Sacred Sanskrit Words: For Yoga, Chant, and Meditation

this is a very well crafted book. it is 200 plus pages length. it contains many of the basic sanskrit words, written in both sanskrit and english translations. this is an outstanding general text for especially those with an interest in yoga or spiritual traditions. this is not a scholarly text. for the price, i found it a delightful read and useful as a book for periodic review.

Reviewed by Lisa Bullert for Reader Views (4/07)

"Sukha" is the word I have chosen from "Sacred Sanskrit Words" to describe my feelings while studying this book. Sukha means, in short "ease, peace, inner joy." "Sacred Sanskrit Words" is a wonderful tool to have in order to make the most of yoga, meditation, and chant sessions.

Leeza Lowitz and Reema Datta begin "Sacred Sanskrit Words" by explaining the history of Sanskrit, and how to pronounce the words. Then in the section entitled "Sacred Sound," the authors teach about how powerful Sanskrit words are and how each sound is sacred, among other fascinating lessons; and even about the scientific basis for the Sanskrit language. Often, this reviewer skips the introduction to a book in order to get to the "meat," but in the case of "Sacred Sanskrit Words," reading the intro is well worth it -- quite interesting and enlightening.

The "Sacred Sanskrit Words" section is one that reader should not rush through, but study, taking in each word and its meaning. This is a great book to read when there are only a few spare moments to find peace in the day. Pick this up on the go, carry it wherever you go. These words will change any day into a good day.

Then, to top it all off, Lowitz and Datta throw in several beautiful chants. The authors do a wonderful job of explaining what these chants are for and how to do them.

In the opinion of this reviewer, this is marvelous book for all, for anyone looking for knowledge, searching for inner peace; or looking to enhance his or her meditation, chant and yoga sessions. This is a great stress reliever. I have learned a lot from "Sacred Sanskrit Words," and I have been able to make life a little less stressful and more enjoyable for reading this.

A delightful introduction to common Sanskrit terms that one comes across in works pertaining to Buddhist or Hindu practices and beliefs. Provides a better understanding of the terms included in the work and may stimulate more interest in the study of the beautiful Sanskrit language itself. The selection of the Sanskrit chants is small and arbitrary.

Sacred Sanskrit Words For Yoga, Chant, And Meditation is the collaborative work of experienced and expert yoga instructors Leza Lowitz and Reema Datta. Introducing more than 160 spiritually significant Sanskrit words (including some of which like karma , nirvana, and chakra have entered the English language) with Devangari scripts, pronunciations, chants, and brief cultural as well as historical explanations, Sacred Sanskrit Words is a practical and exceptionally portable paperback reference book with native script renderings large enough to reproduce as tattoos or decorative art. Especially recommended as a resource for dedicated students of yoga, and meditation, Sacred Sanskrit Words is an invaluable addition to personal and academic library Eastern Religion reference collections and supplemental studies lists.

As a translator, I'm always wary of people who take responsibility for translating from one language into another without a firm grounding in both languages. I realize that it's done, but in my personal experience, a lot gets lost unless the person is an absolute master in his or her area of expertise. I bought this book out of curiousity, but it seems to be riding a trend, not contributing much to the field.