Sanskrit words every yogi should know

Shanti

Shanti is a Sanskrit term meaning “peace.” In both Hindu and Buddhist practice, Shanti is repeated three times to promote peace in the body, mind, and soul, as in the mantra Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. This mantra can also be used to close a Hindu or Buddhist worship service, as a blessing of peace for the worshippers.

Shanti specifically refers to a state of inner peace. It is believed that when chanted repeatedly in meditation, it helps to increase inner peace in the life of the chanter. Many yogis make the goal of achieving inner peace central to their practice and may wish to incorporate Shanti chanting into their meditation to develop a state of inner peace.

Chanting Sanskrit mantras is very effective for the mind. It also stimulates the chakras, providing a calming, cleansing and energizing effect. In addition to chanting the mantra, which calls for achieving inner peace, the mind must also let go of such everyday things as dissatisfaction and hostility.

Yoga

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yu, meaning “yoke” or “to unite.” The practice aims to create a union between body, mind, and spirit, and between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviors, creating a sense of spiritual awakening.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and while many different interpretations and styles have developed, most tend to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve liberation from suffering. While each school or tradition of yoga has its own emphases and practices, most focus on the integration of body, mind, and breath as a means of shifting energy or altering consciousness.

Modern yoga is most often associated with the physical practice of asanas, often woven together in styles such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga. The practice of asanas is generally intended to build strength and endurance, to improve flexibility, coordination and balance, and to relax the body. However, this provides only one small aspect of the yoga tradition as a whole.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide the traditional foundation of yoga, which includes an eight-step path of practice. This path, known as the "Eight Limbs of Yoga," is offered as a guide for those seeking to create a union between body, mind, and spirit.

Each of the 8 steps offers tools for living with greater integrity, self-discipline, respect for nature, and connection to the spiritual aspects of life. These eight practices are designed to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach:

Yama - 5 universal, ethical and moral rites: non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-appropriation of what belongs to others (Asteya), moderation in needs (Aparigraha), control over desires (Brahmacharya).

Niyama - 5 spiritual and self-discipline rituals (purity of mind, speech and appearance (Shaucha), contentment (Santosha), self-discipline (Tapas), self-knowledge (Svadhyaya), following one's own Path and dedication of actions to the One (Ishvara-pranidhana).

Asana is a meditative posture (Padmasana), originally intended only for sitting meditation, but recently adapted to encompass all physical practices of yoga. By working the body in asanas, we not only strengthen the muscles, but also remove old blocks and blockages that prevent us from controlling and redirecting energy in the body. And without this, it will not be possible to master the next level.

Pranayama - breathing exercises to control the flow of Prana (life force). Pranayama gives us control over the mind - the slower and deeper the breathing, the calmer the mind. This is a rather powerful practice, so it is better to start studying it under the guidance of an experienced mentor, so as not to harm your health.

Pratyahara - this stage is transitional from external practices to internal ones. Its essence is that we stop reacting to objects of the senses, transferring attention to awareness of internal processes. It is important that we do not suppress feelings, but take them under control, turn our consciousness inward, remaining an observer, and not getting involved in the processes occurring around. According to Patanjali, mastering pratyahara leads to complete mastery over the senses.

Dharana - one-pointed concentration. The goal of this practice is to develop one-pointedness of the mind, a state in which it is completely collected on one point, which allows you to fully comprehend the object of concentration.

Dhyana is meditation. The main difference between Dharana and Dhyana is that during Dharana our consciousness is focused on an object, and when Dhyana comes, you no longer make any effort to concentrate. The result of the practice is that nothing individual, personal remains in consciousness, and it finds an all-encompassing universality.

Samadhi - Liberation or blissful union with the Divine. The state of samadhi is a state of superconsciousness, enlightenment, in which the very idea of ​​individual consciousness disappears and there is a complete dissolution into being.

Yoga is also used as a therapeutic tool for many physical and mental conditions, and is an exploration of the mind and body. It is currently being shown to be effective as a treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. These are just a small fraction of the painful conditions that yoga can help you get rid of.