,namskara=greeting or salutation) Scott Surya Namaskara A,B (Sun Salute A, B) Bachman Surya-Namaskara Ka, Kha (sun-salutation A, B) Sweeney Suryanamaskara A, B Maehle Surya Namaskara A, B (Sun Salutation A,B) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Padangushtasana Freeman Padangusthasana (big toe posture) Lino Padangusthasana (thumb to foot pose) Swenson Padangusthasana (pada=foot, angustha=big toe) Scott Padangusthasana (Standing Forward Bend A) Bachman Padangusthasana (big toe posture) Sweeney Hasta Padangustasana Maehle Padangushtasana (Hold-the-Big Toe Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Padahastasana Freeman Hastapadasana (hand and foot posture) Lino Pada Hastasana (hand to foot pose) Swenson Padahastasana (pada=foot, hasta=hand) Scott Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend B) Bachman Pada-Hastasana (foot-hand posture) Sweeney Pada Hastasana Maehle Pada Hastasana (Feet-on-Hands-Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Utthita Trikonasana Freeman Trikonasana (triangle pose) Lino Utthita Trikonasana A (extended triangle pose) Swenson Utthita Trikonasana (utthita=extended, tri=three, kona=angle) Scott Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle) Bachman Utthita-Trikonasana Ka (extended triangle posture a) Sweeney Utthita Tri Konasana Maehle Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman Parivrtta Trikonasana (revolving triangle pose) Lino Utthita Trikonasana B Swenson Parivritta Trikonasana (parivritta=revolved) Scott Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolving Triangle) Bachman Utthita-Trikonasana Kha (extended triangle posture b) Sweeney Parivrtta Tri Konasana Maehle Parivrta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Utthita Parshvakonasana Freeman Parsvakonasana (side angle posture) Lino Utthita Parsvakonasana A (extended sideways angle pose) Swenson Utthita Parsvakonasana (utthita=extended, parsva=side) Scott Utthita Parsvakonasana (Lateral Angle) Bachman Utthita-Parsvakonasana (extended side-angle posture) Sweeney Utthita Parsva Konasana Maehle Utthita Parshvakonasana (Side Angle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman (posture not included) Lino Utthita Parsvakonasana B Swenson Parivritta Parsvakonasana (parivritta=revolved, parsva=side) Scott Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolving Lateral Angle) Bachman (posture not included) Sweeney Parivrtta Parsva Konasana Maehle Parivrta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Prasarita Padottanasana I,II,III,IV Freeman Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D (spread feet pose) Lino Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D (spread foot stretching pose) Swenson Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D (prasarita=spread out, pada=foot, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D (Sideways Stretch A,B,C,D) Bachman Prasarita-Padottanasana Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha (spread-leg stretched out posture A,B,C,D) Sweeney Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D Maehle Prasarita Padottanasana A,B,C,D (Wide Stance Forward Bend ABCD) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Parshvottanasana Freeman Parsvottanasana (forward bend to the side pose) Lino Parsvottanasana (sideways stretching pose) Swenson Parsvottanasana (parsva=side, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Parsvottanasana (Side Forward Bend) Bachman Parsvottanasana (side-stretched-out posture) Sweeney Utthita Parsvottanasana Maehle Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana Freeman Hasta Padangushtasana (hand on the big toe pose) Lino Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (extended hand thumb to foot pose) Swenson Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A,B,C,D (utthita=extended, hasta=hand, pandangustha=big toe) Scott Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Standing Leg Raises) Bachman Utthita-Hasta-Padangushtasana (extended hand-foot-big toe posture) Sweeney Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana Utthita Parsvasahita Utthita Eka Padasana Maehle Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana (Upright Hand-to-Big-Toe Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana Freeman Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (half bound lotus forward bend) Lino Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (half bound lotus stretching pose) Swenson Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (arha=half, baddha=bound, padma=lotus, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Ardha Baddha Padmottanhasana (Half-Lotus Bound Standing Forward Bend) Bachman Ardha-Baddha-Padmottanasana (half-bound lotus stretched-out posture) Sweeney Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana