For thousands of years, Sanskrit was the lingua franca of South Asia, the language of works of scripture, philosophy, grammar, law, art, science, poetry, and more. This handbook aims to make Sanskrit accessible to the general public, with a focus on yoga students and teachers.

By using this handbook, a student will learn the Devanāgarī script, translate well-known mantras and yoga sūtras, and even read passages from the Bhagavad Gītā and the Rāmāyaṇa. Reading Sanskrit texts in their original language can deepen one's yoga practice and appreciation for the history, myth, and cultural consciousness of India.