The Ashtanga Yoga practice is opened and closed with a Sanskrit chant.
Opening Chant
The opening chant is a dedication or homage to the tradition and lineage of yogis leading up to our practice. Patanjali is mentioned by name – the author of the yoga sutras – probably the most important yogic text and a reference for ancient and modern yogis alike.
Om
Vande gurunam charanaravinde
Sandarashita svatma sukhava bodhe
Nishreyase jangalikayamane
Samsara halahala moha shantyai
Abahu purushakaram
Shankha chakrasi dharinam
Sahasra shirisam svetam
Pranamami patanjalim
Om
Translation from Pattabhi Jois :
I bow to the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru who teaches the good knowledge, showing the way to knowing the self-awakening great happiness; who is the jungle physician, able to remove the poison of Samsara (conditioned existence).
To Patanjali, an incarnation of Adiesa, white in colour with 1000 radiant heads (in his form as the divine serpent, Ananta), human in form below the shoulders holding a sword (discrimination), a wheel of fire (discus of light, representing infinite time), a nd a conch (divine sound) – to him, I prostrate.
Closing Chant
The closing chant is an expression of well being to the world – a turning out at the end of the practice and a wish for peace to all people.
Om
Swasthi-praja bhyah pari pala yantam
Nya-yena margena mahi-mahishaha
Go-bramanebhyaha-shubhamastu-nityam
Lokaa-samastha-sukhino-bhavanthu
Om
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
Translation from Richard Freeman
May all of humankind be happy and well. May the great noble lords protect the earth in every way by the path of just virtue. May there be perpetual joy for those who know the real nature of things. May all the worlds be happy.
Om, peace, peace, peace.
Teaching Shantipat
The teaching shantipat is used at the end of a pranayama practice and to me expresses a deep sense of connection and respect for my teachers and the teachings received from them.
Om
Saha navavathu, saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viriyam karavavahi
Tejasvi navadhitamastu
Ma vidvishavahahi
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
Translation from Richard Freeman
May we together be protected.
May we together be nourished.
May we work together with great energy.
May our study together be brilliant and effective.
May we not hate or dispute with each other.
Om peace, peace, peace.