Maehle Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (Intense Bound Half Lotus) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Utkatasana Freeman Utkatasana (difficult pose) Lino Utkatasana (uneven pose) Swenson Utkatasana (utka = fierce or powerful) Scott Utkatasana (Fierce Posture) Bachman Utkatasana (mighty posture) Sweeney Utkatasana Maehle Utkatasana (Power Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Virabhadrasana Freeman Virabhadrasana A,B (warrior pose) Lino Virabhadrasana (warrior pose) Swenson Virabhadrasana A,B (virabhadra=hero or warrior) Scott Virabhadrasana (Warrior Sequence) Bachman Virabhadrasana Ka, Kha (warrior posture A,B) Sweeney Virabhadrasana A,B Maehle Virabhadrasana A,B (Warrior Posture A,B) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman Dandasana (the staff) Lino (posture not included) Swenson Dandasana (danda=stick or staff) Scott (posture not included) Bachman Dandasana (staff posture) Sweeney Dandasana Maehle Dandasana (included as Pashimottanasana series) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Paschimattanasana Freeman Paschimattanasana A,B,C (tuning the back posture) Lino Paschimattanasana A,B,C,D (west back stretching pose) Swenson Paschimottanasana A,B,C (paschima=western, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Paschimattanasana (Seated Forward Bends) Bachman Pascimatanasana (back stretched-out posture) Sweeney Paschimottanasana A,B,C Maehle Pashimottanasana (Intense Western Stretch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Purvatanasana Freeman Purvottanasana (stretching up the front posture) Lino Purvattanasana (east front stretching pose) Swenson Purvottanasana (purva=eastern, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Purvattanasana (Seated Back Arch) Bachman Purvatanasana (front stretched-out posture) Sweeney Purvottanasana Maehle Purvottanasana (Intense Eastern Stretch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana Freeman Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana (half bound lotus forward bend) Lino Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana (half bound lotus forward stretch) Swenson Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (ardha=half, baddha=bound, padma=lotus, paschima=western, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimattanasana (Half-lotus Bound, Seated Forward Bend) Bachman Ardha-Baddha-Padma-Pascimatanasana (half-bound lotus stretch-out posture) Sweeney Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana Maehle Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana (Bound Half Lotus Forward Bend) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Tiriangmukhaikapada Paschimattanasana Freeman Tiriang Mukha Ekapada Paschimatanasana (one leg reversed forward bend) Lino Triang Mukhaekapada Paschimattanasana (one foot transversely facing back forward stretch) Swenson Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (tri=three, anga=limb, mukha=face, eka=one, pada=foot, paschima=western, uttana=intense stretch) Scott Tiriangmukhaikapada Paschimattanasana (One Leg Folded Back) Bachman Tiryan-Mukhaikapada-Pascimatanasana (oblique face one-leg-back stretched-out posture) Sweeney Tirieng Mukha Eka Pada Paschimottanasana Maehle Triang Mukha Ekapada Pashimottanasana (One-Legged Forward Bend with Three Limbs Facing Forward) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Janu Shirshasana A,B,C Freeman Janusirsasana A,B,C (head and knee pose) Lino Janu Sirsasana A,B,C (head to knee pose) Swenson Janu Sirsasana A,B,C (janu=knee, sirsa=head) Scott Janu Sirsasana A,B,C (Head of the Knee A,B,C) Bachman Janu-Sirsasana Ka,Kha,Ga (knee-head posture A,B,C) Sweeney Janu Sirsasana A,B,C Maehle Janushirshasana A,B,C (Head-Beyond-the-Knee Posture A,B,C) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Marichasana A,B,C,D Freeman Marichyasana A,B,C,D (Marichi's pose) Lino Marichyasana A,B,C,D (Marichya pose) Swenson Marichyasana A,B,C,D (Marichi=a great sage and son of Brahma) Scott Marichyasana A,B,C,D (Sage Marichi, Son of Brahma A,B,C,D) Bachman Maricyasana Ka,Kha,Ga,Gha (Marici (son of Brahma) posture A,B,C,D) Sweeney Marichyasana A,B,C,D Maehle Marichyasana A,B,C,D (Posture of the Rishi Marichi A,B,C,D) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Navasana Freeman Navasana (boat pose) Lino Navasana (boat pose) Swenson Navasana (nava=boat) Scott Navasana (The Boat) Bachman Navasana (boat posture) Sweeney Navasana / Lolasana Maehle Navasana (Boat Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Bhujapidasana Freeman Bhujapidasana (arm squeezing pose) Lino Bhujapidasana (arm pressure pose) Swenson Bhujapidasana (bhuja=arm or shoulder, pida=pressure) Scott Bhujapidasana (Arm Pressure Posture) Bachman Bhuja-Pidasana (arm-pressure posture) Sweeney Bhuja Pidasana Maehle Bhujapidasana (Knees-on-the-Shoulders Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana Freeman Kurmasana A,B (turtle) Lino Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana (tortoise, sleeping tortoise pose) Swenson Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana (kurma=tortoise, supta=sleeping) Scott Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana (Tortoise, Sleeping Tortoise) Bachman Kurmasana, Supta-Kurmasana (tortoise, supine-tortoise posture) Sweeney Kurmasana, Supta-Kurmasana Maehle Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana (Turtle Posture, Reclining Turtle) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Garbha Pindasana Freeman Garbha Pindasana (embryo in the womb) Lino Garbha Pindasana (embryo in the womb pose) Swenson Garbha Pindasana (garbha=womb, pinda=embryo) Scott Garbha Pindasana (Fetus in the Womb) Bachman Garbha-Pindasana (womb-ball posture) Sweeney Garbha Pindasana Maehle Garbha Pindasana (Embryo-in-the-Womb Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Kukkutasana Freeman Kukkutasana (the cock) Lino Kukkutasana (rooster pose) Swenson Kukkutasana (kukkuta=cock) Scott Kukkutasana (Rooster) Bachman Kukkutasana (rooster posture) Sweeney Kukkutasana Maehle Kukkutasana (Rooster Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Baddha Konasana Freeman Baddha Konasana (bound angle) Lino Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose) Swenson Baddha Konasana (baddha=bound kona=angle) Scott Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle) Bachman Baddha-Konasana (bound-angle posture) Sweeney Baddha Konasana A,B,C Maehle Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Upavishta Konasana Freeman Upavistha Konasana A,B (seated angle) Lino Upavistha Konasana (seated angle pose) Swenson Upavishta Konasana (upavishta=seated, kona=angle) Scott Upavishta Konasana (Seated Angle) Bachman Upavista-Konasana (seated angle posture) Sweeney Upavistha Konasana A,B Maehle Upavishta Konasana (Bound Angle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Supta Konasana Freeman Supta Konasana (reclining angle) Lino Supta Konasana (sleeping angle pose) Swenson Supta Konasana (supta=sleeping, kona=angle) Scott Supta Konasana (Sleepng Angle) Bachman Supta-Konasana (supine-angle posture) Sweeney Supta Konasana Maehle Supta Konasana (Reclining Angle Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Supta Padangushtasana Freeman Supta Hasta Padangusthasana A,B (reclining hand on big toe pose) Lino Supta Padangushtasana (sleeping thumb to foot posture) Supta Parsvasahita (lateral sleeping thumb to foot posture) Swenson Supta Padangushtasana A,B,C (supta=sleeping, pada=foot, angustha=big toe) Scott Supta Padangusthasana (Lying Down Leg Raises) Bachman Supta-Padangusthasana (supine-big toe posture) Sweeney Supta Hasta Padangusthasana Supta Parsvasahita Maehle Supta Padangushtasana (Reclining Hold-the-Big-Toe Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Ubhaya Padangushtasana Freeman Ubhaya Padangusthasana (two big toes pose) Lino Ubhaya Padangusthasana (both thumbs to feet pose) Swenson Ubhaya Padangusthasana (ubhaya=both,pada=foot,angustha=big toe) Scott Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Both Big Toes) Bachman Ubhaya-Padangusthasana (both-feet big-toe posture) Sweeney Ubhaya Padangusthasana Maehle Ubhaya Padangushtasana (Take-Both-Big-Toes Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Urdhva Mukha Paschimattanasana Freeman Urdhva Mukha Paschimattanasana (upward facing forward bend) Lino Urdhva Mukha Paschimattanasana (upward facing forward stretch pose) Swenson Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana (urdhva=upward,mukha=face,paschima=western,uttana=intense stretch) Scott Urdhva Mukha Paschimattanasana (Balancing Forward Bend) Bachman Urdhva-Mukha-Pascimottanasana (upward-facing back stretched out posture) Sweeney Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana Maehle Urdhva Mukha Pashimottanasana (Upward-Facing Forward Bend) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Setu Bandhasana Freeman Setu Bandhasana A,B (the bridge) Lino Setu Bandhasana (bridge configuration pose) Swenson Setu Bandhasana (setu=bridge, bandha=bondage or contraction) Scott Setu Bandhasana (The Bridge) Bachman Setu Bandhasana (bridge-building posture) Sweeney Setu Bandhasana Maehle Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman Urdhva Dhanurasana (the upward bow) Lino Urdhva Dhanurasana (elevated bow) Swenson Urdhva Dhanurasana (urdhva=upward, dhanura=bow) Scott Urdhva Dhanurasana (Back Bending) Bachman Urdhva-Dhanurasana (upward bow posture) Sweeney Urdhva Dhanurasana Maehle Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (not included here) Freeman