Sanskrit

Sanskrit is the classical Indian language still used in yoga to define poses and practices. So, if your teacher references a foreign-sounding word during class, that’s usually why. For example, “Corpse Pose” is also known as “Savasana”.

That said, the Sanskrit language goes beyond the names of poses, mantras, and chants. It also informs the practice of yoga on a fundamental level. Here, we unpack the Sanskrit so you can understand its rich history to make the most of your practice.

What Do You Do When a Pose Name Is Problematic?

The common translation for Pāśasana (Noose Pose) is not only controversial, it's also inaccurate. Here's what we learned when we tried to untangle the Sanskrit word’s true meaning.