One of the challenges that you might face as a beginner in a yoga class is familiarizing yourself with Sanskrit yogic terms. In addition to the whole new setting, listening to incomprehensible words might overwhelm and confuse you.

This post is written to play the role of a cheat sheet, which you can use to give yourself a heads-up when attending a yoga class and not feel like an alien landed from another planet.

Before we get to the nitty-gritty of this post, let me tell you that yoga is an ancient Indian tradition that aims to bring balance and harmony to your body, mind, and spirit, to bring union to all parts of yourself.

It is not just a physical practice in which you get more bendy and fit (it can be that, but not only that); it is a holistic system that incorporates different elements that affect your mental health and overall well-being. And that is the reason why it can be so impactful. Of course, you might practice and see it solely as exercise. However, if you want to bring fundamental changes into your life, try practicing wholeheartedly and holistically; I guarantee you will be astounded by the results.

Before I explain basic yoga terms to you, let me first say that yoga has different styles and names. Some of the names of these different styles are Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa, and a few more. So don’t get confused when listening to these different names. If you want to learn more about these, read my relevant blog:  10 Types of Yoga- Which one is best for you?

Let us start now! Some of the common Yoga terms that you will listen to in a yoga class are the following:

• Asanas: Asanas refer to the physical postures performed during a yoga class. The main goal of Asanas is to help you connect with your breath, release tension in the body, and prepare yourself to sit comfortably in meditation.
• Pranayama: Pranayama is the sum of different breathing techniques that help calm the mind and reduce its fluctuations. The purpose of it is to quiet your thoughts and gain better control over them rather than letting them control you. In other words, it helps to calm your “monkey brain” that jumps from one thought to another and allows you to take charge of your mind.
• OM: Representing the essence of the Universe, it is considered to be the sound that symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings.
• Savasana: It is an integral part of a yoga lesson that should not be omitted. Savasana is designed to help the body relax and recover after the physical practice of Asanas and also prepares the mind for the next stage, which is Pranayama.
• Chakras: Chakras are energy centers located along the spine that help maintain a harmonious balance, preserving and restoring overall well-being. Each chakra develops during a specific stage of our life and affects a particular aspect.
• Mantras: Mantras are an essential component of a holistic yoga practice. They consist of sounds (like OM) that can be used to control our minds, whether repeated out loud or silently. If you chant mantras wholeheartedly, you can tap into their power and allow their sound to take control over your conscious and unconscious mind.
• Mudras: Mudras are hand gestures that have symbolic significance and are often used during meditation or combined with Pranayama. The primary purpose of using Mudras is to stimulate various body parts, and they are closely linked to breathing and the flow of prana.
• Prana: It is the vital energy that exists in all things and the one we need to perform all our activities like breathing, talking, moving, etc. The state of this energy directly affects our physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth.

These are some of the most common Sanskrit words in a yoga class. There are many more, but learning those is an excellent way to start.

Now let me give you some tips regarding those terms:

• The most important tip is to ask your teacher before or after the class what something means if you don’t understand it.
• If you want to learn more about something specific, search online.
• If you want to go the extra mile, keep a yoga journal and notes about the new words you learn and their meaning.

After practicing for a while (the amount of time varies from person to person), you become less focused on all the new things you hear and experience in a yoga class. That helps you delve deeper into the practice.

Of course, this requires a significant amount of time and dedication. Emphasize the importance of having a regular practice and be patient in learning and integrating these new concepts.

REMEMBER that only consistent practice and repetition will deepen your understanding of these terms beyond just mental comprehension and will help you reap the benefits of the practice.