General Words:
* Yoga: This one is a no-brainer! It's become a globally recognized term for the practice.
* Karma: This word has transcended its religious context to describe the concept of cause and effect.
* Nirvana: Another word related to Buddhism that's now used to describe a state of perfect peace and enlightenment.
* Guru: Though often used jokingly, this word denotes a spiritual teacher or mentor.
* Mantra: This term is commonly used to refer to a word or sound repeated for spiritual or meditative purposes.
Scientific Terms:
* Avatar: This term, originally referring to the descent of a deity, is now used in computer science to describe a digital representation of a user.
* Asana: This term, describing a yoga posture, is also used in other contexts like dance and medicine.
* Nirvana: This word is also used in the context of audio engineering to refer to a state of zero distortion.
Other Common Words:
* Jungle: This word, derived from the Sanskrit "jangala," signifies a dense, wild forest.
* Bungalow: Originally a Bengali term for a specific type of house, this word has become a general term for a small, detached house.
* Cheetah: This word, from the Sanskrit "chita," refers to a type of fast-running wild cat.
* Mango: A delicious fruit, its name comes directly from the Sanskrit "amra."
Important Note: Many of these words have undergone modifications in pronunciation and meaning over time as they've been incorporated into the English language.
Beyond individual words, Sanskrit has also contributed significantly to the vocabulary of many scientific fields, including:
* Mathematics: terms like "algebra," "sine," "cosine," and "zero" can be traced back to Sanskrit.
* Astronomy: Terms like "planet," "eclipse," and "asterism" have their roots in Sanskrit.
* Medicine: "Ayurveda" itself is a Sanskrit term, and many Ayurvedic practices are increasingly finding their way into Western medicine.
It's important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list and many other Sanskrit words have found their way into the English language. Their influence on English vocabulary is undeniable and continues to shape how we communicate today.