Sanskrit Basics for Yogis

Sanskrit Glossary

A

Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward Facing Dog Ahimsa: Nonviolence Ajna: Third Eye Chakra Anahata: Heart Chakra Aparigraha: Non-attachment/ non-greed Ardha Matsyendrasana: Seated Half Spinal Twist Ardha: Half Ardha Chandrasana: Half Moon Pose Asana: A steady, comfortable posture Ashtanga: The Eight Limbs of Yoga (elaborate) Asteya: Nonstealing

B

Balasana: Child’s Pose Bandha : An energetic body lock Bhujangasana : Cobra Pose Brahmacharya: Moderation

C

Chakra : Energy center in the body Chaturanga Dandasana : Four Limbed Staff Pose

D

Deerga Swaasam: 3 Part Breathing Dhanurasana: Bow Pose Dharana: Concentration Dhyana: Meditation

G

Garudasana: Eagle Pose

H

Hatha: Sun-moon, physical aspect of yoga.

I

Isvarapranidhana: Surrender

J

Jalandhara Bandha: Throat Lock Janusirshasana: Head to Knee Pose

K

Kappalabhati: Skull Shining Breath/ Rapid diaphragmatic breathing Kleshas: Afflictions, include: Avidya- ignorance, Asmita- “I am” ness (egoism), Raga- attachment, Dvesha- repulsion, Abhinivesha- will to live Koshas: Layers/sheaths of our being (5) Annamaya kosha, Pranamaya kosha, Manomaya Kosha, Vijananamaya kosha, and Anandamaya kosha.

M

Manipura: Solar Plexus Chakra Mantra: Mystic sounds representing a particular aspect of the divine vibration. Used as an object for meditation. Matyasana: Fish Pose Mudra: Energetic seal, often a hand gesture. Mula bandha: Root lock; perineum/cervix retraction Muladhara: Root Chakra

N

Nadi Suddhi: Alternate Nostril Breathing Namaste: The divine light in me honors the divine light in you. A common greeting in Hindu cultures. Natarajasana: Dancer’s Pose Netra Vyaayamam: Eye Exercises Niyama: Observances including 5 ethical precepts

O

Om: Sacred sound vibration.

P

Parsvakonasana: Extended Side Angle Paschimotanasana: Seated Forward Bend Prana: Energy/life force Pranayama: Breathing exercises

S

Salabasana: Locust Pose Santosha: Contentment Sarvangasana: Shoulderstand Satya: Truthfulness Saucha: Purity Savasana: Corpse Pose Setu Bandhasana: Bridge Pose Sirsasana: Headstand Pose Sukhasana: Easy Sitting Pose Surya Namaskara: Sun Salutation Swadisthana: Sacral Chakra Svadhyaya: Self study and study of spiritual books

T

Tadasana: Mountain Pose Tapas: Discipline Trikonasana: Triangle Pose

U

Uddiyana Bandha: Upward Flying Lock Urdhva Mukha Svanasana : Upward Facing Dog Pose Ustrasana: Camel Pose Utkatasana: Chair Pose Uttanasana: Standing Forward Bend/Standing Forward Fold

V

Vasisthasana: Side Plank Pose Virabhadrasana I, II, II: Warrior 1, 2, & 3 Vishuddi: Throat Chakra Vriksasana: Tree Pose

Y

Yamas: Restraints that promote inner peace and avoid behaviors that bring suffering and difficulty Yoga: To yoke; Union Yoga Nidra: Yogic Sleep

Author Recent Posts Follow me Autumn Adams Owner, Founder, & Retreat Leader at Ambuja Yoga Autumn founded Ambuja Yoga in 2014 to share her love of adventure, yoga, and travel with her fellow yogis. Ambuja Yoga has morphed into more than she could have ever dreamed and she is thrilled to have a “job” she loves. She is forever grateful for the opportunity to facilitate personal growth and self love through yoga while taking yogis to off-the-beaten-path destinations worldwide. Follow Autumn on Instagram @autumnadamsyoga. Follow me Latest posts by Autumn Adams ( see all ) The Ultimate Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on a Long-Haul Flight ✈️ – December 8, 2025 Top Women’s Yoga Retreats in Oregon for 2026 – November 27, 2025 What to Bring for a Yoga Retreat in Patagonia: Your Complete Packing Guide for Tawa Refugio (or Any Adventure in Patagonia) – November 4, 2025

Sanskrit Basics for Yogis