admin Occasionally, the person who guides your meditation group, yoga classes, or yoga philosophy discussions may use Sanskrit yoga terms without identifying what they actually mean.
We’ve all asked ourselves: “What now?” What did he tell you? Was it expected that I bring a dictionary with me? Does anyone else know what this means? “Does anyone have Google installed on their mat?”
You Are Not Alone
In your yoga asana classes, you can tell if it’s a posture name based on the word ending with “asana,” meaning “pose.” Still, all the other sprinklings on that yummy cupcake might be lost on you without a little DOYOU-Sanskrit-to-English-Dictionary help.
Here is a brief explanation of some common Sanskrit terms you might hear your yoga teachers use, discuss, or play with.
Drishti
It can be used to describe where your focus is in your life. “Where you focus, that is what grows.”
Ananda
Translated literally, it means joy, bliss, and happiness. We need not say any more.
Bandha
“Ignite Your Bandhas” refers to locking or contracting various muscle groups. There are several types of contractions that you can do in yoga. The most obvious ones would be the abdominal wall or pelvic floor. But there are also many others, each with a name ending “-Bandha.”
Sutra
The Sutras are a set of philosophies that bind (or stitch) together the traditional 8 Limbs of Yoga. The Sutras are studied and interpreted consistently by yogis and yoginis who seek to find happiness through ethical living. Check them out by clicking here.
Mandala
They are often used to aid in meditation and usually consist of intricate circular artworks that represent the entire Universe. These were traditionally used in Buddhism and Hinduism. They would have a square, a circle surrounding it, and a reference to one or two relevant deities.
Jnana
Jnana, or knowledge acquired through meditation.
Prana
Prana is the living energy of the Universe. What keeps the Universe alive, expanding, and thriving? Prana.
Prana, as a personal matter, is our life force. The name “Pranayama,” which is used to describe all breathing exercises, often makes it appear as the breath. Looking closer, prana is your breath, blood, heart, food, water, and everything else that keeps you alive.
Shodhana
Shodhana is the Sanskrit word for “purification.” Nadi Shodhana, also called Alternate Nostril breathing or Alternate Nostril breath, is a cleansing breath used to begin or end a detoxifying exercise. Learn more about this breathing method by clicking here.
Moksha
The term refers to liberation from reincarnation. In many Indian religions, the ultimate goal is to be freed from reincarnation. It is considered to be transcendent and only given to those who are pure and enlightened to receive it.
Dharma
The basic function, character, or nature of something. Dharma is often used to describe Buddha’s teachings because it is believed that they represent the inherent nature of the Universe. Dharma, or the essence of existence, is the fundamental principle.
This knowledge will hopefully help you to feel more confident in your yoga practice. Enjoy your yoga practice without a dictionary or Google!
