Why We Chant at the end of many of our yoga classes
At the end of many of our yoga classes we chant the mantra AUM. It is the great utterance of the Vedic Tradition, where yoga comes from. It is a way to honor the roots and culture of yoga, a way to seal the period of practice, and a way to offer the benefit of our practice beyond our personal self. While yoga can be pure exercise, its deeper potency lies in its practice as a body/mind/spirit experience. Participation is always optional, and students may chant, or simply listen.
The language of yoga is Sanskrit, one of the oldest sacred languages still in existence and the base of our own Indo-European language tree. It is considered a vibratory language, that its sounds and pronunciation translate essence and meaning. This is in contrast to our more modern, conceptual languages.
There is a lovely creation myth about Sanskrit. Before there was auditory sound and manifestation as we know it, there was only silence. AUM was the sound that broke through the silence and created the ripple of shape and form, and from AUM the 52 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet emerged. Each sound essence carrying its unique energy. And from this the evolution of speech as we know it.
AUM is simple and profound and also mirrors the sacred utterance of many traditions- Amen, Ameen of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Yoga it also symbolizes all the four states of consciousness- waking, sleeping, dreaming and the fullness of consciousness- our ability to be awake and aware to all of life.
Chanting and toning in a group can be very awkward of course, and even bring up concern about religiosity out of context. So, it is important that everyone know it is merely an option. Students can simply listen or hum.
The sound comes from an audible exhale and is a way to extend the exhale which supports the calm state yoga practice ideally has instilled. It begins in the throat with the basic sound of Ahhhh, which is literally the foundational sound of all human speech. It moves to the lips and then returns to the sinuses; the vibrations literally feel good and help awaken the senses and clear the mind. At the end there is often a stillness and quiet that is palpable. This is the inward state of Yoga, a connection back to pure potential.
It is wonderful to know we can share something pure and essential for a moment before we go back to the work and responsibilities of our day.
Natasha Korshak is a long-time teacher and trainer of yoga, meditation, mindfulness and MBSR, and has been working in the field of integrative health and wellness her entire professional career. She is a graduate of the Interfaith Theological Seminary and an ordained Interfaith Minister specializing in contemplative practice, grief processing, and spiritual direction. Her study and training of mind/body/spirit methods is extensive and she has learned from many of the pioneers in their discipline. As the founder and director of the Sol Center she is well regarded for her depth, warmth, authenticity, and the smile in her voice.
