anusāra

 “Anusāra” (अनुसार) in Sanskrit generally means ‘following,’ ‘accordance with,’ ‘conformity,’ or ‘in accordance with something.’

Etymology and Structure

The word अनुसार (anusāra) is a compound of anu (अन्ु), meaning ‘after’ 

or ‘along,’ and sāra (सार / सार), which can denote ‘essence’ or ‘going’ 

depending on the context. Hence, anusāra literally implies following 

along something, adherence, or proceeding in alignment with a 

principle or reference.

Usage in Sanskrit Literature

General Usage: In classical Sanskrit, anusāra is used to express 

conformity, sequence, or following instructions, rules, or customs. 

For example, phrases like “dharma-anusāra” indicate acting according

to dharma (moral law).

Philosophical Context: In Indian philosophy, it can indicate acting in 

accordance with a doctrine, principle, or natural law, carrying the 

sense of complementing or conforming to a higher order.

Grammatical Consideration: Sanskrit dictionaries describe anusāra 

as a masculine noun (masc.), often appearing in texts to express

adherence, sequence, or conformity.

Modern Usage

In contemporary contexts, especially in Sanskrit-inspired fields like 

yoga or Indic spiritual discussions, anusāra is sometimes used 

metaphorically to indicate alignment with natural flow, principles, or 

methodology. For instance, “Anusara Yoga” emphasizes moving in

harmony with the body’s natural alignment and universal principles, 

deriving from this original meaning of following or alignment.

Summary

Sanskrit spelling: अनुसार (anusāra)

Core meaning: following, accordance, conformity, alignment

Contexts: general classical usage, philosophical principles, modern
spiritual applications

Grammatical note: masculine noun, often appearing in compounds

and descriptive phrases.

In short, anusāra conveys the idea of moving in harmony with a

guiding principle, sequence, or natural order, making it both a 

literal and metaphorical concept in Sanskrit.