Traditionally, we open and close every Ashtanga practice with chanting the renowned Opening and Closing Chants. They have become an innate and much loved part of the Ashtanga practice but also a big question mark for many new students, who are unfamiliar with the sound and language of these beautiful Sanskrit poems. If you are one of them the following translations and explanations might be for you. The Opening and Closing Chants mark the beginning and end of the ritual-like sacred space of the practice. That way they set apart the practice from every day life and activities and help us to shift our minds from every day occupations to a present, attentive and clear state of mind required for the practice. In general chanting is said to shift the consciousness of the practitioner to a higher vibration, produce endorphines, calm the nervous system, lower blood pressures and stabilise the heart rate. Beneficial and calming effects that you will immediately feel after chanting. The more people, the higher the vibrations, so group chanting is known to be especially powerful to both body and mind, as we can experience it in Ashtanga led classes. The Opening Chant is an expression of blessing and appreciation for everybody that has come before us.
Opening & Closing Prayer
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Ashtanga Yoga traditionally has both an opening chant and a closing chant. Because of Yoga's ancient roots, chants or mantras are offered in Sanskrit the ancient language of India , however their meaning is said to be universal as Sanskrit is the language of the heart. Chanting acts to shift the consciousness of the individual practicing the chant to a higher level of vibration. This in turn brings us closer to our Source or Higher Self — the aspect of ourselves that remains eternal — and leaves the practitioner filled with peace and feeling calm and centred. Studies have shown that when a person chants it can stabilise their heart rate, lower blood pressure, produce beneficial endorphins in the body and boost metabolic processes, so it perfectly compliments the physical practice of asana. The Opening Prayer is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have enabled this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. The recitation of this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, as well as preparing the mind, body and emotions for the forthcoming Ashtanga sequence.
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This is the classic way to end the ashtanga practice as taught by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore India. After the practice is done, and before savasana, chants this astanga closing chant quietly to yourself this chant, or even out loud. Practice chanting the ashtanga closing chant over and over here with this short mp3, until you can remember it. Then simply chant on your own at the end of class, or with your students. Lokaa: The location of all universes existing at this moment Samastha: All beings living in this location Sukhino: In happiness, joy and free from all suffering Bhav: The divine mood or state of union Anthu: May it be so. Listen to more chants here , or check out the Doron Yoga Manual for a wealth of information about theories and techniques of yoga that you can apply to your practice everyday. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
She converts to your religion. She sounds so indoctrinated that like even if you try to get her to open up, who knows you might get like a BJ out of it doesn't sound like it but who knowsyou have to realize that a lifetime of conditioning will be set in motion in her mind that will make your life hell. Go miserably explore a foreign country by myself wishing my husband was with me. To others making this consideration, I would certainly suggest that you converse with your Father in Heaven about this important choice.
