The ashtanga yoga chant at the start and end of every practice allows us to concentrate on the moment in our lives. This can be enhanced by reciting and memorizing them, and also learning the meaning behind each mantra.
Ashtanga Yoga’s opening mantra is a sign of respect towards what the teachers teach us and the fact that the practice can change us. The mantra that is used to close the Ashtanga Yoga is also called the Mangala mantra, which is a blessing to all living beings, and it also wishes them peace, prosperity and happiness. The main aim of this mantra is to eliminate suffering and acquire liberation.
As the translations of the Sanskrit language are dependent on cultural, philosophical, religious, scientific and linguistic backgrounds, each of them is a mirror of their background. The translations and meanings of these Ashtanga Yoga mantras cannot be understood well without an in-depth study of the Sanskrit language and the contexts around them, as well as comparing different translations under the direction of scholars. Remember that there are various transcriptions and traditions, and something new and unlearned can always be discovered.
Historical and Vedic Origins
The mantras of Ashtanga Yoga are of Sanskrit Vedic texts, which are based on ancient Sanskrit prayers. The Mantra about the Opening praises the Guru, the one who dispels darkness, which connects the practitioner to a long tradition of wisdom leading to Patanjali, the father of classical yoga.
The ashtanga opening mantra is chanted before practice to bring focus and positive energy. The Final Mantra reiterates the common peace call in the Upanishads, wishing good wishes, health and freedom to all creatures.
These mantras have been historically recited to foster humility and gratitude before practice and to close each practice period with piety and pity. The sacred ritual is still celebrated by Ashtanga practitioners around the world today, and the heritage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who restored and introduced the world to the transformational practice, was passed on.
Astanga Yoga: The Opening Mantra of Yoga
Om
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita svatma sukhavabodhe
Nihsreyase jangalikayamane
Samsara halahala moha shantyai
Abahu purusakaram
Sankha chakra asi dharinam
Sahasra sirasam svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
Meaning (Line by Line)
- Vande Gurunam:- I prostrate myself at the feet of all my instructors.
- Sandarshita:- Who awakens the inner joy of self-realisation.
- Nihsreyase:- who are the cures in the wildwood of the world?
- Samsara halahala moha:- Who pacifies the poison of delusion and sufferings.
- Abahu Purusakaram:- To the person who is in human form up to the arms.
- Sankha Chakra Asi Dharinam:- Who carries the conch, discus and sword.
- Sahasra sirasam:- The thousand-headed, shining and white one.
- Pranamami Patanjalim:- I do salute Sage Patanjali.
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Essence of the Mantra
A holy statement of thanksgiving and devotion is the Opening Mantra. It praises all the teachers who help us out of ignorance to self-realisation and gives honour to Sage Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutra. The physical practice becomes a spiritual awakening and inner peace by chanting it as the practitioners channel their minds to humility, devotion and the infinite wisdom of yoga. The ashtanga closing mantra is recited at the end of practice to express gratitude and peace.
Ashtanga Yoga Closing mantra
- Svasti prajabhyah paripalayantam
- Nyayena margena mahim mahishah
- Gobrahmanebhyah shubham astu nityam
- Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
- Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Meaning (Line by Line)
- Svasti:- May everyone be safeguarded and blessed with good fortune.
- Nyayena margena mahim mahishah:- May the rulers of the earth be righteous and just in deed.
- Gobrahmanebhyah shubham nityam:– May the holy creatures- cows and religious teachers- be getting blessings all the time.
- Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu:- May all the beings everywhere be happy and peaceful and free.
- Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om:- peace, peace, peace.
Essence of the Mantra
The Closing Mantra is a prayer of thanksgiving and goodwill to all. It reminds us that yoga is not a personal experience but also a way of bringing peace to the rest of the world. It is something we should chant to spread the peace of what we develop within ourselves to all the corners of the world, wishing all beings peace, harmony and calm.
It is a beautiful tradition of the Vedic tradition to end the practice with love, justice and peace, and this is what the tradition of yoga should be about: unity and uplifting everyone. The starting prayer of yoga prepares the body and mind for a peaceful and mindful session.
How to Chant Properly?
- Best Time: Sing at the start and the end of your practice with earnestness and attention.
- Posture: Sit or kneel comfortably, maintain your spine erect and press together your palms at the heart.
- Breath and Voice: Sing gradually and rhythmically, with the feeling of vibration of every syllable and thinking about its meaning.
- Repetition: It is traditionally of one recitation, but slightly prolonged repetition may enhance your experience.
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Final Thoughts
Ashtanga Yoga Opening and Closing Mantras incorporate gratitude, devotion and compassion in the practice. Mantras of yoga help calm the mind and create a spiritual connection during practice. They are spiritual partners of the material work-out-calling in divine wisdom at the beginning and diffusing peace and goodwill at the conclusion. These mantras make the yoga mat an elevated place where the body, mind and spirit are in harmony
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of chanting mantras before and after Ashtanga Yoga practice?
Reciting mantras makes yoga a complete spiritual process. The first mantra establishes a sacred purpose, the second one makes us thankful to teachers, and the final mantra diffuses peace and benevolence to everyone.
Can I chant the Ashtanga Yoga mantras even if I’m not religious?
Yes. The prayers can be addressed to those who want to find clarity, calmness and spiritual unity. They do not have an attachment to a specific religion.
In what language are the Ashtanga Mantras?
The mantras are in Sanskrit, the ancient respected language of India. Translation and transliteration of English allow its use by people across the world.
Can I chant the mantras silently instead of aloud?
Yes. You would be able to sing without making noise, provided you concentrate and pay attention to it. Your intention and awareness are the most vital aspect.
