How Is Your Sanskrit?

Sanskrit in Sanskrit

Sanskrit is a language of ancient India (3,500 years old) and is the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, the predominant language of most works of Hindu philosophy as well as some of the principal texts of Buddhism and Jainism.

It was the lingua franca of ancient and medieval India.In the early 1st millennium CE, along with Buddhism and Hinduism, Sanskrit migrated to Southeast Asia, parts of East Asia and Central Asia. It became the language of high culture and of the ruling elites.

Sanskrit words have been and still are the secret language of Yoga.

You probably know some Sanskrit: Karma and Nirvana are ancient Sanskrit words. But there are other Sanskrit words that are very good at summing up large principles of guiding one's life.

Here is a quick primer on some Sanskrit:

• Santosha = contentment and finding a feeling of content no matter what your circumstances may be. 
• Ananda = bliss, that state of utter joy and fulfillment.
• Mantra is another fairly common word, especially if you have seriously studied mediation. It is defined as a mind instrument - not a prayer as we normally think of that word, but a sacred phrase that can be repeated, even "hummed" during meditation 
• Satya = truth, which includes truth-telling, practicing positive moral and also finding your own personal truth as well. While being honest with others is important, being honest with yourself allows you to realize your purpose. 
• Saucha = cleanliness, physically and in spirit and emotions that are toxic, such as fear, jealousy, and anger.  
• Ahimsa – non-violence both physically and mentally. 
• Upeksha means staying grounded which is the way to an ultimate state of peace 
• Prajna = wisdom, but not so much the learned wisdom of schooling or experience, but from spiritual wisdom

You'll find more at mindbodygreen.com  and yogajournal.com