A Practical Guide to Sanskrit Terms in Yoga

Sanskrit is the original and ancient language of yoga. Nearly every foundational yogic text from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to the Bhagavad Gita was composed in Sanskrit, making it the linguistic root system of yogic practice.

When you hear Sanskrit terms in a yoga class, you’re not just hearing exotic-sounding words. You’re engaging with a living thread that ties your modern-day practice back to thousands of years of philosophy, practice, and wisdom.

These terms carry layered meanings that are often lost in translation. Learning even a few of them offers more than intellectual understanding; it’s a way to connect more deeply with the purpose and spirit behind the movements and breath.

Today, Sanskrit appears in yoga classes in many forms:

• Names of poses (asana) like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose)
• Breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breath)
• Mantras such as Om or So Hum used in meditation
• Philosophical references like Dharma (life path) or Ahimsa (non-harming)

For many, these words can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating at first. Yet, with a little context, they become guideposts, offering insight into what the practice is asking of you, and how it’s meant to support your growth.

Whether you're a student looking to understand what your teacher is saying or a practitioner hoping to honor yoga’s roots, learning Sanskrit terms can enrich your experience in meaningful and memorable ways.

What Is Sanskrit? A Quick Overview

Sanskrit is one of the oldest known languages in human history. It originated in ancient India and serves as the linguistic foundation for many of the world's spiritual philosophies. The word Sanskrit means “refined” or “perfected,” which reflects its status as a cultivated and sacred language.

It is the language in which the earliest yogic teachings were recorded. The Vedas, composed between 1500 and 500 BCE, are among the oldest scriptures written in Sanskrit and form the basis of many yogic ideas. Later texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika continued this tradition.

The Script: Devanāgarī and Its Lineage

Today, Sanskrit is most commonly written in the Devanāgarī script, a highly structured and phonetic writing system developed over centuries. Devanāgarī is the fourth major script historically used for Sanskrit, following earlier scripts such as Brāhmī, Gupta, and Nāgarī.

While the script has evolved, the language itself has remained largely unchanged, preserving its original grammar and phonetics for over two millennia. This continuity makes Sanskrit unique among world languages.

Sanskrit is unique because it functions not only through meaning but also through sound and vibration. Each syllable is considered energetically significant. Mantras and yogic terms are constructed to influence the mind and body through their resonance. This is why pronunciation is considered part of the practice. It is not just what you say, but how you say it.

For modern yoga practitioners, Sanskrit offers a way to understand the original intent behind the teachings. Even when terms are translated, their full depth becomes more accessible when approached through the language in which they were first expressed.

Common Sanskrit Terms You’ll Hear in a Yoga Class

Whether you’re new to yoga or deepening your study, Sanskrit terms show up often in classes and teachings. These words carry meaning beyond simple labels. They point toward the deeper purpose of each practice.

Below is a list of commonly used Sanskrit words you’re likely to hear in yoga class:

1. Asana (AH-suh-nuh)

Translation: Physical posture
Meaning: A steady, comfortable seat or pose. In modern yoga, it refers to any physical posture practiced during class.

2. Pranayama (PRAH-nah-YAH-mah)

Translation: Breath control
Meaning: Techniques for directing and expanding prana (life force) through breath.

3. Savasana (shah-VAH-suh-nuh)

Translation: Corpse pose often called "Final Relaxation" to avoid saying 'corpse'.
Meaning: Final resting pose at the end of a yoga class. A practice of stillness and release.

4. Namaste (nah-mah-STAY)

Translation: I bow to you
Meaning: A respectful greeting acknowledging the light or divine in another.
Use in Class: Often spoken at the end of class, paired with Anjali mudra.

5. Guru (GOO-roo)

Translation: Teacher or guide
Meaning: One who dispels darkness (gu) and leads others toward light or truth (ru).

6. Drishti (DRISH-tee)

Translation: Gaze or point of focus
Meaning: A visual focal point used to steady the mind during asana.

7. Mudra (MOO-drah)

Translation: Gesture or seal
Meaning: Symbolic hand positions that channel energy and support meditative states.

8. Mantra (MAHN-trah)

Translation: Sacred sound or phrase
Meaning: A vibrational formula repeated for concentration, devotion, or transformation.

