Chanting

Chanting is often associated with religion. It has been been used by all forms of religions, from Buddhism to Christianity, throughout history. I think that this is one of reasons why some people feel uncomfortable chanting in a yoga class. That, as well as feeling self-conscious at first.

Many chants, especially Kirtan chants, are devotional, and this, once again, can cause some questions to arise. From personal experience, chanting can have a very positive, uplifting effect on you, regardless of your religious beliefs. It allows the mind to be free of any other thoughts that may be distracting or disturbing you. Chanting with others can also bring about a feeling of belonging and energy is shared. When we chant, it is said that we cut through the mind mesh and obtain freedom from delusion.

I have included some chants below which I like a lot and which can be interpreted in many ways. I find them very useful for quietening the mind and feeling good about oneself.

“Chanting is the heart practice of yoga. When we are in love, our hearts are constantly calling out the name of our lover. Chanting is that calling”.
Krishna Das

So Ham
I am that (that which is immortal and everlasting)
The Upanishads

“Om asato ma sad-gamaya, tamaso majyotir gamaya,
Mrtyor ma amritham gamaya,
om shantih shantih shantih.”
(Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality, om peace peace peace.)

Here are a couple of Kirtan chants:

“Rama bolo Rama bolo, bolo, bolo, Ram
Seeta bolo Seeta bolo bolo bolo Ram
Hanuman bolo Hanuman bolo bolo bolo Ram”.

Rejoice and sing the names of Ram, Sita, and Hanuman.

“Ganesha sharanam, sharanam Ganesha Jai Jai Ganesha”
I take refuge in the one who removes all obstacles