A beginner’s guide to Sanskrit: the language behind your yoga practice
If you’ve ever sat on your mat at the start of class, listening to your teacher begin with a word or phrase that sounds ancient, melodic or simply unfamiliar, you have most likely heard Sanskrit. Sanskrit can seem mysterious to students at first—it’s beautiful, yes, but for most of us it’s a language full of unknown words. You may recognise certain pose names, or a mantra you hear in meditation, but be in the dark as to what they mean. Yet Sanskrit is not “advanced practitioner only”. In fact, learning just a little of it can enrich your practice in surprising, meaningful and accessible ways.
The aim of this guide is to demystify Sanskrit, explain why it features in modern yoga classes and help you feel more confident and connected to the language whenever you hear it.
What is Sanskrit?
It’s an ancient language, dating back more than 3,500 years. Spoken first in ancient India, it is the classical language of Hinduism and Buddhism and a lot of the philosophy and spirituality that underpins modern yoga. Sanskrit isn’t widely spoken conversationally today, but in the yoga world it is preserved as a “living language” in mantra, philosophy, chanting and the traditional names of postures (āsanas).
Sanskrit is a language with a reputation for being precise and intentional. Each syllable has an energetic quality and many words are layered with meaning. Some are considered to be vibrational tools, more than simple labels for a pose. This is one of the reasons Sanskrit can be used in yoga, not just to describe a physical form, but also to evoke a certain state, feeling or intention.
Why Sanskrit appears in yoga classes
Most teachers use some Sanskrit in their teaching—how much varies from studio to studio. Here are a few of the main reasons why:
- It honours tradition
The journey of yoga from ancient India to modern studios around the world has been extraordinary. Sanskrit pays homage to the roots of yoga and helps us maintain a connection to its history and lineage. Even a single word, used with respect and reverence, is a way to acknowledge thousands of years of wisdom behind each posture.
- It unifies yoga across the world
Sanskrit is like a universal language for yoga around the world. Any yogi will know what Trikonāsana (Triangle Pose) is whether they’re in London, Melbourne, Mumbai or Bali. This helps teachers and students use a common vocabulary, even when they come from different cultures.
- It enhances meaning
The Sanskrit term for a pose or concept is usually far deeper than its English translation. For example, “asana” does not just mean “pose” or “posture” but also has qualities of steadiness, intention and a relationship between the body and breath. Learning the deeper meanings can enrich your practice beyond the physical shape.
- It supports mindfulness
Hearing Sanskrit in class can be a gentle way to signal to the nervous system that we are entering a different kind of space. Whether this space is more reflective, sacred or simply a shift from daily life. The unfamiliarity of the sounds can help to drop the mind into presence a little quicker.
Explaining common terms in your class
Learning a few words and terms is one of the most accessible ways for beginners to empower themselves in class. Here are some common words you will hear and what they mean.
- Āsana – posture or seat; the physical shapes we practice.
- Prāṇāyāma – breath work; working with the expansion and control of life force.
- Namaste – loosely translated as “I bow to you”; a gesture of respect and recognition.
- Savasana – “corpse pose”; the resting pose at the end of class.
- Vrksasana – tree pose (vrksa meaning tree).
- Adho Mukha Śvānāsana – downward-facing dog (śvāna meaning dog).
- Chaturanga Dandasana – four-limbed staff pose.
It is surprising how simple it is to recognise the common patterns of Sanskrit, like asana at the end of most pose names, once you know where to listen.
If you don’t know the words your teacher is using, you aren’t “less of a yogi”. A good teacher will always explain terms, or translate pose names, or offer an English equivalent. Sanskrit is a tool—not a barrier.
If it speaks to you, study it. If it doesn’t, let the words wash over you and support your practice through their sound and energy.
A gentle invitation to explore
If you’re curious, why not start with just one or two Sanskrit words you hear frequently in class? Notice how learning their meanings changes, even slightly, the way you move, breathe or settle into a posture. Over time you may find yourself recognising more and developing a deeper sense of connection—not just to the language but to your own practice.
Sanskrit isn’t here to intimidate you. It’s here to help you enrich your experience, deepen your understanding and gently remind you that yoga is a living tradition much bigger than any of us. And within that tradition, you are warmly welcome.
Join Emily at Mount Martha Yoga for more information and private yoga lessons or corporate yoga Mornington Peninsula.
