The Power of Chanting in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: Opening Prayer and its Profound Benefits

Chanting, or mantra recitation, is an essential aspect of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga that enriches the practice both spiritually and physically. The opening and closing chants serve to prepare practitioners for their yoga journey, creating a sacred atmosphere and fostering a deep connection to the lineage of this ancient tradition. Chanted in Sanskrit—the sacred language of yoga—these mantras carry a universal resonance that transcends words. The vibrational quality of Sanskrit is believed to elevate the practitioner's consciousness, facilitating a deeper connection to their Higher Self and the divine.

By engaging in these chants, practitioners raise their vibrational frequency, promoting inner peace and spiritual alignment. This practice not only helps clear mental distractions but also enhances focus and intention, making it a powerful complement to both asanas and meditation. Research has shown that chanting can regulate heart rates, lower blood pressure, boost metabolic processes, and release feel-good endorphins, making it a beneficial addition to the overall experience of yoga.

The Significance of the Opening Chant

The Ashtanga Vinyasa Opening Chant is a sacred invocation of gratitude and blessing. It is a way of acknowledging and honoring the lineage of teachers who have preserved and transmitted the practice of yoga through the centuries. The chant specifically pays homage to Patanjali, the ancient sage and author of the Yoga Sutras, who is credited with compiling the philosophical foundation of yoga. Through this recitation, the practitioner aligns with the wisdom of these ancient teachings and prepares both the internal and external environment for the practice to come.

The chant is not only a gesture of reverence but also a method for cleansing the energy of the space where yoga is practiced. It is believed that the sound vibrations created by the mantra purify the atmosphere, bringing balance and harmony to the mind, body, and emotions. As the mantra is chanted, the practitioner's mind is brought into focus, and the breath begins to regulate, setting a steady rhythm that supports the entire Ashtanga sequence.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Opening Chant (Sanskrit)

ॐ
वन्दे गुरूणां चरणारविन्दे संदर्शितस्वात्मसुखावबोधे ।
निःश्रेयसे जाङ्गलिकायमाने संसारहालाहलमोहशान्त्यै ॥
आबाहुपुरुषाकारं शङ्खचक्रासिधारिणम् ।
सहस्रशिरसं श्वेतं प्रणमामि पतञ्जलिम् ॥
ॐ

Ashtanga Vinyasa Opening Chant (Transliteration)

AUM ( ॐ )
vande gurūṇām caraṇāravinde
sandarśita svātmasukhāvabodhe
niḥśreyase jāṅgalikāyamāne
saṁsāra hālāhala mohaśāntyai
ābāhu puruṣākāraṃ
śaṅkhacakrāsi dhāriṇam
sahasra śirasaṃ śvetaṃ
praṇamāmi patañjalim
AUM ( ॐ )

Ashtanga Vinyasa Opening Chant (English 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

Benefits of Chanting the Ashtanga Opening Mantra

1. Fosters Focus and Presence
The opening chant is a powerful means of centering the mind and cultivating presence. By beginning with this invocation, practitioners consciously connect with the lineage of teachers and the wisdom of yoga, fostering gratitude and devotion. This mental preparation aids in shifting focus from daily distractions to the practice ahead, creating a strong foundation for mindful movement and breath.

2. Purifies the Space and Energy
The vibrational energy generated by chanting cleanses both the space and the individual's energetic field, eliminating negativity and distractions. This purification prepares the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies for the practice, creating a sacred environment conducive to growth and exploration.

3. Regulates Breathing and Establishes Rhythm
Chanting inherently involves deep and steady breathing, helping practitioners regulate their breath and bring awareness to its flow. By establishing a consistent rhythm through the chant, practitioners align their breath with movement—a fundamental aspect of Ashtanga Vinyasa practice—promoting ease and fluidity in transitioning between postures.

4. Opens the Heart and Cultivates Gratitude
The chant expresses gratitude to the teachers of the lineage, particularly Patanjali. This expression of humility opens the heart and creates a receptive space for transformation and healing, reminding practitioners that yoga is a spiritual journey rooted in ancient wisdom.

5. Induces a Meditative State
The repetitive nature of chanting promotes relaxation and a meditative mindset. The sound vibrations positively influence the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. As a result, practitioners enter the Ashtanga practice with a calm, centered, and elevated state of mind.

6. Connects to Higher Consciousness
Chanting serves as a means of connecting to a higher power or consciousness, helping practitioners tune into their inner wisdom. This connection fosters inner peace, clarity, and alignment with the universe, enhancing the spiritual dimension of the yoga practice and making it a holistic experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.