Sanskrit — The Language of Ancient India

Sanskrit (meaning “cultured or refined”), the classical language of Hinduism, is the oldest and the most systematic language in the world. The vastness, versatility, and power of expression can be appreciated by the fact that this language has 65 words to describe various forms of earth, 67 words for water, and over 250 words to describe rainfall.  All poses and the philosphies of yoga are described in Sanskrit.  Here are a few essentials…

Surya Namaskar –> Sun Salutatoin

Drishti –> Focal Point

Vinyasa –> Flow (Plank/Chaturanga/Updog/Downdog)

Adho Mukha Svanasana –>  Doward Facing Dog

Kriya –> Cleansing Technique

Pranayama –> Breath Work

Santosha –> Contentment

Atman –> Soul

Samadhi –> A state of deep absorption/The eighth limb of yoga

Savasana –> Corpse Pose

Ahimsa –> Non-Violence

Salamba Sirsasana –> Headstand

Kapalbhati –> Breath of Fire

Satya –> Truthfulness

“There is no language in the world, even Greek, which has the clarity and the philosophical precision of Sanskrit,” –Frederich von Schlegel (German Philosopher)