9. Om (AUM)

Translation: Primordial sound
Meaning: The vibrational essence of all creation. The OM symbol is considered the sound of the universe.

10. Ahimsa (ah-HIM-sah)

Translation: Non-harming, non-violence
Meaning: One of the yamas (ethical restraints) promoting compassion and care.

11. Chakra (CHUH-krah)

Translation: Energy center
Meaning: Subtle energy points within the body, each associated with qualities of consciousness.

12. Dhyana (dhyah-NAH)

Translation: Meditation
Meaning: A state of deep meditative awareness, part of the eight limbs of yoga.

Sanskrit Terms in Asana Names

One of the most practical ways to understand Sanskrit is by learning how yoga poses are named.

Asana names follow a consistent linguistic structure that can be broken down and decoded.

Structure of an Asana Name

Most Sanskrit pose names are built using a combination of:

Prefix: describes orientation, action, or condition

Root: the object, form, or shape being imitated

Suffix: usually asana, meaning “physical posture”

Example:

Adho Mukha Śvānāsana

• Adho = downward
• Mukha = face
• Śvāna = dog
• Āsana = posture

Translation: Downward Facing Dog Pose

By learning these parts, you can understand and visualize many poses without needing a visual demonstration.

Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes in Asana Names

Here is a reference table of common Sanskrit components used in naming poses:

Sanskrit Term	Translation	Category	Example Pose
Adho	Downward	Prefix	Adho Mukha Śvānāsana
Urdhva	Upward	Prefix	Urdhva Hastāsana
Utthita	Extended	Prefix	Utthita Trikoṇāsana
Parivrtta	Revolved or Twisted	Prefix	Parivrtta Utkaṭāsana
Baddha	Bound	Prefix	Baddha Koṇāsana
Supta	Reclined	Prefix	Supta Baddha Koṇāsana
Ardha	Half	Prefix	Ardha Chandrāsana
Chandra	Moon	Root	Ardha Chandrāsana
Koṇa	Angle	Root	Baddha Koṇāsana
Mukha	Face	Root	Adho Mukha Śvānāsana
Hasta	Hand	Root	Urdhva Hastāsana
Pāda	Foot or Leg	Root	Pādahastāsana
Utkaṭa	Fierce or Powerful	Root	Utkaṭāsana
Supta	Reclined or Supine	Prefix	Supta Virāsana
Āsana	Posture or Seat	Suffix	Used in all pose names

Why This Matters in Practice

Understanding pose names helps you:

• Anticipate what the posture involves before seeing it
• Learn Sanskrit organically through repetition and embodiment
• Respect the origin and intention behind the naming structure

Instead of memorizing what might seem like random names, you begin to see the patterns.

• Utthita means you'll be extending.
• Parivrtta indicates a twist.
• Supta likely means you’re reclining.

This gives you both linguistic and physical confidence in your yoga practice.

Deeper Yogic Concepts in Sanskrit Terms

While many Sanskrit words in yoga relate to movement or breath, others speak to the heart of yogic philosophy.

These are the words that appear in teacher trainings, spiritual texts, and moments of deeper reflection. They remind us that yoga is more than what happens on the mat. It is a way of living and seeing the world.

Below are five foundational Sanskrit concepts that expand your understanding of yoga on and off the mat:

Dharma (DHAR-mah)

Translation: Purpose, duty, or rightful path
Meaning: Dharma is the path of right living. It reflects your role in the world, your responsibilities, and the deeper call to live in alignment with truth.
In Practice: When you make decisions based on integrity rather than impulse, you’re moving in alignment with your dharma. Yoga encourages you to uncover and follow this path through self-inquiry and intentional living.

Karma (KAR-mah)

Translation: Action and consequence
Meaning: Karma is the law of cause and effect. Every thought, word, and action leaves an imprint that shapes your experience and future.
In Practice: Rather than seeing karma as punishment or reward, it’s more accurate to view it as momentum, action driven by intention which becomes samskara (mental impressions). Yoga teaches us to act with awareness, knowing our choices ripple through time and space.

