Speak No Sanskrit?
No Worries

All those foreign-sounding yoga terms can be intimidating. So you’re not lost in translation, here’s a dime-sized yoga dictionary that’ll have you fluent—or at least faking it convincingly.

SHAKTI (SHOCK-tee)
In Sanskrit, means “power” or “energy.” Typically refers to the power of the god Siva, which pervades all of existence; the pure consciousness of all form. Manifestations include kriya shakti (action) and icha shakti (desire, love). 


SURYA NAMASKAR (SUE-ree-ah NAH-mas-car)
Also known as Sun Salutation. A series of poses that warms up the body including Downward Dog, Cobra, and Standing Forward Bend.

TADASANA (TAH-dah-sah-nah)
Meet Mountain Pose. Just stand upright with your feet together, arms at your side, and head erect. This pose looks like the old-school diving board move known as “pencil.”

VIRABHADRASANA (vi-ra-BAH-dras-ah-nah)
A standing pose with one bent knee that makes your thighs burn. There are also variations such as Warrior II, with the arms extended to the sides instead of overhead. Warrior III is a one-legged balancing act (the Sanskrit term for “face plant’’ is unknown).


More for Beginners:
Don’t Worry…Start Here
Flow Chart
The First Timer’s Guide to the Right Class

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