Lately a few Yoga students have taken up learning to chant the Yoga Sutras by heart. They are practicing this in the early morning Mysore class, which has enhanced the lovely atmosphere in the room.
Whenever we are singing or chanting, we are exhaling, which relaxes us. It also stimulates the throat chakra, which is related to our communication skills, self-expression and creativity. Chanting creates healing vibrations in the body. It offers numerous benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, improved mood, balanced emotions, a lowering of blood pressure and heart rate etc.
Chanting Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras by heart is learned through a call and response method. When we have memorized by listening only, it is then that we may draw on the written word to ensure that we have heard the Sutra correctly. It requires a keen ear and full focus to be able to repeat after the call correctly. It greatly enhances our ability to concentrate, and importantly, teaches us to listen attentively!
All of the Yoga wisdom contained in the Sutra is passed on to us on a subtle level, when chanting it. In ancient times, a disciple had to have memorized all 195 Sutras, before they were introduced to their meaning. Learning to pronounce the Sanskrit terms is not easy, but this old language connects us with the ancient tradition of Yoga, in which lies its wisdom and beauty.
The chanting in the Mysore class accompanies others when practicing their kriyas (cleansing), asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing technique), and meditation. This is what I always hoped for; for my Mysore Yoga room to eventually be a reflection of the wide range of different layers/disciplines of the Yoga practices, all practiced together simultaneously in the same space. Students following a routine which has been tailored to their individual needs and practitioners of all levels present, sharing their energy and finding like-minded and trustworthy company when experiencing vulnerability in their practice, is deeply satisfying for me to witness.
It is inspirational for the beginner to witness the practices of the more seasoned practitioners. Also those with a regular practice, who could sometimes follow their routine at home but prefer to join our early mornings; feel the supportive and encouraging energy of the Mysore room. It can help them to push through any resistances or procrastination they might be facing, or they can learn something new and experience a natural reigning in of a distracted mind. (But remember, for regular Mysore practitioners it is also advisable to attend a led class e.g. once weekly or fortnightly).
Being knowledgeable in all the stratas of the Yoga practices i.e. chanting, kriyas, asana, pranayama, and meditation, allows for flexibility in the execution of one’s practice each day. One can adjust the practice to an adequate level of intensity, appropriate for that period. Sometimes that might be simply performing kriyas, pranayama and meditation, only. Or on another day, just some therapeutic postures and chanting. Or a dynamic Ashtanga Vinyasa practice in which we can exert ourselves. Or of course, all of it in one session. There are endless possibilities and the art lies in finding the full expression of oneself and one’s own balance, using the great variety of practices this wise system offers.
Anyone at any level in their practice is welcome to our Mysore Yoga room.
Happy practice!
OM Shanti,
Angelika