Video details
Learn the original Sanskrit names
Preserving the original Sanskrit terminology is essential for maintaining the integrity of yoga's wisdom. Translating or changing these names alters their meaning and leads to the loss of the tradition. Every āsana, kriyā, and technique must be known by its Sanskrit name. For instance, Paścimottānāsana describes the stretching of the back; a translated name loses this specific meaning. Similarly, prāṇāyāma consists of three components: pūrak (inhalation), rechak (exhalation), and kumbhak (retention). Specific techniques like Chandra Bhedan or Nāḍī Śodhana apply these components for particular effects, such as calming the mind by balancing the lunar energy channel. Understanding the precise definitions, benefits, and precautions for each term is the duty of a practitioner and teacher. This knowledge prevents confusion and ensures the correct application of yoga's profound science.
"It sounds good if you learn Sanskrit words. Otherwise, when you change the name, the meaning changes completely."
"Prāṇāyāma is only three things... Pūrak, Rechak, and Kumbhak."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
This text is transcribed and grammar corrected by AI. If in doubt what was actually said in the recording, use the transcript to double click the desired cue. This will position the recording in most cases just before the sentence is uttered.
The text contains hyperlinks in bold to three authoritative books on yoga, written by humans, to clarify the context of the lecture:
- Yoga in Daily Life - The System
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2000. ISBN 978-3-85052-000-3 - The Hidden Power in Humans - Chakras and Kundalini
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2004. ISBN 978-3-85052-197-0 - Lila Amrit - The Divine Life of Sri Mahaprabhuji
Paramhans Swami Madhavananda. Int. Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship, Vienna, 1998. ISBN 3-85052-104-4
