Sanskrit Word of the Week : Shala

Welcome to this new feature on the Thrive Yoga Blog.  The Sanskrit Word of the Week will explore some of the words that are often heard in and around the practice of yoga but maybe not understood.  You don't need to learn them or remember then but, if you're curious about what they mean and want to expand your knowledge of yoga, I'll give you a simple explanation that might help if you do come across them. Sanskrit is an ancient language but it is no longer spoken. It is still used as a scholarly language and all the great texts of yoga were written in Sanskrit and translated for us.

Our first word is 'shala', which translates from Sanskrit as 'house' or 'home'.  In the context of yoga it means 'a place in which to study the teachings of yoga' - the building itself where we take our classes.  Traditionally, the shala might have been an open-sided deck with a roof but nowadays it can be a studio, a community hall, a front room or even a 'Zoom' room - anywhere people gather to do yoga.

The shala is treated with respect and reverence.   The floor should be swept and as clear from clutter as is possible, we are asked to leave our shoes outside to help keep it as clean as possible and we also turn our phones off to avoid distractions so we can focus fully on our practice. 

Our shala at the Reading Room in Fetcham