Introduction to Sanskrit Basics

ByMichael Hall

### Key Sanskrit Words for
Understanding

This section presents a selection of essential Sanskrit terms often
encountered in yoga and philosophy. Familiarity with these words enhances
understanding and teaching. Each term is accompanied by pronunciation,
meaning, and teaching resources for further exploration.

**Ahimsa** 
Pronunciation: uh-HIM-sah 
Meaning: “non-harming” or “non-injury,” it is a fundamental
principle in the Yamas, emphasizing compassion and consideration. 
Teaching Support: Yamas & Niyamas Overview 

**Asana** 
Pronunciation: AH-suh-nah 
Meaning: Translates to “seat” or “posture,” referring specifically
to various yoga postures. 
Teaching Support: Eight Limbs Asana Philosophy 

**AUM / Om** 
Pronunciation: AH ‚Äì OH ‚Äì MM 

Meaning: The ‚Äúprimordial sound,‚Äù symbolizing the universe’s essence and
Source. 
Teaching Support: Aum / Om 

**Avidya** 
Pronunciation: uh-VID-yah 
Meaning: The misconception of identifying the non-self with the Self,
representing ignorance. 
Teaching Support: Avidya 

**Balasana** 
Pronunciation: bah-LAHS-anna 
Meaning: Known as Child’s Pose, it promotes relaxation and stress
relief. 
Teaching Support: Restorative Yoga 

**Bandha** 
Pronunciation: BUHN-dah 
Meaning: Translates as “to bind or lock,” referring to energy locks
practiced in yoga. 
Teaching Support: Bandhas 

**Bhakti** 
Pronunciation: BUHK-tee 
Meaning: Denotes devotion and love towards the divine. 
Teaching Support: Bhakti 

**Chakra** 
Pronunciation: CHUCK-ruh 
Meaning: Literally “wheel,” this term refers to psycho-energetic
centers along the spinal column. 

Teaching Support: Chakras 

**Citta Vrtti Nirodhah** 
Pronunciation: CHITTA VRIT-tee Nee-ROAD-uh-huh 
Meaning: Mastery over the mind’s wandering tendencies. 
Teaching Support: Yoga Sutra 1.2 

**Drishti** 
Pronunciation: DRISH-tee 
Meaning: Refers to “view” or “sight” and is associated with focused
gazing in yoga. 
Teaching Support: Drishti 

**Hatha** 
Pronunciation: HUH-tah 
Meaning: Signifying the union of the sun and moon, Hatha Yoga focuses on
physical postures. 
Teaching Support: Branches or Paths of Yoga 

**Karma** 
Pronunciation: KAHR-muh 
Meaning: The principle of universal causation, emphasizing that actions
have consequences. 
Teaching Support: Branches or Paths of Yoga 

**Kosha** 
Pronunciation: KOH-shuh 
Meaning: Refers to a sheath, layer, or body concept in yoga
philosophy. 
Teaching Support: Koshas Intro 

**Mantra** 
Pronunciation: MUN-truh 
Meaning: A sacred sound or phrase aimed at protecting the mind, such as
‚ÄúOm.‚Äù 
Teaching Support: Mantras Hub 

**Mudra** 
Pronunciation: MOO-drah 
Meaning: A symbolic hand or body gesture used in yoga and meditation. 
Teaching Support: Mudras 

**Namaste / Namaskar** 
Pronunciation: nah-MAH-stay 
Meaning: “The light within me acknowledges the light within you,” a
greeting of respect. 
Teaching Support: Namaste / Namaskar 

**Prana** 
Pronunciation: PRAH-nah 
Meaning: Life force energy or breath that sustains living beings. 
Teaching Support: Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy 

**Pranayama** 
Pronunciation: PRAH-nah-yama 
Meaning: Techniques for extending breath to enhance life force
expression. 
Teaching Support: Eight Limbs Pranayama Philosophy 

**Savasana** 
Pronunciation: shuh-VAHS-anna 
Meaning: Known as Corpse Pose, it encourages deep relaxation. 
Teaching Support: Restorative Yoga 

**Tadasana** 
Pronunciation: tuh-DAHS-anna 
Meaning: Mountain Pose, symbolizing stability and strength. 
Teaching Support: Tadasana Asana Digest 

**Tantra** 
Pronunciation: TUN-truh 
Meaning: To “extend” or “expand,” aimed at experiencing the
divinity in everything. 
Teaching Support: Branches or Paths of Yoga 

**Veda** 
Pronunciation: VAY-duh 
Meaning: “Veda” means knowledge, referring to ancient Indian scriptures
dated between 3,000 and 6,000 years ago. 

Teaching Support: Origins & Sources of Yoga 

**Yamas & Niyamas** 
Pronunciation: YUHM-uh | NEE-yuh-muh 

Meaning: Yamas represent ethical restraints in relationships, while Niyamas
refer to self-observances. 
Teaching Support: Yamas & Niyamas Introduction & Overview 

**Yoga** 
Pronunciation: YOH-guh 
Meaning: Derived from “yuj,” meaning to yoke or bind, representing a
discipline that unites. 
Teaching Support: Defining Yoga 

For additional information and further study on Sanskrit words, visit
[Ashtanga Tech Sanskrit First
Words](https://ashtanga.tech/study-guide/humanities/sanskrit/sanskrit-first-words/).

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