Chanting the yogasutra: A learning and meditative experience
Why do we chant the Yogasutras of Maharishi Patañjali?
When we write things out and deal with the written word, we are dealing with external forms. The written form is the grossest level of interpretation of oral traditions.
When we chant we use our vocal apparatus to produce the sound. This process brings us into the eternal NOW.
When we write, a long lapse of time can pass between the time of writing and our re-reading it. When we chant, the action brings us in the present moment.
The process of chanting demands full attention, at least at the physical level. There is also the question of resonance. Chanting evokes and invokes resonance in letters and words.
All mantra’s can be chanted in three forms: the manasika form (chanting in the mind) is the subtlest of forms, the vachika form (chanting externally, uttering sound) is in between, and the likita (writing), which is the grossest.
The subtlest way to approach the sutra’s would be to chant them at the level of the mind. Yet, this requires full knowledge of what one is doing.
It follows that when we chant we are in the NOW, we are vibrating, and we know what we are uttering so that when we move to the subtlest plane and we chant without uttering sound, in our mind, we are as close to the most perfect sound as possible.
Chanting led by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani with support by Yogacharini Devasena Bhavanani, Yoga Chemmal Meena Ramanathan and Yogacharini Dr Sangeeta. Recording engineer and flute by Shri Rajkumar Rajamanickam
Disc 1: A Meditative Experience: Invocation to Maharishi Patanjali, Samadhipada, Sadhanapada, Vibhutipada, Kaivalyapada and 108 OM chants
Disc 2: A Learning Experience: Invocation to Maharishi Patanjali, Samadhipada, Sadhanapada, Vibhutipada, Kaivalyapada
Listen to it on #Spotify
Read Dr Ananda’s UNDERSTANDING THE YOGA DARSHAN (An exploration of the Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali)
The yoga tradition is pan-universal and para-universal in its perspective. In this ancient art and science of right living, reverence is one of the most important qualities required in any sincere aspirant. Without reverence it is difficult to value “that” which we have and “that” which we have been given. It is difficult to understand how blessed we are if we choose not to realize it. The shat darshan are not just mere, philosophical perspectives of the dynamic universe but are a reverential witnessing of the Divine Universal Nature. All aspects of yoga are sacred, not in a limited religious sense but in an unlimited spiritual one. All aspects of yoga need to be respected. It is only when we have such an attitude of respectful love, profound interest, that we can become a yoga bhakta. Then, and then only, will we be fit for these teachings of the highest nature. Any attempt to explore the Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patañjali must spring from an attitude of respect, reverence and love for these teachings. If that is absent, then one may as well as be reading any common magazine or newspaper instead. The place, the time and the frame of mind will enable us to develop the right attitude, the universal beatitude towards these elevating teachings. This reverence would be completely lost if we choose to treat them like other mundane information or data. What attitude will you choose? The choice you make determines whether or not the treasure house of the Yoga Sutra opens its doors to you or not!
