I use layman’s terms and then either the anatomical or Sanskrit word. Depends on my mood, depends on what type of class or pose I’m teaching.

It does not matter.. use language that is relatable and easy to understand. It does not define your role as a teacher.

I love when teachers use the Sanskrit as it feels like it honors the tradition. I don't mind if they don't, unless they use a colloquialism that sounds dumb. I have one teacher that always says derrière and that just annoys me.

In my training, I was told that eliminating the Sanskrit entirely is a form of appropriation of the practice. For example… we have oversimplified and sterilized the pose by calling it “downward facing dog pose” because “pose” is already an approximate translation of “asana”. The further we move away from the Sanskrit, the further we move away from the original intent of the practice, no?

Both/and is more inclusive than either/or. I’m not going to flex my anatomy knowledge by saying scapula instead of collarbones, but I prefer saying glutes over bum/seat/butt. I unequivocally do not agree that South Asians aren’t using Sanskrit — that is wholly specific to your location/style/access to teachers. Technically everyone uses Sanskrit at least once—savasana—and usually twice—chaturanga.

Nope. You are just being easy and accessible for everyone: this is a powerful communication.

Yoga is about relationship right? It’s you me and the trees, it’s a whole body breathing and moving prayer with breath being Mother Nature in Mother Nature. 🪷 Who would have know that in the depths of Sanskrit shanti’s deeper meaning is not provoked ?💗🙌🏻💗 I truely think the multiply layers of were meaning in Sanskrit are a real art to decipher logically but if your quiet you kind of feel into it. Love sitting with those that studied with krishnamanchara and descikachar and go beyond gymnastics💗

I don't have objections when teachers use sanskrit terms. I much prefer simple language though. For me it's about the practice - the substance and not the form.