Invocation to Patanjali
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| Sanskrit | Translation |
| Yogena cittasya padena vacam malam sarirasya ca vaidyakena yopakarottam pravaram muninam patanjalim pranajaliranato'smi abahu purusakaram sankha cakrasi dharinamsahasra sirasam svetam pranamami patanjalim. |
Let us bow before the noblest of sages Patanjali, who gave yoga for serenity and sanctity of mind, grammar for clarity and purity of speech and medicine for perfection of health. Let us prostrate before Patanjali, an incarnation of Adisesa, whose upper body has a human form, whose arms hold a conch and a disc, and who is crowned by a thousand-headed cobra. |
Mr. Iyengar has asked his teachers and students to chant the Invocation to Patanjali at the beginning of class.
Chanting connects the practitioner to India which is the birthplace of Yoga. It expresses an attitude of respect, gratitude and willingness.
Through chanting, the practitioner embarks on an inward journey and an exploration of the Self.
Chanting brings people together by connecting them in a sacred ritual.
Both individual and collective healing take place during the spiritual experience. This healing creates self-awareness and facilitates personal growth.
The chant is not religious and therefore, it is open to all people.
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open." -B.K.S. Iyengar