Bhakti

Bhakti is one of the 4 paths of Yoga, which literally means ‘Devotion’…devotion to God, to family, to your partner in life, to friends and to the community. Bhakti is the path of love and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of the mental and physical abilities.

One of the most prominent practices of Bhakti Yoga is Mantra chanting. I discovered my love for mantra chanting and playing the harmonium (an ancient Indian Yogic instrument) back in 2015. Today, I offer mantra chanting and harmonium playing lessons upon private requests.

Ashtanga Yoga traditionally has both an opening chant and a closing chant. Because of Yoga’s ancient roots, chants (or mantras) are offered in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), however their meaning is said to be universal as 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.

The Opening Prayer is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have enabled this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. The recitation of this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, as well as preparing the mind, body, and emotions for the forthcoming Ashtanga sequence.

Om

Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde

Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe

Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane

Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai

Abahu Purushakaram

Shankhacakrsi Dharinam

Sahasra Sirasam Svetam

Pranamami Patanjalim

Om

Translation

om

I bow to the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru

which awaken 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

The Closing Prayer brings the practice to a peaceful end; sealing in the work done and offering the efforts of our practice to improve the state of the world.

Om

Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam

     Nya Yena Margena Mahim Mahishaha

   Go Brahmanebhyaha Shubamastu Nityam

    Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

   Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi

Translation

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

For protecting the welfare of all generations.

  May the religious, and all peoples be forever blessed,

  May all beings everywhere be happy and free

   Om peace, peace, perfect peace