The Invocation Prayer of Yoga

The Invocation Prayer of Yoga: A Deep Dive into Its Significance and Practice

Yoga, a profound and ancient practice that originated in India, is more than just physical postures or asanas. It is a holistic system that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, fostering harmony and balance within. Central to this practice is the invocation prayer, often recited at the beginning of a yoga session. This prayer sets the tone for the practice, honoring the lineage of teachers and creating a sacred space for self-transformation. In this blog, we will explore the invocation prayer of yoga, its significance, and its various elements, incorporating some Sanskrit words and concepts to provide a deeper understanding.

The Significance of Invocation Prayer in Yoga

The invocation prayer, or prārthanā (प्रार्थना) in Sanskrit, serves as a bridge between the mundane and the spiritual, grounding practitioners in the present moment and preparing them for the inner journey of yoga. It is a way to express gratitude to the ancient sages, or rishis (ऋषि), who have passed down the wisdom of yoga through generations. This prayer also helps to create a sense of community and connectedness, as practitioners across the world recite the same words, tapping into a collective energy and intention.

The Traditional Invocation Prayer

One of the most commonly recited invocation prayers in yoga is the Guru Vandana (गुरु वन्दना), which honors the teachers or gurus who have guided the practice. Here is a traditional version of this prayer:

ॐ
सहनाववतु।
सह नौ भुनक्तु।
सहवीर्यं करवावहै।
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

Transliteration:

Om
Saha nāvavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha vīryam karavāvahai
Tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai
Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

Translation:

Om
May we be protected together
May we be nourished together
May we work together with great energy
May our study be brilliant and effective
May we not hate or dispute with each other
Om peace, peace, peace

This prayer emphasizes mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to learning and growth, which are essential values in the practice of yoga.

Elements of the Invocation Prayer

Om (ॐ)

The prayer begins with the sacred syllable Om (ॐ), considered the primordial sound of the universe. Om represents the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, setting the spiritual tone for the practice.

Saha Nāvavatu (सहनाववतु)

This phrase translates to "May we be protected together." It invokes a sense of safety and security, creating a supportive environment for the practice.

Saha Nau Bhunaktu (सह नौ भुनक्तु)

This means "May we be nourished together." It acknowledges the importance of both physical and spiritual nourishment, essential for holistic well-being.

Saha Vīryam Karavāvahai (सहवीर्यं करवावहै)

Translated as "May we work together with great energy," this line emphasizes the collective effort and enthusiasm required in the practice of yoga.

Tejasvināvadhītamastu Mā Vidviṣāvahai (तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै)

This means "May our study be brilliant and effective; may we not hate or dispute with each other." It underscores the importance of a harmonious and focused learning environment.

Om Shantiḥ Shantiḥ Shantiḥ (ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः)

The prayer concludes with the chant of Shanti (peace) three times, symbolizing peace in the body, mind, and spirit.

Incorporating the Invocation Prayer into Your Practice

To incorporate the invocation prayer 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 (पतञ्जलि), the ancient sage who codified the philosophy of yoga.

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 of yoga is a powerful and transformative practice that honors the tradition of yoga, 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)