The Sound of Yoga

Atha Yoga Anuśāsanam

Chant the Yoga Sūtra-s of Patanjali

Skipping steps is for hopscotch and amping up the stair climbing experience, not for the Yoga process. Before I studied the four chapters of the sutra-s in depth, I learned to chant them. You don't have to be an avid chanter, chant enthusiast or have an exorbitant amount of chanting experience. You do have to have an earnest interest in creating a more empowering life experience for yourself. You don't have to have a "great voice (just a voice)," or even be comfortable hearing your own voice. You do have to commit to regular meetings.

Some benefits are immediately derived, and others evolve over time with continued practice. Yoga's defining text is replete with step-by-step instructions on how to practice. When you are learning a new recipe, say for example, how to make a loaf of bread, you closely follow each and every ingredient and instruction. And you produce your loaf of bread. Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra text is a manual, and the more thoroughly you comprehend each instruction, the more replete your experience becomes with calmness, clarity and life-long transformation. Eventually, the instructions are internalized - you still yield the loaf of bread, but the whole process is more integrated.

Similarly, while learning to chant the sutra-s, a tremendous amount of focus is required. Then, you memorize them. Then, you learn the meaning. Focus is required, but it’s refined, more one-pointed, and the unification of thought, sound and meaning yields Yoga, in the process.

For the mind - cognitive function is honed, improved as the neural pathways for sustained attention are forged. For the body, digestion and eliminations are improved, Chanting is one of the most effective breath-regulations tools, and respiratory capacity improves.

Are you or your Yoga studio/colleagues/teachers interested in learning to chant the first chapter? Second? Third? Fourth? Email Danielle, and let's schedule classes, currently forming for Autumn and Winter sessions. Pre-requisite is the Intro to Vedic Chanting Course. Need to take it? Email Danielle - a new version is coming out in August.