Translation and Meaning

We’re absorbing a lot of information in Yoga Teacher Training.  We’re refnining our own postures (bakasana, BOOYAH!), learning to cue postures and alignment in other people’s bodies, and are studying the principles and philosophies behind yoga as a lifestyle.  I’m finding it fascinating.

In addition to find heel-to-arch alignment and stack-your-shoulders-over-your-wrists, we’ve been introduced to the 8-Limbed Path, the Yoga Sutras, the Yamas, Niyamas, Ayurveda, Chakras and Gunas.

We’re also learning a little bit of Sanskrit, which what do you know, that’s on my Life List…

I love languages.  I only barely speak Spanish other than English, but I love understanding the roots of words.  I’m a word geek; this isn’t really news.  What I love the most about Sanskrit – other than its sheer beauty in the rolling sounds of every syllable – is that while each word has its literal translation, it also holds a broader concept, idea, and deeper meaning.  I think this is what has allowed me to commit some of these words and phrases to memory already;  I’m not learning how to necessarily structure a sentence, but I’m learning broad ideas conveyed by one simple word.

Hmm… brevity. What a concept, eh?

::: Stares as wordcount quickly creeps up :::

Want a mini lesson*?  Here are a few of the words that have truly resonated with me in both sensation of sound and in idea:

swaha

“I offer it up” or “so be it”

Pretty simple to get, it’s essentially allowing ourselves to become unattached from something we can not change and to let it go.  Matt decided it sounded kind of like the Serenity Prayer.  I liked that.

samadhi

“equal vision” or “neutral gaze”

I’ve read a couple of different explanations about this concept.  While, ultimately it’s believed to go beyond anything I can presently conceptualize, on a bring-it-back-to-earth level, it translates into an idea of focus, of ”equal vision,” and of collecting the thoughts on a single object.  Baron Baptiste, in his book Journey Into Power, simplifies it further to explain that it’s the idea of seeing with balance and non-judgment.  And that is really, really powerful.

satya

“right speak”

Essentially, this is to say what you mean and mean what you say.  To choose what words you do use with care, and when you do speak, speak truth.  I’m pretty much Talker McWordsmith, so it’s  challenging sometimes to want to fill space with words, to chatter, to speak too soon.  So sometimes, the right words are no words, or few words.  When you do speak,  do so honestly, with love, with goodness.  Or shut the hell up.

om

om is believed to be the universal, reverberative sound of the universe.  the constant hum that always is present.

There is absolutely no way I’m going to be able to convey this experience in words, but we participated in a rolling om exercise of sorts last weekend that was one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I’ve ever experienced.  Getting lost in that sound, losing your voice in the midst of others, allowing energy to be received rather than given (a challenging shift for thirty-something individuals who are being trained to teach and serve and guide)… it was just amazing.  It was the first teeny glimpse I got into this idea of same, one, connectivity.  Of true samadhi.

What about you? Are there any words or phrases or ideas that really resonate with you?

A symbol? (I have the OM symbol tattooed over my heart, for example.)

What’s your favorite word?

I’d love to learn – share away in the comments

*The I’m-obviously-just-LEARNING-here disclaimer: I’m taking what I’ve absorbed in class and have offered these as my reactions and my interpretations.  If I’ve misstated anything about the Sanskrit language, or if I’m missing something bigger picture, please let me know!  I’m a new student and not an expert, so by all means help me honor the authenticity of the language if I seem to have something not fully expressed.

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Tagged as: language, sanskrit, words, Yoga