Warning: Yoga Geek Discussion To Follow. : )
Ok, so, the foundation vocabulary of most yoga styles is Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Poses and concepts today tend to have both Sanskrit and modern names.
Using Sanskrit during class is kinda like having the instructions for an incredibly complicated, choreographed game of Twister called out in an exotic language – daunting &/or delightful depending on the person.
But, it’s also similar to hearing the Catholic mass in Latin versus English – while Sanskrit is the exquisite linguistic root, the common tongue is a lot more accessible. That last phrase was much dirtier sounding than I intended. : )
As a teacher, it’s my job to know the Sanskrit names because it is the heritage of our practice, but whether or not I use them depends on the class I’m teaching.
In Vinyasa Flow classes, I try and use both: sparingly in a beginner class but increasing usage in more advanced environments. (Unless my brain stops functioning entirely & I can only recall one or the other, or, on total space-cadet days, neither, at which point there’s always mime. : )
Key point for me though, is that Sanskrit is not used in Forrest Yoga 99.9% of the time.
I think that’s because the real priority as a teacher, especially as a Forrest teacher, is clear communication. Specifically, helping people get out of their “thinking mind” and into direct experience of the posture and the moment.
And to achieve that, concrete, powerful, simple, familiar language is the most effective tool.
Think less, feel more.
