Sanskrit is the sacred language of the Hindus - a language of liberation and culture of understanding. However, many terms are often used in yoga classes today. If you already know the soul of the language and feel drawn to Sanskrit and ancient scriptures, then you can show this love with a tattoo. We have put together some of the most beautiful tattoo sayings in Sanskrit and Hindi for you. These mysterious symbols can serve as inspiration for your next tattoo.
The difference between Hindi and Sanskrit
Sanskrit is an ancient language, thousands of years old, and is considered the ancestor of the Indo-Iranian language group. Linguists say Sanskrit is at least 3,500 years old, probably much older. Many Hindu and Buddhist religious writings were originally written in Sanskrit. That's why it is interpreted as a very spiritual language.
Hindi, Urdu and many other Indian languages developed on the basis of Sanskrit. Hindi is now spoken in almost all of India and is like the modern dialect of Sanskrit.
The writing on Katy's upper arm
On the inside of the right upper arm of singer Katy Perry is written Anuugacchati Pravaha (अनूगाच्चाती प्रवाह). This is Sanskrit and means “Go with the flow”. In German, the saying can be translated as “swim with the flow” or “let yourself be carried away”. Her ex-husband Russell Brand wears thissame tattooin exactly the same part of the body.
Abhay–"Fearless"
Actress and singer Brittany Snow has the word “Abhay” (अभय) tattooed on her right ankle. This is Hindi and stands for “brave” or “fearless”. Abhay is also a Hindu boy name which means "the fearless one".
Maa – “Mutter”
This tattoo features a great design with calligraphic lettering. The symbol represents the word “Maa,” which means “mother” in Hindi. The motif is not that big and is perfect as a tattoo on the wrist.
Sankalpa – “will, intention”
Sankalpa (सङ्कल्प) is a Sanskrit word and has many different meanings that can vary depending on the context. Sankalpa originally means thought, but also means will, desire, resolution, intention. It represents the steps you have to take so that you can develop your full potential. With a clear sankalpa one can achieve anything.
Ahimsa – “Do Not Hurt”
Ahimsa (अहिंसा) literally means “non-harming” and describes the concept of non-violence in dealing with others – in thoughts, words and deeds. This is love for all beings, whether human or animal.
Shanti – “Peace”
Shanti (शान्ति) represents peace. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the word is chanted three times in a row. Therefore, you can have the symbol pricked three times - for peace in your body, your mind and your soul.
Atman and Prana – “Soul” and “Life Energy”
Atman (आत्मन्) means the individual self, the soul. Prana (प्राणा) is the name for “life energy” and can be combined with the word “Ayama”. So it's about control over life energy. In the yoga class, pranayama is used for breathing techniques and breathing exercises. This controls your breathing and activates your life energy.
Sayings with special messages
The following picture collages show words in Hindi, Sanskrit and Urdu that are difficult to translate using just one word. But they contain a beautiful meaning that can be perfectly integrated into a tattoo. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, but is also spoken in much of India. Raabta (राब्ता) for example is in Urdu and means soulmate. In Hindi it corresponds to the word “Rishta”. While Hindi is written with Devanagari characters and from left to right, Urdu is based on Persian letters and is written from right to left.
Intezaar (इंतज़ार) means “anticipation” or “the wait”. Indriya (इन्द्रिय) is Sanskrit and means “sense organ”. The Indriyas include the five perceptual faculties: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch. Gagan-chumbi (गगनचुम्बी) literally means “sky-kissing”.
Self-love is part of “being happy”
The writing in the picture on the right means “And learn to love yourself”. This can be translated into German as “Learn to love yourself”. Everyone needs to develop their own self-love because it is an essential part of a happy and fulfilling life. But self-love should definitely not be confused with egoism and narcissism. It stands more for “I know my personal characteristics, my strengths and weaknesses. And I realize that no one can be perfect.”
Hare Krishna Rama Mahamantra in Hindi
The Mahamantra (महामन्त्र in Sanskrit) is considered the great mantra that is said to help you achieve joy and love. It calls God in his three forms: “Hare”, “Krishna” and “Rama” हरे कृष्ण मंत्र. These words are charged with great energy and whoever thinks of Lord Krishna can be blessed with unlimited happiness.
Sayings of Mahatma Gandhi in Hindi
Hinduism places great value on non-violence and Mahatma Gandhi is still the role model for non-violent action today. If everyone in the world lived by this mantra, the earth would be a happy planet. Above and below you can check out two of Gandhi's most famous quotes in Hindi. In German they are called “We ourselves must be the change we want to see in the world” and “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” translated.
Longer tattoo sayings or intertwined sentences are very suitable for parts of the body such as the back, ribs, collarbone, chest and upper arm. It looks especially nice when a long tattoo runs down the spine. As a good alternative forsmall tattoosHowever, there are individual words such as luck, fate, karma, trust, etc.
Quotes from Buddha
Did you know that Buddha is actually a Sanskrit word meaning “Awakened”? Buddha is not a name or a noun, but an adjective. The name for a person who achieves true knowledge and is therefore enlightened. Historically, however, people talk about the man named Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, who lived in Nepal and is considered the founder of Buddhism. Many wisdoms come from his teachings that are still alive today and inspire every new generation.
