One of the ongoing conversations in the yoga teaching community is whether to use Sanskrit names for poses in class. Some teachers embrace Sanskrit fully, while others prefer English for accessibility. Like many aspects of teaching, there’s no single “right” answer—what matters most is clarity, respect, and intention.

​That said, there is a useful guideline for deciding when Sanskrit may be essential: if a pose is a proper noun—named after a sage, deity, or mythological figure—it deserves to be taught in its original form. When the name is a common noun or simple description, English translations are usually appropriate.

In yoga, certain postures are named to honor the lineage of great sages, mythic figures, and stories from the tradition. These names aren’t just labels—they carry history, symbolism, and reverence. Using the original Sanskrit keeps that context intact in a way that “Side Plank” or “Splits” cannot.

One of my teachers explained it in a way I’ve never forgotten:
If you took the work of Albert Einstein, for instance, we refer to “Einstein’s theory of relativity.” In German, Einstein means “one stone.” But we would never translate it and call it the “One Stone Theory of Relativity”—because it is his name. The same principle applies in yoga: when a pose carries the name of a sage, a deity, or a historical figure, we honor it by keeping its original form.

​This simple analogy highlights why Sanskrit matters for proper nouns. Names are not meant to be translated; they are meant to be remembered.

Sages and Rishis

Mythological Figures & Deities

Many other poses are simply descriptive, often named after animals or body actions. These are common nouns, and the English translations are clear and effective for most students.

For these, English often makes class more approachable, especially for beginners.

Teaching Takeaway

Using Sanskrit doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice. Instead, consider the intention behind the name:

​By being thoughtful in this way, you balance cultural respect with clarity, allowing your students to connect both to the tradition and to the practice unfolding on their mats.