Chants

Classical Ashtanga Yoga
Opening and Closing Chants

Opening:

With this chant we offer gratitude to the lineage of teachers and students who have passed this ancient practice of yoga to us across thousands of years. Reciting the mantra helps clear the energy of the space where we practice, and prepares the mind to begin the form.

Om

Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde

Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe

Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane

Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai

Abahu Purushakaram

Shankhacakrsi Dharinam

Sahasra Sirasam Svetam

Pranamami Patanjalim

Om

A Translation:

Om

I bow to the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru

Which awakens insight into the happiness of pure Being,

Which are the refuge, the jungle physician,

Which eliminate the delusion caused by the poisonous herb of Samsara (conditioned existence).

I prostrate before the sage Patanjali

Who has thousands of radiant, white heads (as the divine serpent, Ananta)

And who has, as far as his arms, assumed the form of a man

Holding a conch shell (divine sound), a wheel (discus of light or infinite time) and a sword (discrimination).

Om

My favorite ‘translation’ I learned from Dena Kingsburg, an incredible senior teacher from Australia (who teaches all over the world), with whom I have had the opportunity to practice. Dena is my local teacher Melanie Green’s teacher. In Ashtanga, we recognize the lineage within which we practice and our teachers and their teachers. When we chant the opening and closing prayers we acknowledge these teachers and our fellow practitioners the world over, it’s a way of bringing our energies together across time and space. 

Dena’s adaptation:

I bow with deepest reverence to the source that inspires these teachings

Through the continuation of practice may we each be guided from the darkness of ignorance,
to the light of self-knowledge and clarity. 

For those that have walked the path before and light the way, 

and for those who keep us company in practice each day, let us be truly grateful.

Closing:

We seal the practice with peace in our hearts and we offer the efforts of our practice to improve  the world.

Om

Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam

     Nya Yena Margena Mahim Mahishaha

   Go Brahmanebhyaha Shivamastu Nityam

    Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

   Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi

A translation:

May the rulers of the earth keep to the path of virtue

For protecting the welfare of all generations.

  May all peoples be forever blessed,

  May all beings everywhere be happy and free

   Om peace, peace, perfect peace