Sanskrit is the ancient Indian Language that you hear in your Yoga class.
Why do we still use it? Is it to show off our lingual skills or to confuse you?
The truth is. Logistically it is easy to use the Sanskrit word to both attend or Teach a class anywhere in the world. Having our own language makes everyone know the pose in what ever country we practice. We also find some words get confused in Translation. Crane pose can sometimes be called Crow, and so on. Yoga Asana (Pose) can be pretty tough to perfect so lets leave the confusion of translation of different animals out of the equation.
The other reason why we use Sanskrit is the sheer beauty and complexity of the language that you just can’t Translate into English with out whole paragraphs to capture the essence of one word.
Nameste. We all know and Use this word when we attend our Class.
Nameste pending on when and how it is used can mean many different things all along the lines of recognising and worshiping the place within ourselves and others where we unite as one.
Heres an Example.
I honour the place within you that is made of pure light. I honour the place within me that is made of pure light, when you dwell within that place of light within you and I dwell within the place of light within me we are connected equally as one. Brightening the light for all and each other. Indicating the sharing of love, peace, healing, joy, and showing a connection on a cosmic level, above race, wealth, Knowledge and so on. So much attached to this small word. How could we possible say all of that at the end of our class. It would become like the disclaimer at the end of the political ads.
The word Yoga Gets translated into Union. To join or to Yolk. Taken from the connection of chariots fastened together for battle. The use of the word Yoga in the Yogic texts refers to the action of concentration specifically on achieving Samadhi or a state of blissful enlightenment.
The interesting thing about being able to reach Samadhi is the disassociation or the withdrawal of the ego mind. Controlling the fluctuations of the mind and eliminating the ego and perceived realities taken from personal perception. The Elimination of expectation attached to action. “If I meditate I will become calm.” When expectation is attached to the action we will never live up to our desires.
So as a result Yoga being the word meaning Union or connection is actually a word to describe the action and concentration on withdrawal from rather than to unite with.
Nowadays Yoga simply means going to Class and doing your Downward facing dog to most of us but having a background knowledge of a few Sanskrit words can enhance our understanding and deepen our appreciation to this art form that has so many benefits to us in the hectic modern world.