Sanskrit in Yoga Classes: Should You Use It?

How much Sanskrit should a yoga teacher incorporate into their class? This is a common question, especially for instructors striving to balance tradition with accessibility. I vividly remember how confused I felt when I first started my yoga journey. My teachers often used Sanskrit terms and phrases, and while the language sounded beautifully resonant—almost magical—it also left me feeling a bit frustrated. As a beginner, I was already overwhelmed trying to focus on syncing my breath with my movements and body awareness. Adding unfamiliar terminology to the mix made it even harder for me to stay present. Over time, I grew to appreciate the use of Sanskrit in the context of yoga, but it certainly took some adjustment.

Of course, everyone’s experience is different. Some may feel the same confusion or resistance that I did, while others might immediately appreciate the foreign yet poetic quality of Sanskrit. So, should you incorporate Sanskrit into your classes? The answer isn’t black and white, but there are a few key factors that can help guide your decision—and they all come down to your students' level of experience.

Walking into an advanced yoga class with practitioners who have 5 to 10 years (or more) of experience is vastly different from teaching a beginner’s foundation class. As teachers, it’s essential to assess the level of your students and adapt your language accordingly. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine how much Sanskrit to use in your classes:

Sanskrit for Beginners

For brand-new students, even getting in touch with their breath and body can be a challenge. Adding unfamiliar Sanskrit terminology on top of that might overwhelm or distract them rather than inspire them. Phrases like "embrace Garudasana" or "let’s flow from Adho Mukha Svanasana to Eka Pada Rajakapotasana" are likely to cause confusion.

In beginner classes, it’s best to limit or avoid Sanskrit entirely. If you do choose to introduce it, always follow up a Sanskrit term with its English equivalent. For example, you might say: "We’ll begin with three rounds of Surya Namaskara—or, in English, sun salutations." This approach helps new students ease into the practice without feeling lost.

Sanskrit for Intermediate Students

Intermediate students are likely to have attended enough yoga classes to encounter some Sanskrit terms. By this stage, they’ll be familiar with a few key phrases, and they may even enjoy the challenge of learning new ones. You can feel comfortable using a moderate amount of Sanskrit in these classes, balancing it with clear explanations or context to ensure students understand.

Sanskrit for Advanced Students

In advanced classes, the use of Sanskrit is almost a given. Students who have practiced for years or even decades will have naturally picked up most of the asana names and common cues. Advanced practitioners can easily follow a class led primarily in Sanskrit, whether it’s for asanas, transitions, or even counts. In these settings, Sanskrit not only feels appropriate but also honours the deep roots of yoga.

The key is to meet your students where they are in their yoga journey. Start by assessing how much they can absorb and adapt your language accordingly. For beginners, simplicity and clarity are essential. For more experienced students, Sanskrit can add depth and a sense of connection to the practice.

Above all, using Sanskrit thoughtfully and respectfully helps bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern teaching. It allows us to honour yoga's origins while creating a space where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.