The Language of Yoga: Complete A-to-Y Guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants

by Nicolai Bachman

Overview

NOTE: To access the audio practices that accompany this book, visit the URL located at the top of the Table of Contents page.

An in-depth reference guide to the vast majority of Sanskrit posture names, terms, and chants used in yoga.
 
Ashtanga. Adhomukhashvanasana, Chakra. Prana. The complex terminology of yoga can be overwhelming to someone new to the practice.
 
For longtime Sanskrit and yoga scholar Nicolai Bachman, these words are not just foreign terms to be memorized and recited during practice. In The Language of Yoga, Bachman shows that each syllable is a door to deeper, richer engagement with yoga not only as a physical exercise, but as a living, vibrating connection to the life force of this tradition. Providing translation, cultural significance, and precise pronunciation for more than 200 illustrated asanas, The Language of Yoga is the definitive guide to the modern usage of Sanskrit. You will also discover:
Why the exploration of yoga philosophy complements and enriches the physical practiceCorrect spelling and pronunciation of common terms you’ll likely encounter in the studioMudras and chants for different life circumstancesDownloadable audio files for pronunciation of hundreds of terms and posture namesMore than just a supplement to your yoga practice, The Language of Yoga vividly illuminates an ancient system of sacred syllables that resonate deep in the subtle body. Whether you’re a passionate enthusiast or a curious beginner, The Language of Yoga offers an invaluable reference guide for any explorer of the yogic path. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781622035885
Publisher:	Sounds True, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/15/2015
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
Sales rank:	454,200
File size:	35 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Nicolai Bachman
Nicolai Bachman grew up a very curious introvert whose father and grandfather both had a philosophical mindset. After studying hard-style, then soft-style martial arts, he began learning yoga postures, then meditation, and then encountered Ayurveda, which was not well-known in America in 1991. He followed his heart, quit his job, and spent the next several years studying Ayurveda, Sanskrit, chanting, and yoga philosophy with the best teachers he could find. Every science/practice from India that he was exposed to drew him deeper into the wonderful matrix of Vedic wisdom. Along the way, Nicolai earned formal credentials in the form of an MA in Eastern Philosophy, an MS in Nutrition, and an E-RYT 500 registration.
 
Nicolai studied extensively in mostly one-on-one or small-class environments at the American Sanskrit Institute, the Ayurvedic Institute, the American Institute of Vedic Studies, and the Vedic Chant Center. His education combines informal, traditional study with the academic rigor of university classes. He has a knack for synthesizing and organizing complex topics into simple and understandable presentations, expressed in the classes he teaches and in his publications which include The Language of Yoga, The Path of the Yoga Sutras, The Language of Ayurveda, The Language of Jyotisha, and 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards. Nicolai actively teaches to groups and individuals both virtually and in-person. Learn more at sanskritsounds.com.
 

Nicolai Bachman has been teaching Sanskrit, chanting, yoga philosophy, and Ayurveda since 1994. He has a knack for synthesizing and organizing complex topics into simple and understandable presentations. His education combines informal, traditional study with the academic rigor of university classes. Nicolai has studied extensively at the American Sanskrit Institute, the Ayurvedic Institute, the American Institute of Vedic Studies, and the Vedic Chant Center. He holds an MA in Eastern philosophy, an MS in nutrition, and is E-RYT 500 certified. Nicolai’s publications include The Language of Yoga, The Path of the Yoga Sutras, The Language of Ayurveda, and 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards. For more, visit sanskritsounds.com.

Table of Contents

Preface to the New Edition xi

Introduction 1

Session 1 The Language of Yoga

Chants for Your Practice 7

Gananam Tva 9

Chant to Sarasvati 10

Yogena Cittasya 11

Vande Gurunam 12

Mangala Mantra 13

Siva Mantra 14

Chant to Krsnamacarya 15

Yoga Sutras of Patañjali 16

Yoga Terms 17

Astanga 18

Yamas 19

Niyamas 19

Animals 20

Bandhas 21

Body Parts 22

Cakras 23

Deities and Sages 24

Directions and Positions 25

Drstis 26

Elements 27

Klesas 27

Mudras 28

Numbers 30

Pranayama 31

Sat-Karmas 32

Texts 33

Upanisads 34

Vayus 35

Vedas 35

General Yoga Terms 36

Session 2 asana Names

Astanga Sequences 43

Astanga First Series 45

Invocation Chant: Vande Gurunam 45

Sun-Salutation A 46

Sun-Salutation B 47

Standing Postures 48

Seated Postures 50

Finishing Postures 53

Astanga First Series Summary 55

Astanga Second Series 56

Astanga Second Series Summary 60

Astanga Third Series 61

Astanga Third Series Summary 65

asana Names 67

A 69

B 72

C 75

D 77

E 79

G 82

H 84

J 85

K 86

L 89

M 90

N 92

P 93

R 100

S 101

T 107

U 109

V 113

Indices 117

asana Name Synonyms 118

English Names Index 120

Sanskrit Alphabet and Pronunciation Guide 138

About the Author 141

Editorial Reviews

This book should, without a doubt, be in the yoga library of every teacher and serious student.” –Yoga Journal

From the Publisher