The Ashtanga Yoga Class Opening Mantra

Today, we share with you the opening mantra of an ashtanga session. We were inspired for this article by the beautiful illustrated book produced by Caroline Boulinguez "Enter the practice of Ashtanga yoga" Editions le Courrier du Livre. And we thank her. A book that we highly recommend to anyone practicing Ashtanga yoga.

Caroline Boulinguez is an Ashtanga yoga teacher. In 1995, she created the Samasthiti Studio in the heart of Paris. Located in the Marais near Bastille, Caroline has been perpetuating the teaching of Sri Pattabhi Jois for 25 years and has benefited the greatest number of people.

Why an opening mantra in ashtanga yoga class?

Originally, bowing with respect, trust and abandonment before the masters who opened the way of yoga through their practice and knowledge means being ready in all humility to accept the density (the feet) of the physical and spiritual practice of yoga and the accomplishment (lotus) of this ancient art.

Ashtanga Yoga Masters

Ashtanga yoga was created by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamachaya in the early 20th century. Instead of becoming a high religious dignitary, he went on foot to the Himalayas and studied the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, asanas and prayamas (breathing techniques), as well as the therapeutic aspects of yoga.

It was he who was at the origin, thanks to his research, of the new bases of a powerful and precise physical practice.

One of the greatest discoveries is the establishment of a sequence of postures synchronized and rhythmed by breathing, VINYASA

Invited by the Maharaja of Mysore, ST Khrishnamacharya established his teaching in the city and opened a yoga school, which is now known worldwide.

It was there that at the age of 13, filled with admiration for this yogi master that Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, ended up learning yoga and joined his guru. Following in the footsteps of his master, he devoted himself solely to the transmission of Yoga. This branch of Yoga was named by Pattabhi Jois: Ashantaga Vinyasa Yoga.

The opening mantra of the Ashtanga course

The mantra is recited at the beginning of practice:

“Om vande Guruman charanavinde”

I pay homage to the lotus, feet and masters

“Sandarshita svatmasukha vabodhe”

To knowledge awakening to the happiness of self-revelation.

(this relates the objective of yoga)

“Nisheyase jangalikayamane samsara halahala mohasantyai”

To the unrivaled jungle doctor who extracts the poison from conditioned existence.

"samsara" - this also refers to the unconscious repetitive patterns of our habits)

“Jangali” – jungle means the zone of unconsciousness that imprisons our bodies and limits us.

"Patanjali" is associated with the doctor

"Abahu purusha karam shankhachakrasi dharimnam sahasra shirasam"

I bow to Patanjali, radiant, thousand-headed, assuming human form down to his arms. Bearer of the conch, the sword and the discus.

Pantajali was born in the form of a serpent (legend) Adishesa which symbolizes wisdom and transformation. Here he assumes human form up to his arms to show the path of awakening to men.

Sveta - white color is purity

asi - sword - is the symbol of discernment

"Pranamami Patanjali"

I bow to Patanjali

Here are your yoga mats, all you have to do now is learn them by heart :-)

So, as indicated, if you want to know more about the legend of Patanjali, about Ashantga yoga, about the reference posture Samasthiti, I recommend the book by Caroline Boulinguez