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YOGA: What does it all mean?

Have you ever been in a yoga class and wondered what it all means?

Namaste? Om? Chaturanga? Savasana?

Why can’t we just speak English?


The truth is — we can. And often, I do.


But the words you hear in a yoga class come from Sanskrit, an ancient language that sits at the heart of yoga’s cultural and spiritual history. You could teach ballet entirely in English, but traditionally the movements are taught in French. The language carries the lineage. The movement is the language — not the other way around.


In the same way, Sanskrit has been woven into yoga for thousands of years, with roots dating back to around 500 BCE across South Asia. Often referred to as “the language of the gods,” Sanskrit was originally preserved through oral tradition — passed down through chants, hymns and stories long before it was written on palm-leaf manuscripts.


Using Sanskrit thoughtfully helps keep yoga connected to its philosophical roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Beyond literal translation, the sounds and vibrations of the language are considered meaningful in Indian culture, adding another layer of depth to practice.


This is why I use Sanskrit terms in my classes — when I feel confident in my pronunciation (I am still learning). I usually pair them with English translations so that students feel included rather than confused. My intention is not to impress, but to honour where yoga comes from while making it accessible to modern practitioners.



Yoga in the Modern World

Many contemporary yoga classes look very different from traditional practices. Adaptation is natural — yoga has always evolved across time and geography. Bodies are different, lifestyles are different, and accessibility matters.

However, as yoga has grown in popularity in the West, it has often been marketed primarily as a workout or fitness trend. Sometimes the cultural and philosophical foundations get simplified or lost along the way.

There’s nothing wrong with coming to yoga for strength, flexibility or stress relief. Those benefits are real and valuable. But yoga is more than shapes on a mat. It is a philosophical system, a contemplative practice, and a cultural tradition with deep roots.

As a teacher, I focus on building strong foundations. In my classes, I aim to offer:

  • A moment of philosophy or reflection

  • Breathwork to regulate the nervous system

  • Foundational asana (postures) with safe, adaptable alignment

  • Savasana — intentional rest

  • Space for questions and curiosity

I can’t give someone everything there is to know about yoga in one class. But I can offer an experience that might spark a deeper interest.

If you’re curious to learn more about yoga’s history and how to appreciate its culture respectfully, The Roots of Yoga by Nikita Desai is an accessible starting point.



Some Key Terms You Might Hear


Namaste

Literally translated as “I bow to you,” namaste is a traditional greeting of respect. Some interpret it as “the divine in me honours the divine in you,” reflecting the Hindu belief that divinity resides in everyone.

There is debate about whether namaste should close a yoga class. Personally, I choose to use it. For me, it signals gratitude and respect — both for my students and for the tradition that allows me to teach.

There is never pressure to say it back.


Om (Aum)

Om is considered a sacred sound and mantra in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is often described as the primordial sound of the universe.

The three sounds — A, U and M — symbolise different aspects of existence, including creation, preservation and dissolution, as well as the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and deep sleep.

Chanting Om isn’t required in yoga practice, but when used intentionally, it can serve as a grounding and unifying sound.


Savasana

Often translated as “corpse pose,” savasana is the final posture of most classes, where students lie down in stillness.

Although it may appear simple, it is one of the most important parts of practice. This is where the nervous system integrates movement, breath and awareness. It is rest — but purposeful rest.


Chaturanga

Short for Chaturanga Dandasana, meaning “four-limbed staff pose,” this is a foundational strength posture commonly used in vinyasa-style classes. When practiced with proper alignment, it builds upper body and core strength.


Uttanasana

Meaning “intense stretch pose,” uttanasana is a standing forward fold. Beyond stretching the hamstrings, it encourages introspection and grounding — a moment to turn inward.



Yoga can absolutely improve strength, mobility and fitness. But it is also a living tradition shaped by centuries of philosophy and practice.

When we move, breathe and even speak within that context, we participate in something much bigger than a workout.

And that, to me, is what makes yoga worth teaching.




References:


1: Yoga Studies: An introduction to Sanskrit, the language of yoga https://www.yogicstudies.com/blog/an-introduction-to-sanskrit


2: The Roots of Yoga, Nikita Desai



4: Hindu American Foundation: 5 things to know about Om, Syama Allard (2020) https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-om

 
 
 

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