Sanskrit in Yoga
Understanding the traditional language of yoga
Sanskrit is the ancient language of yoga. Learning the Sanskrit names of poses deepens your practice and connects you to thousands of years of yoga tradition.
Common Sanskrit Terms
Asana
ah-sah-nah
Means "pose" or "posture." Added to the end of pose names (e.g., Tadasana = Mountain Pose)
Om (Aum)
ohm
Sacred sound and spiritual symbol. Often chanted at the beginning and end of practice.
Namaste
nah-mah-stay
Traditional greeting meaning "the light in me honors the light in you."
Pranayama
prah-nah-yah-mah
Breath control or breathing exercises. Prana means "life force" or "energy."
Popular Pose Names
| Sanskrit Name | Pronunciation | English Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadasana | tah-DAHS-anna | Mountain Pose | Tada = mountain |
| Adho Mukha Svanasana | AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-anna | Downward-Facing Dog | Adho = down, Mukha = face, Svana = dog |
| Virabhadrasana | veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna | Warrior Pose | Virabhadra = name of a fierce warrior |
| Vrksasana | vrik-SHAHS-anna | Tree Pose | Vrksa = tree |
| Balasana | bah-LAHS-anna | Child's Pose | Bala = child |
| Savasana | shah-VAHS-anna | Corpse Pose | Sava = corpse |
| Bhujangasana | boo-jang-GAHS-anna | Cobra Pose | Bhujanga = serpent |
| Trikonasana | trik-cone-AHS-anna | Triangle Pose | Trikona = triangle |
| Sukhasana | soo-KAHS-anna | Easy Pose | Sukha = easy, comfortable |
| Padmasana | pod-MAHS-anna | Lotus Pose | Padma = lotus |
Directional Sanskrit Words
Urdhva: Upward
Adho: Downward
Utthita: Extended
Parivritta: Revolved
Parsva: Side
Supta: Reclining
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