Sanskrit & Sacred Language
Key Sanskrit terms, their meanings, and pronunciation guides.
Terms in This Category
43 termsSanskrit
The ancient language of yoga—considered a sacred vibration language.
Drishti
Focused gaze point—used in asana practice to develop concentration.
Mudra
Sacred hand gestures that direct energy flow and deepen meditation.
Anjali Mudra
Prayer position with palms together at the heart—a gesture of honor and gratitude.
Gyan Mudra
Wisdom gesture—thumb and index finger touching, promoting concentration.
Chin Mudra
Consciousness gesture—similar to gyan mudra with palms facing up.
Vishnu Mudra
Hand position used for alternate nostril breathing.
Surya
The sun—associated with masculine energy, heat, and the pingala nadi.
Chandra
The moon—associated with feminine energy, coolness, and the ida nadi.
Ananda
Bliss—the state of supreme joy that is our true nature.
Sat-Chit-Ananda
Being-Consciousness-Bliss—the three aspects of ultimate reality.
Veda
Knowledge—the root word for the sacred Vedic texts.
Tantra (Definition)
Literally "loom" or "weave"—techniques for expanding consciousness.
Yoga (Definition)
From "yuj" meaning to yoke or unite—the union of individual and universal consciousness.
Vinyasa (Definition)
From "vi" (in a special way) and "nyasa" (to place)—conscious arrangement of movement and breath.
Sanskrit
Ancient sacred language of yoga and Hindu texts.
Mantra
Sacred word or phrase repeated for spiritual effect.
Om (Aum)
Sacred primordial sound representing universal consciousness.
Namaste
Greeting honoring the divine in another person.
Shanti
Peace—often chanted three times for body, mind, spirit.
Sat Nam
Truth is my identity—seed mantra in Kundalini yoga.
Om Namah Shivaya
Mantra honoring Shiva and inner consciousness.
Gayatri Mantra
Ancient Vedic mantra invoking divine illumination.
Lokah Samastah
Prayer for the happiness of all beings.
So Ham
I am That—mantra connecting individual to universal.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Buddhist mantra of compassion invoking the jewel in the lotus.
Asana
Yoga posture or seat for meditation.
Pranayama
Yogic breath control and life force regulation.
Mudra
Symbolic hand gesture directing energy flow.
Bandha
Energy lock used in yoga practice.
Drishti
Focused gaze point during yoga practice.
Vinyasa
Breath-synchronized movement linking poses.
Surya
Sun—associated with solar energy and vitality.
Chandra
Moon—associated with lunar energy and receptivity.
Guru
Spiritual teacher who dispels darkness.
Satsang
Gathering in the company of truth and wisdom.
Seva
Selfless service as spiritual practice.
Samskara
Mental impressions and habitual patterns from past actions.
Sankalpa
Heartfelt intention or resolve for transformation.
Svadhyaya
Self-study and study of sacred texts.
Ishvara Pranidhana
Surrender to the divine or higher power.
Tapas
Disciplined effort and burning zeal in practice.
Brahmacharya
Energy management, often translated as celibacy.
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