Pronunciation:
Om | Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam | Nya Yena Margena Mahim Mahishaha | Go Brahmanebhyaha Shubamastu Nityam | Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu | Shanti Shanti Shantihi
Translation:
May all be well with mankind.
May the leaders of the earth protect in every way, by keeping to the right path.
May there be goodness for those who know the earth to be sacred.
May all the worlds be happy
Pronunciation:
vande gurunam charanaravinde | sandarsita svatmasukhava bodhe | nihsreyase jangalikayamane | samsara halahala mohasantyai | abahu purusakaram | sankhacakrasi dharinam | sahasra sirasam svetam | pranamami patanjalim | om
Translation:
I bow to the lotus feet of the Gurus
The awakening happiness of one’s own Self revealed
Beyond better, acting like the Jungle physician
Pacifying delusion, the poison of Sansara
Taking the form of a man to the shoulders
Holding a conch, a discus, and a sword
One thousand heads white
To Pantanjali, I salute.
Pronunciation:
yogena chittasya padena vacham malam sharirasya cha vaidyakena | yo ’pakarottam pravaram muninam patanjalim pranjalir anato ’smi
Translation:
With palms folded together,
I bow respectfully to Patanjali, the best of sages,
Who dispels the impurities of the mind with Yoga,
Of speech through Grammar, and of the body by means of Medicine.
Why chant it:
This chant invoking Patanjali, one of the forefathers of the yoga tradition, is often chanted at the beginning of Iyengar Yoga classes or as an introduction to chanting the Yoga Sutra. Try it at the beginning of your practice as a way to honor the ancient tradition and to give thanks to the lineage of teachers. This chant also reminds us that yoga is meant to purify the mind, while Ayurvedic medicine can heal the body, and that our speech (and also our breath) is fundamental.
Pronunciation:
Oong namo | Gurudav namo
Translation:
I bow to the creative energy of the infinite.
I bow to the Divine channel of wisdom.
Why chant it:
This Gurmukhi mantra opens the communication channel between the student and the Divine teacher. We like to think that it also opens us to new endeavors and gives the strength to try something new.
Pronunciation:
Om saha nav avatu | saha nau bhunaktu | saha viryam karavavahai | tejasvi navadhitam astu ma vidvishavahai || Om shanti shanti shanti
Translation:
May we together be protected,
May we together be nourished.
May we work together with vigor,
May our study be illuminating.
May we be free from discord.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!
Why chant it:
This mantra is often recited at the beginning of a joint study or venture, making it a good option for anything from anchoring a yoga practice to embracing a new opportunity, be it a job or a relationship.
Pronunciation:
asato ma sad gamaya | tamaso ma jyotir gamaya | mrityor ma amritam gamaya
Translation:
From the unreal to the Real, lead me.
From darkness to Light, lead me.
From death to Immortality, lead me.
Why chant it:
It represents peace and freedom. As we all know, freedom can mean different things to different people but grasping it, even by the edges, can give you a sense of incredible levity.
Pronunciation:
Sarvesham svastir bhavatu | sarvesham shantir bhavatu | sarvesham purnam bhavatu | sarvesham mangalam bhavatu
Translation:
May there be well-being for all,
May there be peace for all.
May there be wholeness for all,
May there be happiness for all.
Why chant it:
Om is said to be the first sound heard at the creation of the universe. When each syllable is pronounced fully, you should feel the energy of the sound lifting from your pelvic floor all the way up through the crown of your head. The droning sound of the Om is said to unblock the throat chakra, which can lead to more attuned communication with others.
Pronunciation:
Om bhur bhuvah svah | tat savitur varenyam | bhargo devasya dhimahi | dhiyo yo nah prachodayat
Translation:
Earth, Heaven, the Whole Between.
The excellent divine power of the Sun.
May we contemplate the radiance of that god,
May this inspire our understanding.
Why chant it:
This is one of the oldest Sanskrit mantras. It speaks to the unity of all creation, despite its many forms. Chanting it invokes the light of the sun and helps us to transcend suffering.
Pronunciation: A-U-M
Why chant it:
Om is said to be the first sound heard at the creation of the universe. When each syllable is pronounced fully, you should feel the energy of the sound lifting from your pelvic floor all the way up through the crown of your head. The droning sound of the Om is said to unblock the throat chakra, which can lead to more attuned communication with others.