A Sanskrit Glossary For Anyone Who Practices Yoga

It has been said that learning a new language is like a spiritual journey in which we discover another culture. Studying the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit does that and more—it can help reveal a greater understanding of the yoga poses and the larger practice of yoga that extends beyond the physical postures. 

Whether you’ve just started taking yoga classes or have been studying yoga for years, there’s plenty to discover about this mystical language. Here, we’ve broken down 40 common Sanskrit words and their meanings.

Learn more: Should Yoga Teachers Use Sanskrit?

Ahimsa

(nonharming)

 See also Does Ahimsa Mean I Can’t Eat Meat?

Ananda

(bliss)

See also Leah Cullis’s 14 Joyful Poses

Asana

(seat)

Explore Yoga Journal‘s comprehensive pose library

Ashtanga

(eight-limbed union)

See also Get to Know the 8 Limbs of Yoga

Avidya

(ignorance)

See also Awaken to Your Potential for Change: The 5 Kleshas

Ayurveda

(life science)

Explore The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda

Bhakti

(love + devotion)

See also What Is Bhakti Yoga? Why You Should Try the Yoga of Devotion

Brahma Nadi

(divine channel)

More How to Be Happy at Every Age

Citta

(mind)

Learn more A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation

Devanagari

(divine writing)

See also 11 Journaling Prompts to Transform Your Writing Practice

Dhyana

(meditation)

See also The Art of Being: Exploring the Seventh Limb of Yoga

Drishti

(view/sight)

Learn more See More Clearly By Practicing Drishti

Guru

(a spiritual teacher)

See also My Guru, My Self

Ida-nadi

(pale conduit)

Lear more Discover the Ida and Pingala Nadis

Japa

(muttering)

Read more Intro to Chanting, Japa, and Mantra

Jnana

(knowledge)

See also Intro to Jnana Yoga: Playing the Mind-Body Edge

Kosha

(casing)

See also Getting to Know You: The 5 Koshas

Try Ashtanga Flash Cards

Kundalini

(coiled power)

See also A Beginner’s Guide to Kundalini Yoga

Mantra

(mind instrument)

See also Top Yoga Teachers Share Their Go-To Mantras

Mandala

(circle)

See also Vastu 101: How to Make Your Home a Healing Sanctuary

Mudra

(seal)

See also A Mudra-Based Meditation for Processing Stress

Namaste

(I bow to you.)

Learn more The Meaning of “Namaste”

Nirodhah

(restriction)

Learn more Yoga Sutra

Niyama

(observance)

See also 5 Ways to Put the Niyama Into Practice Right Now

Om

(universal sound)

Learn more Mastering the Om: A Guide for Beginners

Pingala Nadi

(conduit)

More How to Use the 7 Chakras in Your Yoga Practice

Prajna

(wisdom)

Watch Meditation: How to Find Peace Amid Chaos

Prana

(life force)

Practice 6 Poses to Open Your Energy Channels & Boost Prana Flow

Pranayama

(life force or breath extension)

See also A Beginner’s Guide to Pranayama

Pratyahara

(withdrawal)

Read more Ancient Wisdom, Modern Practice: The Draw of the Senses

Try HolyShirts Eight Limbs of Yoga Poster

Samadhi

(union)

See also Stoke Your Spirit: 5 Ways to Move Toward Samadhi

Samskara

(activator)

Practice Find Your Willpower With This Samskara-Busting Sequence

Satya

(truthfulness)

See also Embody Satya (Truthfulness) on the Mat

Shakti

(power)

See also Find the Light in Meditation: How to Align With Shakti

Sutra

(thread)

Learn more Embrace the Yoga Sutras in a Totally New Way With These Visual Meditation Practices

Swadhyaya

(self-study)

See also Practice Swadhyaya on the Mat

Tapas

(glow/heat)

Learn How to Use Tapas to Make Your Practice More Sustainable

Viveka

(sight)

See also 7 Ways to Incorporate Yoga Philosophy into a Physical Flow

Yama

(restraint)

Yantra

(machine, contraption) 

See also How to Use Yantras to Bring the Power of the Gods and Goddesses Into Your Daily Life

Yoga

(union)

See also Yoga for Beginners – The Ultimate Guide

Rina Deshpande is a teacher, writer, and researcher of yoga and mindfulness practices. Having grown up with Indian yoga philosophy, she rediscovered its profound value as a New York City public school teacher. For more than 15 years, she has practiced and shared the benefits of yoga across the globe. After studying yoga and mindfulness as self-regulation at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, she designs curriculum for science research and K–12 education. She is the author of Jars of Space, a book of handwritten and illustrated yogic poetry. Learn more at @rinathepoet or rinadeshpande.com.

 

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