The Role of Sanskrit in Yoga Teaching: Should You Use It in Class?

Table of Content

Ever wonder what you’re chanting in your yoga class? 

Or what the true meaning behind “Namaste” is?

Sanskrit—the ancient language of yoga—plays a vital role in the practice, even thousands of years after its origins.

While you don’t need to be a scholar to teach yoga, understanding some common Sanskrit terms can deepen your practice and enhance your teaching.

Key Takeaways

• Sanskrit adds depth: Using Sanskrit terms can enrich the experience and connect students to the rich history of yoga.
• Creates a meditative atmosphere: Chanting and using Sanskrit can create a calming and focused environment.
• Honors tradition: Sanskrit connects your teaching to yoga’s roots and provides a sense of authenticity.
• Enhances your teaching: Learning Sanskrit can deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy and practice.
• Connects to a global community: Sanskrit is a shared language among yogis worldwide.

Why Sanskrit Matters

Sanskrit is the language of yoga. It’s used in many yoga texts, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita. Sanskrit words for yoga postures, concepts, and chants hold deep meaning and connect us to the yogic tradition.

Understanding Sanskrit can:

• Deepen your practice: Connect to the true meaning of yoga poses and practices.
• Enhance your teaching: Communicate more effectively and authentically with your students.
• Learn the history: Understand the origins and evolution of yoga.
• Connect to the yoga community: Share a common language with other yogis around the world.

Incorporating Sanskrit in Class

There are different ways to use Sanskrit in your yoga class:

• Pose names: Use the Sanskrit names for asanas (postures) like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) or Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose).
• Chanting: Incorporate common yoga chants like Om or the Gayatri Mantra.
• Key terms: Introduce important Sanskrit terms like Namaste, mantra, or sutras.

When using Sanskrit, remember to:

• Pronounce clearly: Pay attention to correct pronunciation.
• Offer explanations: Provide context and meaning for Sanskrit words.
• Be mindful of your students: Gauge their comfort level with Sanskrit and adjust accordingly.

Benefits for Students

Learning Sanskrit can benefit yoga students in many ways:

• Deeper understanding: Grasp the true meaning of yoga practices.
• Enhanced connection: Feel more connected to the yoga tradition.
• Increased confidence: Feel more comfortable in their practice of yoga.
• Community building: Share a common language with other yogis.

Resources for Learning Sanskrit

• Yoga Journal: Many yoga publications offer articles and resources on Sanskrit.
• Books: Explore introductory texts like “The Cambridge Introduction to Sanskrit.”
• Online courses: Platforms like Duolingo and Memrise offer interactive lessons.
• Teacher training: Many yoga teacher training programs include Sanskrit instruction.

Beyond the Basics

Sanskrit language goes beyond just names and chants. Every Sanskrit word has a rich history and deeper meaning. For example, the Sanskrit word “asana” is believed to have originated from the root “as” which means “to sit”. Understanding these nuances can inform the practice of yoga on a deeper level.

Sanskrit and Different Styles

Different styles of yoga may use Sanskrit to varying degrees. For example, Ashtanga yoga often uses Sanskrit count to guide the sequence, while Bhakti yoga may incorporate more chanting and mantra meanings.

Sanskrit in the Yoga World

Sanskrit is the ancient language of yoga, but its use in modern yoga studios varies. Some teachers fully embrace Sanskrit, while others use it more sparingly. There is also debate in the West about the cultural appropriation of Sanskrit in mainstream yoga.

Conclusion

Sanskrit may seem like a foreign language at first, but it’s an integral part of the yoga tradition. Whether you’re a yoga student or a yoga instructor, learning some Sanskrit can deepen your practice and enhance your understanding of yoga. At Yoga Breeze Bali, you can explore how Sanskrit connects to the heart chakra of this ancient practice and enrich your yoga journey.

Source Links

• https://yogateacherjourney.com/teaching-with-sanskrit/
• https://yogaeastwest.com/explore/yoga_certification/sanskrit-teach-yoga/
• https://aurawellnesscenter.com/2022/09/19/how-important-is-sanskrit-when-teaching-yoga/
• https://feverycs.com/why-do-we-use-sanskrit-in-yoga/
• https://iyengarhomepractice.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/why-do-we-use-sanskrit-when-teaching-yoga/
• https://www.brettlarkin.com/do-i-need-to-use-sanskrit-to-teach-yoga/
• https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/teaching-methods/why-teach-sanskrit-names/
• https://www.elephantjournal.com/2017/12/yoga-snobbery-to-sanskrit-or-not-to-sanskrit/
• https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/blog/the-role-of-sanskrit-in-yoga-school/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUBxnL1ffImmkTOqimqXbXJpFYEuskPan3NLJ1u050uPQh1hPn
• https://www.csp.indica.in/sanskrit-indispensable-if-one-seeks-to-delve-deeper-into-yoga-ayurveda-dr-urmila-r-patil/
• https://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/12/the-importance-of-sanskrit-to-yoga-therapy/
• https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/sanskrit-words-yoga-glossary/
• https://trackyoga.app/2016/04/the-language-of-yoga-sanskrit-terms-every-yogi-should-know/
• https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/blog/the-role-of-sanskrit-in-yoga-school/?srsltid=AfmBOoqX0abN7u1d_AnAIjDj2MhtoYX8MyuPie0LhJiApxrwzIsBNb6c
• https://inspireyoga.com/sanskrit-to-use-it-or-not-and-how-2/
• https://www.heartandheadyoga.com/2018/11/11/three-ways-to-incorporate-sanskrit-in-yoga-classes/
• https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/secrets-of-sanskrit/
• https://www.ineayoga.com/articles/yoga/40-sanskrit-yoga-words
• https://www.yogkulam.org/blog/sanskrit-yoga-terms-a-glossary-of-must-know-yoga-terms
• https://alayayogaonline.com/why-learning-sanskrit-will-greatly-impact-your-yoga-practice-as-student-and-teacher/
• https://aurawellnesscenter.com/2023/05/11/language-in-yoga-instruction/
• https://www.originalwisdom.co.uk/how-do-the-sounds-of-sanskrit-deepen-our-experience-of-yoga/
• https://yogaeastwest.com/explore/yoga_certification/sanskrit-language/
• https://www.yogicstudies.com/skt-101
• https://yogainternational.com/article/view/after-ten-years-of-teaching-yoga-heres-what-ive-learned?srsltid=AfmBOorYpCFXH57HqNu2NSW9PUbLCqjKX7CLnYjS_GVuxdRM4wgycm58
• https://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/yoga-teacher-training-my-final-thoughts/
• https://www.theshalalondon.com/reflections-on-becoming-a-yoga-teacher/
• https://prakrutiyogashala.com/why-its-important-to-learn-the-basics-of-sanskrit-before-learning-yoga/
• https://anandamyogaschool.com/blogs/learn-the-ancient-sanskrit-language-or-terminology-as-a-yoga-teacher/
• https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/blog/the-role-of-sanskrit-in-yoga-school/?srsltid=AfmBOor4rSvCtItvnBW52Ld_KUxnksHIfv8avoJDHhWsv-ZsPJDyRnFt