30 Sanskrit Words Used in Yoga Defined + Explained

The ancient language of Sanskrit dates back to 2nd century BCE, India. Sanskrit was considered the language of the Gods. It was the philosophical language of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Sanskrit was used in ancient poetry, drama, and religious/philosophy texts.

So – how is Sanskrit connected to yoga? During the era that yoga was developing in India, Sanskrit was the common spoken and written dialect. For reference, the Bhagavad Gita and Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras were written during the same time period.

Today, yoga teachers from around the world guide students through poses often still using their Sanskrit names. As yogis, we are connected through the Sanskrit language no matter what your native language is.

30 Sanskrit Words Commonly Used in Yoga

  • Adho: AH-doh
    Downward, as in Adho Mukha Svanasana for Downward Facing Dog

  • Ahimsa: a-HIM-sah
    Non-violence; compassion for all living things. Ahimsa is the first of the Yamas, or moral codes in yoga to live by.

  • Ananda: A-nun-dah

    Defined as ecstasy, a state of complete bliss and love. Ananda Balasana in Sanskrit is Happy Baby Pose

  • Ardha: AR-dha
    Translates to “half,” as in Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose

  • Asana: A-sa-na
    The physical postures of yoga. Every yoga pose name in Sanskrit ends with asana (which is how you know a Sanskrit word is referring to the name of a pose)

  • Aura: Au-rah
    A metaphysical rainbow of light, the body’s external subtle energy field

  • Bandha: bAhn-da

    A body lock in yoga, the combination of muscles that are contracted and focused in order to direct energy flows

  • Bhakti: bAHk-ti

    Love and devotion, from the root word “bhaj” which means “to adore or worship God,” bhakti is love toward the Divine

  • Chandra: chun-drAh
    The moon, as in Ardha Chandrasana or Half Moon Pose

  • Chakra: CHak-rah
    Seven energy centers in the body each associated to a specific color, emotion, and earth elements

  • Dharma: DAR-mah

    The teachings of the Buddha; one’s life purpose or path to truth and enlightenment

  • Dhyana: dhyA-na
    Meditation, the seventh limb of Patanjali’s eight-fold-path of yoga

  • Drishti: DRish-ti

    A technique used in yoga to set your gaze and help with concentration, balance, and focus

  • Dwi: dva-HAs-ta
    Two; often used in yoga pose names like Dwi Hasta Bhujasana, or Two Hand Arm Pose

  • Eka: Eh-kah
    One; often used in many yoga postures that engage one limb to bend or stretch, such as Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, or One Leg Pigeon Pose

  • Guru: gOO-roo
    A spiritual teacher who offers knowledge and guides one to the path of awakening

  • Hatha: Hah, Tah
    Combine to create the word “Hatha.” Ha translates to the Sun, and Tha, Moon. While practicing Hatha Yoga, the desire is to balance the sun and moon energy in the body

  • Hasta: HAs-ta

    The hand (or arm)

  • Japa: jAh-pah
    The recitation of mantras or prayers, commonly used in Bhakti Yoga

  • Karma: kAR-mah

    The law of cause and effect, the total effect of one’s actions during their existence on earth. Each action dictates their fate and destiny

  • Kirtan: kUR-tan
    Devotional singing of hymns, mantras, and chanting in a community gathering

  • Mudra: mOOd-rah

    A symbolic hand gesture used in yoga practice to stimulate the flow of energy to a particular intention

  • Namaste: nah-MAh-stay

    A salutation recited at the beginning or end of a yoga class. One beautiful interpretation: The light and teacher in me honors the light and teacher in you

  • Pada: pAH-dah

    Foot or leg, as in Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, or One Leg Pigeon Pose

  • Pranayama: prAH-nah-yah-mah

    The control of energy through breathing and conscious breath work

  • Surya Namaskar: sUr-ya na-ma-skA-ra

    The Sun Salutations – a practice of yoga flow exercises to enhance the light within

  • Tada: tA-dA

    Mountain, as in Tadasana, or Mountain Pose

  • Tapas: tA-pAs
    Austerity and self-discipline – an important aspect of the Yoga Sutra. One must have discipline and focus while practicing yoga. Tapas is the third Niyama or moral code to live by.

  • Vedas: vAY-dahs
    A term for the oldest Hindu scripture, written in Sanskrit and comprising of four collections (Rig Veda, Sama Yajur, and Atharva Vedas)

  • Yoga Sutras: yo-gA sUt-rAs
    Ancient Indian texts written in Sanskrit by the sage Patanjali that describes the philosophy and practice of yoga

There you have it!

You have now your introduction to Sanskrit and are ready for your next yoga class!

Sanskrit is a beautiful language and to familiarize yourself with it is to honor the roots, lineage and essence of your yoga practice. Have fun exploring these terms and deepening your understanding of these key concepts in yoga.

The more you use Sanskrit, or hear it used in your yoga classes, the more connected you’ll feel to the ancient language and practice of yoga.

BlogLindsey Holy