Chime in
and we'll find you a place on our fall chanting schedule, no matter what your current level is, so you can elevate your health routine as we spiral into fall and winter
Stress relief, hypertension reduction,
improved immunity, decreased inflammation, weight loss
These are just a few of the countless health parameters that may shift once chanting is integrated as a regular practice in your daily, Yogic repertoire.
Chanting must be made relevant to the chanter for it to impact health. TKV Desikachar was not my chanting teacher, but he taught my chanting teacher. Furthermore, I learned about how to apply chanting by being, fortunately, close to him on many occasions within and outside of formal classes, by observing his consultations, by observing him teach. I have stories. Surprising, insightful, adorable stories. Many moments in time that exhibit why we can't just chant anything we want to and expect optimal results.
One of the first group classes I attended with Sir occurred following an early morning class he taught to a city government official in Chennai. He explained his student followed Islam, and he incorporated Muslim prayers into his Yoga practice. I found it fascinating, as Sir was not Muslim, he didn’t speak Arabic, and the only sounds I’d heard until that point in Yoga practices were in Sanskrit. This opened the door to a broader understanding of application of Mantra in abhyāsa, practice.
On another occasion, I went to a catholic religious site in Chennai and bought a framed picture of Saint Teresa, for me Mom Teresa, as she is her patron saint. Prior to leaving, I brought it with me to Sir’s to bid him farewell and asked if he could chant over it, as my Mom was recovering from a recent Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis. I closed my eyes. And he started singing a song to Lord Jesus. Honestly, it was an adorable experience that will make me smile forever.
Yet again, Sir taught here in Long Island, my home, and saw a number of my students for consultations. Suddenly, a then-student who shared of his love for Buddhism, was taught Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Sangam Sharanam Gacchami, Dharmam Sharanam Gacchami. Clueless, I wrote up the practice for him and listened. Sure enough, this was very meaningful and extremely welcomed.
How can you can use mantra right now to make your world, and the world, a better place? If you have a practice, you are doing it. When times get tough and sticky, chant it. Chant it aloud. Chant it softly. Chant it mentally.
If you don’t have a practice, get one! Find a Yoga Therapist, perhaps even me, to assess you and design a meaningful daily ritual you can repeat to embody your new vibrations.
Lastly, find yourself a group chanting class, or take individual lessons. The process itself has immense power, as chanting classes remain our most well-favored and bonding experiences.