Sanskrit Words in English

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Instructions: From yoga to nirvana, explore the ancient Sanskrit roots that have influenced countless English words!

1.
The word 'yoga' comes from Sanskrit. What does 'yoga' literally mean?
A
Peace of mind
B
Meditation
C
Union or to yoke
D
Stretching
2.
Which English word meaning 'a state of perfect happiness' comes from the Sanskrit 'nirvana'?
A
Paradise
B
Nirvana
C
Bliss
D
Utopia
3.
The word 'karma' is from Sanskrit. What does 'karma' literally mean?
A
Fate
B
Action or deed
C
Destiny
D
Justice
4.
Which English word for a sacred syllable used in meditation comes from Sanskrit?
A
Namaste
B
Om (Aum)
C
Zen
D
Chakra
5.
The word 'mantra' is Sanskrit. What does it literally mean?
A
A repeated word
B
An instrument of thought
C
A prayer
D
A sacred song
6.
Which English word for an energy center in the body comes from the Sanskrit 'cakra' (wheel)?
A
Pulse
B
Chakra
C
Aura
D
Meridian
7.
The word 'avatar' comes from Sanskrit 'avatara.' What does 'avatara' mean?
A
A divine image
B
A descent (of a deity to earth)
C
A spiritual guide
D
A virtual form
8.
Which English word for a type of body posture in yoga comes from the Sanskrit 'asana'?
A
Form
B
Stance
C
Asana
D
Pose
9.
The word 'juggernaut' comes from the Sanskrit 'Jagannatha.' What does 'Jagannatha' mean?
A
Lord of the universe
B
Giant wheel
C
Mighty warrior
D
Unstoppable force
10.
Which English word for a place of learning comes from the Sanskrit 'vihara' (through Pali)?
A
Academy
B
University
C
School
D
Monastery
11.
The word 'sugar' ultimately traces back to the Sanskrit 'sharkara.' What did 'sharkara' originally refer to?
A
Ground or gritty substance (gravel, then sugar)
B
Cane juice
C
Honey
D
Sweet sap
12.
Which English word for a large pepper comes from the Sanskrit 'pippali' (through Latin 'piper')?
A
Pepper
B
Capsicum
C
Chili
D
Paprika
13.
The word 'mandala' is Sanskrit. What does it represent?
A
A temple
B
A circle or cosmic diagram symbolizing the universe
C
A prayer wheel
D
A sacred text
14.
Which English word meaning 'truthfulness' or 'non-violent resistance' was popularized by Gandhi from Sanskrit?
A
Satyagraha
B
Moksha
C
Ahimsa
D
Dharma
15.
The English word 'mother' is related to the Sanskrit 'matar.' This connection exists because both languages belong to which language family?
A
Indo-European
B
Uralic
C
Sino-Tibetan
D
Afro-Asiatic

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