These three opening chants are used to focus the energy, bless the work and set the space for any yogic, philosophical, energy or yoga based work. During my times and studies in India we would always start a class with these three chants and it always helped to align my body, mind and energy to the work ahead. I find it very useful to use these chants (or just one) to start a training session.
Vakratuṇḍa Māhākāya
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
Oṁ
vakratuṇḍa māhākāya
koṭisūrya samaprabha
avighnaṁ kuru me deva
sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā
Salutations to Śrī Gaṇeśa who has a curved trunk,
Who has a large body and whose splendor is similar to a million suns;
O Deva, please make my undertakings free of obstacles,By extending your blessings in all my works, always.
Sahanāvavatu
सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Oṁ
Sahanāvavatu
saha nau bhunaktu
sahavīryaṁ karavāvahai
tejasvināvadhītamastu
mā vidviṣāvahai
Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Oṁ, together may we two (teacher and student) move in our studies,
Together may we two relish our studies,
Together may we perform our studies with vigor and deep Concentration,
May what has been studied by us be filled with the brilliance of understanding, leading to knowledge; May it not give rise to hostility due to lack of understanding,
Oṁ Peace, Peace, Peace.
Asatomā Sadgamaya
असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Oṁ
asatomā sadgamaya
tamasomā jyotirgamaya
mṛtyor māṁ amṛtam gamaya
Oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥOṁ, May I not stay in unreality, may I move toward the reality of Self,
May I not stay in a state of ignorance, may I grow toward the light of spiritual knowledge,
May I not be bound to death, may I move toward the freedom of Self-realization),
Oṁ, Peace, Peace, Peace
Interested in starting or deepening a chanting practice?
There are many benefits to chanting – here are some of them!
Tips for using chanting in public yoga classes and with yoga clients.
Check out my eBook and use code ‘chantwithme’ to receive 50% off at checkout!
