Yoga Chanting

Chanting is often the way a yoga class begins. It is quite common for the students to have no understanding of what they are singing about and the teacher should give an idea to them of which particular chant they are singing and its significance.

Chanting is sung in Sanskrit the sacred language of yoga and Hinduism. Sanskrit is a very rhythmical and musical language and one that is reasonably easy to learn to sing and chant. The syllables of Sanksrit are either short (one beat) or long (two beats).

Chanting began as a way of preserving the ancient Vedic wisdom and learning to sing the chants became an easy way of remembering this powerful information.

Many of the chants are to invoke a deity and their energy. It is also an auspicious way to start a yoga practice or begin an endeavour. Throughout India it is often the way for the first chant to be directed to Ganesha. He is often the first god worshipped as he is the remover of obstacles and he brings with him sweetness and abundance.

Chanting is an amazing practice in itself, in addition to the practice of yoga. Tapping into the energy that has been invoked for literally thousands of years and by thousands of people and yogis before us can be a very uplifting and heart opening experience. The energy available and garnered through chanting is never ending, there is enough for everyone, we need only start the chanting and feel the benefits.

I have been learning some chants for a few years now and have been very surprised by the way it makes me feel. As soon as I assume the position (lotus pose) and bring my hands into anjali mudra I calm right down. My breathing slows and I feel my heart open and I am aware of the magic I am bringing into my life.

I am learning to sing and chant the Patanjali yoga sutras. No mean feat let me tell you. It is a long and slow path but one I am enjoying immensely. To further my studies and find time in my family life I have taken to singing them to my children as they go to sleep. They love it! I am constantly surprised by the instantaneous relaxation of my babies as soon as they hear the first line.

My little boy Gabriel, aged 2 now asks me to sing the sutras to him at bed time. He sings Ohm Shanti to me, very sweet. My daughter, who is 4 1/2 can sing the starting and finishing chants for Ashtanga yoga word for word. She loves it and can feel the magic she is invoking.

Singing and chanting is a wonderful way to reach the gods and find your voice. Experiment, it really doesn't take long and most teachers will be delighted to start with you.