Just like any tradition, craft, skill or art form, there are non-English words which are specific to it.  French language is used for ballet, Latin for Catholicism or the sciences, and Greek for yogurt (hah!).   Yoga's got Sanskirt.     

 

Some instructors are sticklers about using Sanskrit.  They expect their students to learn the names for the poses.  There are always a few (or many) puzzled students peeking at their neighbor to figure out what in the hell they're supposed to be doing.  A few students will know and everyone else falls in line.  Other teachers use a combo approach (I do), using the Sanskrit word followed by the English translation, like ardha-chandrasana-half-moon, as of it's one word.   In some classes, there is very little Sanskrit or none at all.  Every teacher has their reasons why they do what they do and I won't debate it, although I could. 

  

Here are a few of the most common Sanskrit terms you may hear in class:

  

Savasana -  You all know what this is.  Many people struggle through the class just for the opportunity to finally lay on their backs and rest (ah!).   It's important and difficult.  You're asked to let go of everything, surrender and be still and this can be tough for some.  And, unfortunately, many classes don't give enough time for this pose.  Note:  Impress your teacher and fellow yogis by pronouncing savasana correctly, like "shovel".   

 

Tadasana - This is "mountain pose" where you stand still upright, taking the best posture you can, stacking your head over your shoulders over your hips over your ankles.   It can be also referred to as samasthiti (equal standing).  

  

Namaste - If you're lucky enough to take one of Ann Austin's classes, she always closes her class with the definition:  "the light in me sees the light in you."  It's a common greeting in India, coming and going, between young and old and friends and strangers.  Like a pumped up "aloha".  

  

Om Shanti - This is often at the end of class, following any closing chant: Om shanti, shanti, shanti.  Shanti means peace. It's often chanted three times meaning the Threefold Peace in body, speech, and mind (i.e. peace in the entirety of one's being).   

 

What do you think?  Do you prefer to hear your teacher use Sanskrit or an English translation.  As always, I appreciate your thoughts.