All things OM, Origins of Sanskrit and the Role of Mantras in Yoga with Sunita Baste Patil

Welcome to Episode 19 of Let’s Talk Yoga!

Ever wondered what OM means? Or why it’s a part of modern day yoga? Curious about the origins of Sanskrit? Is it a dying language? We get into this & more in this episode.

My guest Sunita Baste Patil is known for her deep understanding of the Sanskrit language and she teaches it regularly to yoga teachers. We talk about OM, Sanskrit language, as well as mantra and meditation.

Sunita Baste Patil likes to call herself a lifelong yoga student, teacher, writer, and coach. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in yoga, ayurveda, and meditation techniques. Sunita has combined her study and practice of yoga philosophy, contemporizing its application for people’s lives.

Episode Highlights:

• Sunita shares how yoga became an integral part of her life
• What is OM and its significance?
• Sunita clarifies what Bija mantra is
• Do the three syllables of OM each have meaning and purpose?
• The correct pronunciation of OM 
• Is listening to the sound of OM the same as chanting?
• How does OM affect the mind?
• The role of OM in a modern day yoga class
• What you need to know about Sanskrit language
• Is there anything untoward that would happen if we don’t pronounce “Sanskrit” correctly?
• What is mantra and how does it become meditation
• The difference between a mantra and a kirtan
• Mantra or kirtan: where to start

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Sanskrit ~Language of yoga ~ online course ~ level 1 (can be done standalone)
• Secrets of Sanskrit Mantra ~ Online course ~level 2 (can be done standalone)