Over the summer I received my yoga teacher's certification and through this process realized how unique and specific the language is in the yogic tradition. For starters, the native language of yoga is an ancient Indian language known as Sanskrit. All of the words, phrases, and techniques for yoga are said in Sanskrit. Over the summer I became well acquainted with these terms and memorized quite a few terms describing postures, breathing techniques, and states of mind. Here are a few of the translations for yoga positions that you may encounter if you are ever in a yoga class:
bhujangasana: cobra pose
adho mukha svinasana: downward facing dog
vhirabadrasana: warrior pose
In any of these poses, the word "asana" is used at the end of the word. "Asana" means position. So, for example, " Ardha Matsyandrasana" breaks down to "ardha"= Half, "matsy"= Fish, "yan"=lord and "asana"=Pose. So Matsyandrasana translates to "Half Lord of the Fishes Pose." We use Asanas to help students get into positions during yoga class, and also to help keep the Indian tradition in mind during class. Similarly, Sanskrit is used to convey various types of breathing exercises used in class. These cannot fully be translated, but do have special meanings of their own. Here are a few:
Puraka: Breath that extends the inhale so it is longer than the exhale.
Recaka: Breath that extends the exhale so it is longer than the inhale,
Nadi Shadoni: Alternating nostril breath
Ujayi: Victorious Breath, or breath that is audible.
These are just a few examples of the complex and intricate language of Sanskrit used in the yoga community. It is a sacred and traditional language, often said to be the "natural" language of humans because its vibrations mirror those that are closest to the natural rhythm of the breath and psyche. During meditation, the Sanskrit words "Hom" and "Sah" are used during each inhale and exhale because they reflect the natural sound of the breath. "Hom" is used for the inhale and "Sah" for the exhale. These words also translate to English as "I am that."
This is only a surface level analysis of Sanskrit and its meanings in yoga, but it is still insight into the yogic tradition nonethless.
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4 comments:
I learned about sanskrit in my Western Mythology class, and how many languages have developed out of sanskrit. I have been to yoga classes, and done the positions, and heard the music, but haven't been too exposed to the specific language. I feel like yoga has gotten so popular that as you have found, only when studied more deeply, or been openly exposed to the larger community will you discover the language that is the foundation of it. Do you teach yoga classes on campus?
Wow! I had no idea that yoga was from there! It is really interesting what all those terms translate to. Do you use the original terms in class? Or are their American terms that you use instead? I want to start taking yoga classes. It is interesting that yoga has a whole language to it even though it is a fitness activity.
That's so great. My friend, Alex, is really into yoga and has been doing yoga with me for a few weeks, and it's absolutely fabulous. The fact that you are hardcore, probably means you're one fit, flexible person. Impressive. The language itself seems so difficult to me, just because it's not a recognziable system. I know that with German, my exchange student was telling me that you can do the same kind of thing, where you just stick words together to make a new word and it works as a phrase. I find that fascinating. Maybe I should ask Delahunty about that. Sike. I'd rather just pass the class, thanks! Anyway, I think this post gives us insight into your personality, and your dedication, and your intelligence. To be active in yoga you have ot have a blend of mind and body working together, and I can see your dedication by the fact that you even know those terms, let alone can break them down and make them understandable to us!
Just replying to your question about the "chocolate language"... it actually doesn't take long at all, maybe about a week or two since your so immersed in it while trianing ;) And you work by yourself only when you feel ready.
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