Paschimattanasana (tuning the back posture) Lino (not included here) Swenson Paschimottanasana A Scott (not included here) Bachman Pascimatanasana (back stretched-out posture) Sweeney Paschimottanasana Maehle Paschimottanasana (Intense Western Stretch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Sarvangasana Freeman Sarvangasana (all limbs pose) Lino Salamba Sarvangasana (all limbs pose) Swenson Salamba Sarvangasana (salamba=supported, sarva=all, anga=limb or body) Scott Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) Bachman Sarvangasana (all limb posture) Sweeney Salamba Sarvangasana Maehle Sarvangasana (All Limbs Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Halasana Freeman Halasana (plough pose) Lino Halasana (plough pose) Swenson Halasana (hala=plow) Scott Halasana Bachman Halasana (plow posture) Sweeney Halasana Maehle Halasana (Plough Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Karnapidasana Freeman Karna Pidasana (squeezing the ears pose) Lino Karnapidasana (ear pressure pose) Swenson Karnapidasana (karna=ear, pida=pressure) Scott Karnapidasana Bachman Karna-Pidasana (ear-pressure posture) Sweeney Karna Pidasana Maehle Karnapidasana (Knees-to-the-Ears Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Urdhva Padmasana Freeman Urdhva Padmasana (upturned lotus) Lino Urdhva Padmasana (elevated lotus pose) Swenson Urdhva Padmasana (urdhva=upward, padma=lotus) Scott Urdhva Padmasana Bachman Urdhva Padmasana (upward-lotus posture) Sweeney Urdhva Padmasana Maehle Urdhva Padmasana (Upward Lotus Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Pindasana Freeman Pindasana (the embryo) Lino Pindasana (embryo pose) Swenson Pindasana (pinda=embryo) Scott Pindasana Bachman Pindasana (ball posture) Sweeney Pindasana Maehle Pindasana (Embryo Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Matsyasana Freeman Matsyasana (the fish) Lino Mathsyasana (fish pose) Swenson Matsyasana (matsya=fish) Scott Matsyasana Bachman Matsyasana (fish posture) Sweeney Matsyasana Maehle Matsyasana (Fish Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Uttana Padasana Freeman Uttana Padasana (upwardly stretched legs pose) Lino Uttana Padasana (extended foot pose) Swenson Uttana Padasana (uttana=extended, pada=leg or foot) Scott Uttanapadasana Bachman Uttana-Padasana (stretched-out leg posture) Sweeney Uttana Padasana Maehle Uttana Padasana (Intense Leg Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Shirshasana Freeman Sirsanana (headstand) Lino Sirsanana (head standing pose) Swenson Sirsasana A,B (sirsa=head) (B is with legs parallel to floor) Scott Shirhsasana (Head Stand) Bachman Sirsasana (head posture) Sweeney Sirsasana Maehle Shirshsana (Headstand) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman (posture not included) Lino (posture not included) Swenson (posture not included) Scott (posture not included) Bachman (posture not included) Sweeney Balasana Maehle (Balasana is included as part of Shirshasana) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Baddha Padmasana Freeman Baddha Padmasana (bound lotus) Lino Baddha Padmasana (bound lotus pose) Swenson Baddha Padmasana (baddha=bound, padma=lotus) Scott Baddha Padmasana (Bound Lotus) Bachman Baddha-Padmasana (bound lotus posture) Sweeney Baddha Padmasana Maehle Baddha Padmasana (included in Padmasana sequence) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) (or included in Baddha Padmasana) Freeman Yoga Mudra (seal of yoga) Lino Yoga Mudra (yoga gesture) Swenson (posture not included) (or same as Baddha Padmasana) Scott Yoga Mudra (Final Seal) Bachman Yoga-Mudra (yoga seal) (part of Baddha-Padmasana) Sweeney Yoga Mudra Maehle Yoga Mudra (included in Padmasana sequence) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott Panmasana (Supported Arch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Padmasana Freeman Padmasana (lotus) Lino Padmasana (lotus pose) Swenson Padmasana (padma=lotus) Scott Padmasana (Lotus) Bachman Padmasana (lotus posture) Sweeney Padmasana / Jnana Mudra Maehle Padmasana (Lotus Posture) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala Uth Pluthi Freeman Utplatih (uprooting) Lino Utpluthih (sprung up) Swenson Tolasana (tola=scale) Scott Uth Pluthi (Lift) Bachman Utplutih (upward floating) Sweeney Utpluthih Maehle Utpluthi (Uprooting) (included in Padmasana sequence) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Mala (posture not included) Freeman Savasana A,B (corpse pose) Lino (posture not included) Swenson Savasana (sava=corpse) Scott ("lie down, cover yourself with a blanket and rest") Bachman (posture not included) Sweeney Take Rest Maehle Shavasana (Take Rest) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- =======================================================================