Understanding Sanskrit: A Guide to Essential Terms and Phrases

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1. Āsana (आसन) [ˈɑːsənə]

Meaning: Posture or seat.

Every pose is an āsana and a place to sit with yourself, whether standing tall or lying still.

2. Prāṇa (प्राण) [ˈprɑːnə]

Meaning: Life force, breath.

Breath as the invisible thread that connects body, mind, and spirit like the waves landing on the shore or ripples as the wind gently awakens the silent lakes.

3. Śavāsana (शवासन) [Ʃəˈvɑːsənə]

Meaning: Corpse pose, deep rest.

A surrender to stillness, where we let go and allow the body to absorb the practice.

4. Mudita (मुदिता) [ˈmuː.dɪ.tə]

Meaning: Joy in others’ joy.

A reminder that happiness multiplies when shared, such a the unexpected smile to brighten your day.

5. Śānti (शान्ति) [ˈsæn.ti]

Meaning: Peace.

Often chanted three times (Śānti, Śānti, Śānti) to invite peace into body, mind, and the wider world.

6. Namaste (नमस्ते) [ˈnʌməsteɪ]

Meaning: “I bow to you.”

A gesture of respect and recognition, the light in me honours the light in you. A greeting in many cultures. In yoga classes, this gesture often accompanies the spoken word Namaste as a way for teachers and students to honour one another.