Invocation
Invocation
Ashtanga Yoga traditionally has an opening chant and a closing chant. Due to the ancient roots of yoga, the chants (or mantras) are offered in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), but their meaning is considered universal since Sanskrit is the language of the heart.
Chanting acts to shift the consciousness of the individual practicing the chant to a higher level of vibration. This in turn brings us closer to our Source or Higher Self – the aspect of ourselves that remains eternal – and leaves the practitioner filled with peace and feeling calm and centered.
Ashtanga Yoga Opening Chant
The opening chant is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have allowed this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. Reciting this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, while preparing the mind, body and emotions for the next Ashtanga sequence.
Om
Oṃ vande gurūṇām caraṇāravinde
sandarśita svātma sukhāvabodhe
niḥśreyase jāṅgalikāyamāṇe
saṁsāra hālāhala mohaśāntyai
ābāhu puruṣākāram śaṅkha cakrāsi dhāriṇam
sahasra śirasam śvetam praṇamāmi
patañjalim
Om
Om
The opening chant is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have allowed this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. Reciting this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, while preparing the mind, body and emotions for the next Ashtanga sequence.
Om
Closing Chant of Ashtanga Yoga
The closing prayer brings the practice to a peaceful end; seal the work accomplished and offer the efforts of our practice to improve the state of the world.
Om
Svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantam
Nyāyena mārgena mahīṁ mahīśāḥ
Gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubhamastu nityam
Lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu
Om
śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Om
May prosperity be glorified, let rulers rule the world with law and justice, may divinity and scholarship be protected, may all beings in the world be happy and free