Sanskrit, the ancient and beautiful language of yoga, first captivated me as a student. There was an undeniable allure in hearing the asanas named in Sanskrit during practice. Familiar terms like “Tadasana, Uttanasana, Ardha Uttanasana…” became anchors, offering comfort and a quiet sense of accomplishment in understanding the teacher’s cues through the Sanskrit words.
Even in classes where Sanskrit was used sparingly, I was deeply drawn to yoga. However, when I encountered teachers who wove Sanskrit names seamlessly into their instruction, it felt like unlocking a new dimension of my yoga journey. It was as if I had been given a special key to unlock deeper understanding and connection. Learning Sanskrit became a bridge to the ancient lineage of yoga, a language dating back to the Vedic period, and a universal tongue spoken by yogis worldwide.
For aspiring yoga teachers, Sanskrit might initially seem daunting. It requires dedication and consistent practice to confidently use the correct terminology and pronunciation. Nicolai Bachman, E-RYT 500, a Sanskrit instructor since 1994, emphasizes this point: “Learning how to pronounce Sanskrit with correct breath, resonance, rhythm, and tongue position can enhance your teaching and personal practice in powerful, subtle ways” (source: https://kripalu.org/resources/why-sanskrit-matters-qa-nicolai-bachman). Bachman, a respected voice in Sanskrit education for yogis, also provides valuable resources like 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards and other learning aids.
How Much Sanskrit Proficiency Do Yoga Teachers Need?
During my 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT), I learned not only the Sanskrit names for asanas but also fundamental Sanskrit root words, their meanings, and proper pronunciation. This foundational knowledge was invaluable. However, the reality is that pronunciation variations exist even among experienced teachers. These differences often stem from how they were taught by their own mentors. Sanskrit, originating as an oral language millennia ago before written form, naturally allows for subtle shifts in pronunciation over time. Therefore, it’s crucial to be kind to yourself and focus on progress, not perfection, in your Sanskrit pronunciation. As historian William Cooke Taylor noted, “to acquire the mastery of this language is almost a labor of a life; its literature seems exhaustless” (source: https://www.ancient.eu/Sanskrit).
Prioritize Learning Asana Names in Sanskrit
When embarking on your journey to Learn Sanskrit for yoga, focus primarily on mastering the names of the asanas. Refine your pronunciation as you progress. Numerous resources can aid your learning, including YouTube videos, such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlMgJ8oFevM, which I found incredibly helpful during my training. Creating your own flashcards is another effective and affordable method. Write the English name of the pose on one side and the Sanskrit name on the other to reinforce memorization.
Alt text: Handmade Sanskrit flashcards showing English and Sanskrit names for yoga poses, a helpful tool for learning.
Intention is Key: Connecting Students to Yogic Tradition
The essence of using Sanskrit in yoga lies in the intention: to deepen students’ understanding of the practice and connect them to the rich yogic tradition. Marget Braun aptly states, “This universal language creates a deeper, more spiritual connection. Because Sanskrit names communicate meaning through sound and yoke sound and sensation, they reveal to each individual the universal experience of the pose,” (source: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/why-teach-sanskrit-names). By incorporating Sanskrit, you’re not just using foreign words; you’re invoking a lineage and a deeper resonance within the practice.
Basic Sanskrit Terms for Yoga Practice
To get you started, here are some fundamental Sanskrit terms with their English meanings:
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yoga | Union |
| Hatha | Sun and Moon |
| Asana | Seat (posture or pose) |
| Vinyasa | To place in a special way |
| Prana | Breath, life force |
| Yama | Control (first limb of yoga) |
| Drishti | Sight (gaze) |
| Namaskar | Salutation |
| Namaste | I bow to you |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eka | One |
| Ardha | Half |
| Chaturanga | Four limbs |
| Tri | Three |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Urdva | Upward |
| Adho | Downward |
| Parivrtta | Revolved |
| Parsva | Side |
| Prasarita | Expanded, spread out |
| Uttana | Intense stretch |
| Supta | Supine, lying down |
| Kona | Angle |
| Utthita | Extended |
| Salamba | Supported |
| Viparita | Reversed, inverted |
| Baddha | Restrained, bound |
| Paschima | back of body, west |
| Utkata | Powerful, fierce |
| Bandha | Construction, formation |
| Sarva | All |
| Ananda | Bliss, happy |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pada | Foot |
| Angustha | Big toe |
| Hasta | Hand |
| Mukha | Face |
| Janu | Knee |
| Sirsa | Head |
| Karna | Ear |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bala | Child |
| Svana | Dog |
| Ustra | Camel |
| Matsya | Fish |
| Garuda | Eagle |
| Bhujanga | Serpent |
| Salabha | Locust |
| Kapota | Pigeon |
| Baka | Crane |
| Go | Cow |
| Mayura | Peacock |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Surya | Sun |
| Chandra | Moon |
| Tada | Mountain |
| Vrksa | Tree |
| Danda | Staff |
| Nata | Dancer |
| Padma | Lotus |
| Danhu | Bow |
| Setu | Bridge |
| Nava | Boat |
| Apana | Wind |
| Hala | Plow |
| Mala | Garland |
| Sanskrit Term | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vira | Hero |
| Virabhadra | Name of hero in Shiva’s army |
| Marichi | Ray of light; a sage, son of Brahma; grandfather of Surya |
| Matsyendra | Lord of the Fishes |
| Raja | King |
| Nataraja | Name given to Shiva in his form as dancer |
| Bharadvaja | Name of sage |
| Sava | Corpse |
Deconstructing Sanskrit Asana Names
Understanding Sanskrit root words is key to deciphering asana names. Often, combining root words or simply adding “asana” completes the pose name. For instance, Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle pose) breaks down to: utthita (extended), tri (three), kona (angle), asana (posture or pose). A simpler example is Virasana, derived from vira (hero) and asana (posture). Adding supta (reclined) gives you reclined hero pose. With a little practice, even complex Sanskrit terms become understandable. I remember Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (extended hand-to-big-toe pose) feeling incredibly intimidating during my YTT, yet now it’s just another pose name. My personal favorite Sanskrit asana name to pronounce is Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (one-legged king pigeon pose). It has a beautiful rhythm and flows effortlessly off the tongue. You’ll surely discover your own favorites as you delve deeper!
Alt text: Image of Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, One-Legged King Pigeon Pose, demonstrating a deep backbend in yoga.
Introducing Sanskrit into Your Yoga Classes
When you begin to incorporate Sanskrit names into your classes, start gradually. Choose names you are comfortable with and remember your role as a teacher. Always follow up the Sanskrit term with the English pose name to facilitate student learning and comprehension. Ultimately, the focus is on the student’s experience and how hearing Sanskrit terms can enhance their understanding and connection to the practice.
Further Resources for Learning Sanskrit:
- http://sanskritsounds.com/: An excellent resource for Sanskrit pronunciation and sounds.
- Language of Yoga: Complete A-to-Y Guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants by Nicolai Bachman: A comprehensive guide to Sanskrit in yoga.
- 108 Sanskrit Flashcards by Nicolai Bachman: Practical flashcards for vocabulary building.
- Awakening with Sanskrit: Introduction to the Sacred Language of Yoga by Dr. Katy Jane: An insightful introduction to the sacred aspects of Sanskrit in yoga.
