The Language of Yoga: Complete A to Y Guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants [Illustrated] [Hardcover-spiral]

Nicolai Bachman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

Now, with more than 15 million Americans practicing yoga, here is the ultimate reference guide for knowledge-hungry yoga students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A must for all teachers and serious students of yoga." -- Fit Yoga, August 2006

"Nicholai Bachman has done a great service to the yoga community." -- Yoga International, March 2005

"Sanskrit scholar Nicholai Bachman gives us the opportunity to connect with yoga's spiritual roots through translations and a comprehensive dictionary." -- Body + Soul magazine, September 2006

"Should, without a doubt, be in the yoga library of every teacher and serious student." -- Yoga Journal, February 2005

About the Author

Nicolai Bachman, MA, RYT has been teaching Sanskrit and related topics since 1994. He has studied at the American Sanskrit Institute, graduated from the Ayurvedic Institute and received his M.A. in Eastern Philosophy from St. John's College. He has produced several Sanskrit audio/visual-learning tools including 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards and Asana Names and the Language of Yoga. Nicolai currently teaches Sanskrit, Chanting, Yoga Philosophy and Ayurveda while pursuing a graduate degree in Nutrition. Nicolai teaches in Santa Fe and throughout the country wherever there are eager and interested students. He is registered with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.

Product Details

• Hardcover-spiral: 139 pages
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591792819
• ISBN-13: 978-1591792819
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Reference
  • #54 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Yoga

More About the Author

Nicolai Bachman has been teaching Sanskrit, chanting, yoga philosophy and Ayurveda since 1994. He is the director of Sanskrit Sounds which promotes the education and preservation of Sanskrit and many ancient sciences from India. Nicolai has a knack for synthesizing and organizing complex topics into simple and understandable presentations. His education combines informal, traditional study with the academic rigor of university classes. He has studied extensively at the American Sanskrit Institute, the Ayurvedic Institute, the American Institute of Vedic Studies and the Vedic Chant Center. He holds an M.A. in Eastern Philosophy, an M.S. in Nutrition, and is eRYT500 certified.

Nicolai has authored several Sanskrit book/CD learning tools including 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards, The Language of Ayurveda, and by Sounds True, The Language of Yoga, The Yoga Sutras: An Essential Guide to the Heart of Yoga Philosophy, and The Path of the Yoga Sutras. Nicolai teaches workshops around the country wherever there are eager and interested students. www.SanskritSounds.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

165 of 165 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the most complete, clearly communicated and understandable sanskrit reference December 14, 2005

By Gilda G

Format:Hardcover-spiral|Amazon Verified Purchase

This guide is the most complete and clearly communicated sanskrit reference for yoga that I have ever seen. I am a yoga teacher trainer and this will become my constant companion for both myself and to use in our trainings. It includes a comprehensive list of asana names and translations presented in alphabetical order with very, precise linear illustrations. This section alone is invaluable. The accompanying CD states the sanskrit term twice so that you may repeat it back and follows with the English translation (so you know the meaning of what you just said!). In addition to asana, the guide includes the sun salutation sequences, the first 3 astanga sequences, seven common mudras or hand gestures, common chants for your practice, several of the key sutras and a vast collection of yoga terms- numbers, yamas, niyamas, animals, bandhas, cakras, body parts and more.

The book is very organized and easy to use. The accompanying CD is tracked allowing you to quickly go to the section you are looking for. The best part of the CD is that you can clearly hear and understand Nicolai's rhythmic voice as well as, the female vocal accompaniment in the chants. (Many of my previous attempts at learning sanskrit were hampered by the thick accent of the translator). You can also use the book by itself or the CDs by themselves. No need to cross reference so you can play the CD anywhere and learn the language of yoga in your car or while working around the house.

This book is a must for any serious yoga student or yoga teacher. It will help you quickly learn and understand the sanskrit terms used in yoga. It will also help you to pronounce sanskrit with the beauty of this most sacred and spiritual language.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great way to learn Sanskrit! March 1, 2006

By Bill Kvistad

Format:Hardcover-spiral

If you are a Yoga teacher of serious student, this book is a must. The complete lay-out of the book along with the 2 CD's is so easy to follow. When you load the CD in the computer, you can continue to repeat the Sanskirt Asana over and over again until you have it memorized. It gives you the correct pronuncation for everything.

Bill Kvistad

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very high quality reference for yoga teachers and others April 23, 2007

By Patrick D. Goonan

Format:Hardcover-spiral|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book and 2 CD combination is a thorough, well-organized and illustrated guide to the language of yoga. It includes such categories as body parts, asana names, important sanskrit terms and some chants.

The voice on the CD is easily understandable and you can either use the CDs with or without the guide. This reference also includes the alphabet and sanskrit terms in both original script and transliterated forms.

The material in this set is easily digestible and it is spirally bound for ease of reference. In addition, it is printed on high quality paper and for the cost it is an incredible bargain.

If you want to refine your pronunciation even more, then I would also pick up Sanskrit Pronunciation. This gives you even more practice and fuller explanations of tranliterationed Sanskrit. There is also more focus on commonly occurring philosophical terms.

You can view more of my recommendations for yoga resources on my profile under my listmania lists. However, if pronunciation of Sanskrit is what you are after most likely this resource alone will give you what you need.