Glossary · A–Z

Terms starting with “V”

48 terms in the conscious-living glossary.

• VairagyaYoga PhilosophyNon-attachment—release from the pull of desires and aversions.
• VajrayanaBuddhist TraditionsThe "Diamond Vehicle"—Tibetan Buddhism incorporating tantric practices and rituals.
• VajrayanaBuddhist TraditionsThe Diamond Vehicle—Tibetan tantric Buddhism with rapid transformation methods.
• Vajrayana BuddhismBuddhismDiamond Vehicle using tantric methods for awakening.
• VamacharaTantraLeft-hand path using transgressive practices.
• VasanaYoga PhilosophyLatent tendencies—deep-seated desires and habits from past lives.
• Vasisthasana (Side Plank)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A lateral arm balance—strengthening the core and shoulders.
• VataAyurveda & WellnessThe dosha of air and space—governs movement, creativity, and the nervous system.
• Vata DoshaAyurveda & WellnessAir and ether constitution governing movement and creativity.
• VedaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageKnowledge—the root word for the sacred Vedic texts.
• VedasYoga PhilosophyThe oldest sacred texts of Hinduism—four collections of hymns, philosophy, and ritual instructions.
• VedasYoga PhilosophyOldest sacred texts of Hindu tradition.
• Vert (Vertical Gain)Ultra & TrailTotal elevation gain in a race. A 100-miler might have 20,000+ feet of vert.
• Vijnanamaya KoshaSubtle Body & AnatomyThe wisdom body or "discernment sheath"—the layer of intuition and inner knowing.
• Vijnanamaya KoshaSubtle Body & AnatomyWisdom body sheath of intuition and discernment.
• VikritiAyurveda & WellnessCurrent state of imbalance—how doshas have shifted from one's prakriti.
• VikrutiAyurveda & WellnessCurrent state of imbalance differing from original constitution.
• VilomaBreathworkInterrupted breathing with pauses during inhale or exhale.
• ViniyogaYoga StylesA therapeutic approach adapting yoga to individual needs and circumstances.
• ViniyogaYoga StylesTherapeutic approach adapting practice to individual needs.
• VinyasaYoga StylesA dynamic style of yoga linking breath with movement, flowing from one pose to the next.
• VinyasaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageBreath-synchronized movement linking poses.
• Vinyasa (Definition)Sanskrit & Sacred LanguageFrom "vi" (in a special way) and "nyasa" (to place)—conscious arrangement of movement and breath.
• Viparita Karani (Legs Up Wall)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A restorative inversion with legs resting against a wall—promoting circulation and calm.
• VipashyanaMeditationTibetan insight meditation revealing the nature of reality.
• VipassanaMeditationAn ancient Buddhist meditation technique focused on insight through observing bodily sensations.
• VipassanaBuddhismInsight meditation observing the nature of reality.
• Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A powerful standing lunge with arms overhead—building strength and focus.
• Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A wide-stance pose with arms extended—cultivating strength and steady gaze.
• Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A balancing pose forming a T-shape—challenging stability and concentration.
• Visama VrittiBreathworkUnequal breathing ratios for specific effects.
• Vishama VrittiBreathworkUnequal breathing—varying the ratio of inhale, hold, and exhale.
• Vishnu GranthiSubtle Body & AnatomySecond knot at heart—attachment to emotional bonds.
• Vishnu MudraSanskrit & Sacred LanguageHand position used for alternate nostril breathing.
• Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)Subtle Body & AnatomyThe fifth chakra at the throat—governs communication, expression, and truth.
• Vishuddha ChakraSubtle Body & AnatomyThroat chakra for communication and expression.
• Vision QuestShamanism & Plant MedicineA rite of passage involving fasting and solitude in nature to receive spiritual vision.
• Vision QuestRitual & CeremonySolo wilderness fast seeking vision and life direction.
• VisualizationMental TrainingMentally rehearsing race scenarios, course sections, and success outcomes to build confidence and preparedness.
• Visualization MeditationMeditationUsing mental imagery for healing or spiritual growth.
• VivationBreathworkA circular breathing technique for integrating suppressed emotions.
• VivekaYoga PhilosophyDiscernment—the wisdom to distinguish real from unreal.
• VO2 MaxPerformance MetricsMaximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise. The gold standard of aerobic fitness measurement.
• Vocal ToningSound HealingUsing sustained vocal sounds for healing and balance.
• VrikshasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Tree pose—rooted standing balance cultivating steadiness.
• VrittiYoga PhilosophyMental fluctuations—the waves or modifications of the mind.
• Vrksasana (Tree Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A one-legged balance with foot pressed to inner thigh—cultivating rootedness and poise.
• Vyana VayuSubtle Body & AnatomyPervasive vital air governing circulation throughout body.