Sanskrit Words: The Ultimate Yoga Glossary

The first time you walk into a yoga class, you might hear words like Pranayama, Shavasana, or Namasté — and wonder what on earth they mean. You are in very good company. These words come from Sanskrit, the ancient language that forms the very backbone of yoga. Far from being exotic-sounding labels, Sanskrit words carry centuries of philosophical meaning, spiritual depth, and practical wisdom. Learning even a handful of these terms can genuinely transform the way you experience yoga, both on and off the mat.

This comprehensive Sanskrit words yoga glossary is designed for beginners just getting started and intermediate practitioners who want to go deeper. We cover foundational Sanskrit Terms, asana names, pranayama techniques, meditation vocabulary, and Yoga Philosophy — all explained in plain, easy-to-read English.

What Is Sanskrit and Why Do Yogis Use It?

Sanskrit is one of the oldest documented languages in human history, with roots tracing back to approximately 1700–1200 BCE in the Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the Indo-European language family — sharing linguistic ancestry with Latin, Greek, and Persian — and served as the sacred language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Although Sanskrit is no longer spoken as an everyday language, it remains powerfully alive through yoga. The foundational texts of the tradition — the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads — are all written in Sanskrit. Nearly every yoga pose, breathing technique, and philosophical concept carries a Sanskrit name that preserves its original meaning across millennia.

Using Sanskrit in yoga is not about exclusivity. It is about honoring a living tradition and staying genuinely connected to the true roots of the practice.

The Meaning of ‘Yoga’ in Sanskrit

Before diving into the glossary, it is worth understanding the word yoga itself. Yoga derives from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite.’ In its deepest sense, yoga describes the union of the individual self with universal consciousness — achieved through postures, breathwork, meditation, and ethical living.

This is why Yoga Philosophy places equal importance on how we live and how we move. Yoga was never intended as exercise alone. It is a complete system for human flourishing.

A Simple Guide to Pronouncing Sanskrit Words

Good news: Sanskrit is largely phonetic. Once you know the sound patterns, pronunciation becomes far more approachable. Here are the key rules:

The best approach is to listen to experienced teachers and practice speaking aloud. These sounds become natural with time and consistent exposure.

Part 1: General Sanskrit Terms Every Yogi Should Know

These words appear constantly in classes, workshops, and yogic texts. They form your essential starter vocabulary.

Part 2: Sanskrit Words for Yoga Styles and Practices

Most yoga styles carry Sanskrit names that describe their essential character and approach.

The Major Yoga Styles

Hatha Yoga is the foundation of most physical yoga traditions. Hatha literally means ‘stubborn,’ reflecting its disciplined approach. It is also understood as the balance of ha (sun energy) and tha (moon energy), bringing opposing forces into harmony.

Vinyasa Yoga is a fluid, dynamic practice where breath drives every movement. The word vinyasa describes the intentional, mindful placement of breath with each transition.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga follows a fixed, vigorous sequence of postures. It draws its name from Patanjali’s Eight Limbs — ashta (eight) + anga (limb).

Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative style where poses are held for three to five minutes, targeting connective tissues and cultivating stillness.

Kundalini Yoga aims to awaken dormant energy coiled at the base of the spine through breathwork, movement, and chanting.

Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja Yoga represent the four classical paths described in the Vedic tradition — devotion, selfless action, knowledge, and self-discipline — each a distinct route toward liberation.

Part 3: Sanskrit Names for Common Yoga Poses (Asanas)

Many Sanskrit asana names contain helpful prefix clues that reveal the shape, orientation, or character of a pose.

Handy Sanskrit Prefixes in Pose Names

• Ardha = Half — e.g., Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
• Supta = Reclining — e.g., Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle)
• Urdhva = Upward — e.g., Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)
• Parivrtta = Revolved/Twisted — e.g., Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle)
• Viparita = Inverted/Opposite — e.g., Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall)
• Eka Pada = One foot/leg — e.g., Eka Pada Kapotasana (One-Legged Pigeon)
• Purna = Full/Complete — e.g., Purna Chakrasana (Full Wheel Pose)
• Baddha = Bound — e.g., Baddha Konasana (Cobbler’s Pose)
• Parshva = Side — e.g., Parshva Kakasana (Side Crow Pose)

Essential Asana Reference Table

Part 4: Sanskrit Terms for Pranayama (Breathwork)

Pranayama combines prana (life-force) and ayama (expansion) — literally, the expansion of vital energy through conscious breath. It is the fourth of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs and one of yoga’s most transformative practices.

A key element of pranayama practice is the Bandha (‘lock’) — an internal muscular seal that redirects prana within the body. The three primary bandhas are Mula Bandha (root lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), and Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock).

Part 5: Sanskrit Terms for Meditation

Part 6: Yoga and Vedic Philosophy — Key Sanskrit Terms

This is where Sanskrit Terms connect to the intellectual and spiritual tradition that yoga grew from. These concepts form the backbone of Yoga Philosophy and appear throughout teacher training, classical texts, and advanced study.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras describe an eight-part path to liberation. Each limb is named in Sanskrit:

1. Yamas — Ethical guidelines: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (responsible energy use), Aparigraha (non-greed)
2. Niyamas — Personal disciplines: Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine)
3. Asana — Physical postures that prepare body and mind
4. Pranayama — Breath control and expansion of life-force
5. Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions
6. Dharana — Concentrated focus on a single object or point
7. Dhyana — Unbroken meditative awareness
8. Samadhi — Complete absorption; enlightened union with reality

The Seven Chakras

In Yoga Philosophy, the body contains seven primary energy centers. Understanding them deepens both asana and meditation practice.

Essential Vedic Philosophy Terms

How to Use Sanskrit Words in Your Practice

You do not need to memorize a full dictionary before stepping onto your mat. Here is a practical approach:

1. Start with what you hear most. Learn the names of poses you practice regularly before expanding outward.
2. Use both names together. Saying Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) creates a paired memory anchor that genuinely sticks.
3. Master the prefixes. Words like ardha (half), supta (reclining), and parivrtta (revolved) apply across many poses — learn these first for multiplied impact.
4. Explore Mantras. Understanding the meaning behind chanted sounds deepens their meditative effect considerably.
5. Study Mudras. These hand gestures are intricately connected to the flow of prana and have been used in meditation for thousands of years.
6. Be patient with yourself. Language acquisition takes time. Every Sanskrit word you learn is a genuine step toward a richer, more grounded practice.

Conclusion: Unlock the Full Depth of Yoga Through Its Language

Learning Sanskrit words is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your yoga journey. When you know that Shavasana means ‘Corpse Pose’ and reflects a practice of ego dissolution, or that Trikonasana literally traces the geometry of a triangle, the entire practice takes on a richer dimension.

Sanskrit is yoga’s mother tongue, and even a working knowledge of its vocabulary will help you feel more at home in any class, any tradition, and anywhere in the yogic world. Start with a handful of words. Build from there. Let the language itself become part of your practice.

Ready to go deeper? Explore our related guides on Yoga Philosophy, Mantras, Mudras, and Sanskrit Terms to continue your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions