The Invocation Prayer for Maharishi Patanjali: Understanding Its Significance in Yoga

Maharishi Patanjali, the ancient sage and philosopher, is often referred to as the father of modern yoga. His seminal work, the Yoga Sutras, provides a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga, laying the foundation for the discipline as we know it today. One of the most revered practices in the yoga tradition is the recitation of the invocation prayer dedicated to Maharishi Patanjali. This prayer is an integral part of many yoga sessions, paying homage to Patanjali and seeking his blessings for a fruitful practice. In this blog, we will explore the invocation prayer for Maharishi Patanjali, its significance, and its various elements, incorporating some Sanskrit words and concepts to provide a deeper understanding.

The Significance of the Invocation Prayer for Maharishi Patanjali

The invocation prayer for Maharishi Patanjali, or Patanjali Vandana (पतञ्जलि वन्दना), is a way to honor the sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras and contributed immensely to the field of yoga. This prayer serves to connect practitioners with the lineage of yoga and invoke the blessings of Patanjali for guidance, wisdom, and clarity in their practice. It is a powerful reminder of the roots of yoga and the profound teachings that have been passed down through generations.

The Traditional Invocation Prayer for Maharishi Patanjali

The traditional invocation prayer for Maharishi Patanjali is often recited at the beginning of a yoga session. Here is the prayer:

योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां
मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन।
योऽपाकरोत्तं प्रवरं मुनीनां
पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि॥

आबाहुपुरुषाकारं
शङ्खचक्रासि धारिणम्।
सहस्रशिरसं श्वेतं
प्रणमामि पतञ्जलिम्॥

Transliteration:

Yogena chittasya padena vācāṁ
Malaṁ śarīrasya ca vaidyakena
Yo'pākarottaṁ pravaraṁ munīnāṁ
Patañjalim prāñjalir ānato'smi

Ābāhu puruṣākāraṁ
Śaṅkha cakrāsi dhāriṇam
Sahasra śirasaṁ śvetaṁ
Praṇamāmi Patañjalim

Translation:

I respectfully bow down with folded hands to Patanjali,
The best of sages, who removed the impurities of the mind through yoga,
Of speech through grammar, and of the body through medicine.

I prostrate before Patanjali,
Who has thousands of white heads,
Who holds a conch, discus, and sword,
And who has a human form up to the shoulders.

This prayer acknowledges Patanjali's contributions to yoga, grammar, and Ayurveda, highlighting his role as a multi-faceted sage who brought clarity and purity to various aspects of life.

Elements of the Invocation Prayer

Yogena Chittasya (योगेन चित्तस्य)

This phrase means "through yoga, the impurities of the mind." It emphasizes Patanjali's role in developing the practice of yoga to purify and calm the mind.

Padena Vācāṁ (पदेन वाचां)

This translates to "through grammar, the impurities of speech." Patanjali also made significant contributions to the field of Sanskrit grammar, helping to refine and purify language.

Malaṁ Śarīrasya Ca Vaidyakena (मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन)

This means "through medicine, the impurities of the body." Patanjali's work in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is also recognized and honored.

Yo'pākarottaṁ Pravaraṁ Munīnāṁ (योऽपाकरोत्तं प्रवरं मुनीनां)

This translates to "who removed the impurities, the best of sages." It acknowledges Patanjali's contributions to the holistic purification of mind, speech, and body.

Patañjalim Prāñjalir Ānato'smi (पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि)

This means "I respectfully bow down with folded hands to Patanjali." It is an expression of deep respect and gratitude towards the sage.

Ābāhu Puruṣākāraṁ (आबाहुपुरुषाकारं)

This phrase describes Patanjali as having a human form up to the shoulders, symbolizing his divine and human aspects.

Śaṅkha Cakrāsi Dhāriṇam (शङ्खचक्रासि धारिणम्)

This means "who holds a conch, discus, and sword." These symbols represent Patanjali's powers of communication, protection, and wisdom.

Sahasra Śirasaṁ Śvetaṁ (सहस्रशिरसं श्वेतं)

This translates to "who has thousands of white heads." It symbolizes Patanjali's immense wisdom and knowledge.

Praṇamāmi Patañjalim (प्रणमामि पतञ्जलिम्)

This means "I prostrate before Patanjali," concluding the prayer with a gesture of reverence and devotion.

Incorporating the Invocation Prayer into Your Practice

To incorporate the invocation prayer for Maharishi Patanjali into your yoga practice, start by finding a quiet and comfortable space. Sit in a meditative posture, such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose), and bring your hands to your heart in Anjali Mudra (prayer position). Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and recite the prayer with intention and reverence.

The Spiritual Dimension of the Invocation Prayer

The invocation prayer not only sets the physical and mental tone for the practice but also has a profound spiritual dimension. It serves as a reminder of the yamas (ethical guidelines) and niyamas (personal observances) outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Yamas and Niyamas

The yamas and niyamas form the ethical foundation of yoga, guiding practitioners towards a life of integrity, compassion, and self-discipline. Reciting the invocation prayer can help reinforce these principles, such as:

• Ahimsa (अहिंसा) - Non-violence

• Satya (सत्य) - Truthfulness

• Asteya (अस्तेय) - Non-stealing

• Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) - Moderation

• Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) - Non-possessiveness

• Saucha (शौच) - Purity

• Santosha (सन्तोष) - Contentment

• Tapas (तपस्) - Self-discipline

• Svadhyaya (स्वाध्याय) - Self-study

• Ishvara Pranidhana (ईश्वर प्रणिधान) - Surrender to a higher power

Questions for Reflection

To deepen your understanding and connection with the invocation prayer, consider reflecting on the following questions:

1. How does reciting the invocation prayer impact your state of mind before and after your yoga practice?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the values expressed in the prayer (protection, nourishment, cooperation, and peace) into your daily life?

3. How does the invocation prayer help you cultivate a sense of gratitude and respect for your teachers and the yoga tradition?

4. What ethical principles (yamas and niyamas) do you find most challenging to uphold, and how can the invocation prayer support you in this journey?

Conclusion

The invocation prayer for Maharishi Patanjali is a powerful and transformative practice that honors the sage, sets a sacred tone for the practice, and fosters a sense of community and connectedness. By understanding and incorporating this prayer into your yoga routine, you can deepen your practice, enhance your spiritual growth, and cultivate a more profound sense of peace and harmony within.

May your yoga journey be filled with light, love, and divine inspiration.

Namaste (नमस्ते)