Atman (AHT-mahn)

Translation: Soul, self, or inner essence
Meaning: Ātman refers to the eternal self, the pure consciousness within each person that remains unchanged by external circumstances. It is often compared to a drop of water in the ocean of Brahman (universal consciousness).
In Practice: The journey of yoga involves recognizing the difference between your changing experiences and your unchanging essence. Ātman is the witness behind the thoughts, not the thoughts themselves.

Moksha (MOK-sha)

Translation: Liberation or spiritual freedom
Meaning: Moksha is the release from suffering, ignorance, and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). It is the ultimate goal of yoga.
In Practice: While philosophical, moksha also has a practical form: inner peace. Each time you release attachment, ego, or illusion, you move a step closer to liberation in everyday life.

Bhakti (BHAK-tee)

Translation: Devotion or love
Meaning: Bhakti is the path of yoga rooted in heartfelt devotion to the divine, a teacher, or the truth itself. It is practiced through prayer, chanting, service, and surrender.
In Practice: Bhakti reminds us that yoga isn’t just discipline. It’s also relationship. Love, reverence, and connection are just as important as strength and focus.

Pronouncing Sanskrit Terms Respectfully and Confidently

Sanskrit is a phonetic language, meaning its sounds are meant to be spoken clearly and consistently. Pronunciation is not about perfection or sounding scholarly. It is about respect, presence, and understanding the energy behind the words.

Basic Pronunciation Tips (with Simple Examples)

Sanskrit is sacred not because it is complicated, but because it is intentional. Treating its words with care is one way to deepen your connection to yoga itself.

Long Vowels Matter

In Sanskrit, a line over a vowel (like ā) means the sound should be held about twice as long as a short vowel (a).

Example: Compare a in “America” (short) to ā in “father” (long).

Sanskrit connection: Rāma is pronounced like “Raa-ma,” not “Rah-ma.”

Retroflex Consonants

Retroflex letters like ṭ, ḍ, and ṇ are pronounced with the tongue curled slightly back toward the roof of the mouth.

Example: Say the “d” in “mud” normally, then try curling your tongue back slightly as you say it again. That’s closer to ḍ.

Sanskrit connection: Veda is actually written as Vēda with a softer da at the end.

Consonant Clusters

Sanskrit preserves and articulates all consonants in a cluster.

Example: In English, you might blend “handstand” quickly, but Sanskrit would clearly pronounce each part: hand-stand.

Sanskrit connection: In prāṇāyāma, all parts are pronounced: prā + ṇa + yā + ma.

Rather than getting caught in exact mechanics, focus on being attentive and respectful.

Many students find it helpful to listen to Sanskrit spoken aloud, either through mantra recordings, classes with trained teachers, or pronunciation videos.

This tunes your ear and builds confidence over time.

Sanskrit Letter	Type	English Example	Sanskrit Word Example
a	short a	as in "about"	as in "asat" (not real)
ā	long a	as in "father"	as in "Ātman" (self)
i	short i	as in "bit"	as in "vidi" (knowledge)
ī	long i	as in "machine"	as in "īśvara" (divine)
u	short u	as in "put"	as in "puruṣa" (person)
ū	long u	as in "rule"	as in "mūla" (root)
ṛ	vocalic r	like "ri" in "critic"	as in "ṛṣi" (sage)
ṝ	long vocalic r	longer version of ṛ	as in "ṝṣi" (rare form)
e	long e	as in "they"	as in "veda" (knowledge)
ai	diphthong	as in "high"	as in "maitrī" (friendship)
o	long o	as in "go"	as in "yoga" (union)
au	diphthong	as in "house"	as in "gaura" (light-colored)
ka	voiceless unaspirated	as in "skate"	as in "karma" (action)
kha	voiceless aspirated	as in "khaki"	as in "khaṭvā" (cot)
ga	voiced unaspirated	as in "go"	as in "guru" (teacher)
gha	voiced aspirated	like "gh" in "ghost"	as in "ghora" (terrible)
ṅa	nasal	as in "sing"	as in "aṅga" (limb)
ca	voiceless palatal	like "churn" (soft)	as in "citta" (mind)
cha	voiceless aspirated	as in "church"	as in "chakra" (wheel)
ja	voiced palatal	as in "jam"	as in "jñāna" (knowledge)
jha	voiced aspirated	like "jh" in "hedgehog"	as in "jhaṭiti" (suddenly)
ña	nasal	as in "canyon"	as in "jñāna" (knowledge)
ṭa	retroflex unaspirated	like "t" in "nut" (curled tongue)	as in "ṭīkā" (commentary)
ṭha	retroflex aspirated	puff of air with retroflex "t"	as in "ṭhākur" (lord, rare)
ḍa	retroflex voiced	like "d" in "mud" (curled tongue)	as in "ḍamaru" (drum)
ḍha	retroflex voiced aspirated	no clear English match	as in "ḍhakka" (push)
ṇa	retroflex nasal	like "n" in "burn" (curled tongue)	as in "praṇa" (breath)

 Download Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide PDF

Integrating Sanskrit Terms into Your Practice or Teaching

For Students

Start small: Choose one word per week to study and use.

Journal about the meaning: Write down where you’ve heard it, what it means to you, and how it connects to your practice.

Say it aloud: Even just repeating a word a few times helps create familiarity.

For Teachers

Use Sanskrit intentionally: Introduce words in context, and offer the English meaning alongside.

Avoid overwhelming new students: A few meaningful terms are more impactful than a flood of unfamiliar language.

Explain, don’t perform: Let Sanskrit be a bridge to understanding, not a badge of authority.

Tone and humility matter. Sanskrit is not something to "master" and show off.

It is a doorway into deeper relationship. Approach it with curiosity and openness, and invite your students to do the same.

Yoga Sanskrit Terms Quick Reference Guide

This table offers a quick reference to some of the most commonly used Sanskrit terms in yoga.

It can be printed, bookmarked, or shared with students as a simple learning aid.

Sanskrit	Translation	Meaning	Example of Use
Asana	Posture	A physical position used in yoga	“Hold your asana steady and easeful.”
Pranayama	Breath control	Breathing techniques to regulate energy	“Let’s begin class with pranayama.”
Savasana	Corpse pose	Final resting pose	“Relax fully in Savasana.”
Namaste	I bow to you	Respectful greeting	“We close class with Namaste.”
Mudra	Gesture or seal	Hand position to direct energy	“Use Chin Mudra during your meditation.”
Guru	Teacher or guide	One who leads from darkness to light	“She was my first yoga guru.”
Om	Primordial sound	Vibrational symbol of creation	“Chant Om together three times.”
Dharma	Purpose or path	Living in alignment with truth	“Teach from your dharma.”
Karma	Action and result	Cause and effect in life	“Every choice carries karma.”
Ātman	Soul or Self	The unchanging inner essence	“Yoga reveals the Ātman within.”
Bhakti	Devotion	The path of love and surrender	“Sing with bhakti in your heart.”
Dhyana	Meditation	Focused absorption	“Close your eyes and enter dhyana.”
Mantra	Sacred phrase	Repeated sound for meditation	“Repeat your personal mantra silently.”
Drishti	Gaze	Visual focus point	“Hold your drishti steady in balance poses.”
Tadasana	Mountain pose	Standing pose symbolizing steadiness	“Return to Tadasana to reset.”
Baddha	Bound	Indicates restraint or binding in a pose	“Move into Baddha Koṇāsana.”
Parivrtta	Revolved or twisted	Indicates a spinal twist in a pose	“Try Parivrtta Trikoṇāsana.”
Supta	Reclined	Indicates lying down	“Set up for Supta Virāsana.”
Utkata	Fierce or powerful	Found in strong standing poses	“Sink lower in Utkatāsana.”
Chakra	Energy center	Subtle focal points in the body	“Feel energy rise through the chakras.”

Learn More: Sanskrit Library

Download Yoga Sanskrit Terms PDF

The Language of Yoga as a Living Tradition

Sanskrit is not just an ancient language. It is a living thread woven into every breath, posture, and intention within yoga. By learning the words, we learn the values. We reconnect with a tradition that invites us to live with awareness, devotion, and purpose.

Understanding Sanskrit is not about sounding knowledgeable. It is about becoming more intimate with the heart of yoga itself.

Let the words guide you. Let them teach you something deeper than movement. Let them remind you that yoga, at its root, is a practice of remembrance.