yogachicki

After the previous post, I thought I would explain the meaning and relevance of the Gayatri Mantra a bit further. Yes it is a lovely chant but what are we saying and why?

                                                 

Gayatri Mantra (GUY-ah-tree) is one of the most known and beneficial of the ancient Sanskrit mantras. Gayatri is a mantra of physical, emotional, and mental healing, purifying the subtle karmas, protection from the onslaught of obstacles, and of spiritual awakening or Self-realization.

The actual word Gayatri can be translated to mean a Vedic poetic meter of 24 syllables or a hymn. It is also considered a Universal Prayer. Think of it as when you were a child and you were singing “Jesus loves me”. Everyone knows this song and has sung it several times as a hymn in church. You are using the words of that song to project your love of Jesus and his love of you. Singing loud so the Lord will hear your words. This is also true with the Gayatri Mantra. 

When translated, shortly, it means:

On the absolute reality and its planes,
On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles
That it may inspire and enlighten us.

A much longer version of the translation is:

Oh God, the Protector, the basis of all life, Who is self-existent, Who is free from all pains and Whose contact frees the soul from all troubles, Who pervades the Universe and sustains all, the Creator and Energizer of the whole Universe, the Giver of happiness, Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent, Who is Pure and the Purifier of all, let us embrace that very God, so that He may direct our mental faculties in the right direction.

*For an even more detailed explanation and a breakdown of every word in the mantra visit this informative website about the Gayatri Mantra

Either translation reads the same. It is a singing meditation, prayer and invocation. It is beautiful, soulful, and heartfelt. When you sing this mantra you are joining sages across the ages  who sing the same everyday. 

Now join millions around the world who have let their voices vibrate with the soft sounds of the lovely mantra. Feel it’s power and then feel your power emerge. 

OM
BHUR BHUVAH SVAHA 
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM 
BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI 
DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT

Namaste!

Gayatri Mantra By Tina Malia 

This is one of the most beautiful chants and one I love to hear at kirtans. Tina Malia is also has one of the most lovely singing voices I have ever heard. She is so amazing both inside and out. She does this duet with Shimshai (another one of my most favorite artists). Their voices sing in the most melodic fashion and bring this chant to a deep spiritual place for me.

Below are the words to the chant. Sing along if you feel it. Free your Vishuddha chakra and sing!

OM
BHUR BHUVAH SVAHA 
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM 
BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI 
DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT 

Namaste!

(Source: youtube.com)

Lovely and peaceful… Listen to this with an open heart and feel the power release from within.

Namaste!

This is a good article and travels in depth to reveal secrets… who doesn’t like to learn about secrets??!!

Namaste

I was searching my slideshare account for some inspiration and this presentation was more than enough. I might not be happy or content in my life at the moment, but I am definitely on the path to those feelings. Like the presentation states “Life is a Journey-Where the Hell are you going?” 

Question we should all be asking ourselves no matter where you are in your life. 

Namaste!

In a recent article in Open Magazine the truth behind the origins of modern day yoga was discussed and ‘revealed’. I found this article very interesting and as a current yoga teacher and student of many years much of the history made sense to me. Ultimately coming to the conclusion that yoga practiced to is and always has been anamalgamation of Eastern and Western philosophy and physicality. 

Namaste!

If you are thinking about taking a yoga teacher training read this. A thoughtful article that answers some questions those of you wanting to take a yoga teacher training course. Also it speaks to those of us who have already taken a YTT. 

I loved my yoga teacher training I took earlier this year in India. It has provided me more confidence and anatomical knowledge than I had before. I would not be teaching my private classes now if I had not gone through the intensive training. But there are some things to be prepared for when you leave the YTT space. This article does a nice job of describing the pros and cons of becoming a yoga teacher.

I especially agree that yoga teachers must continue to take time for themselves and their personal practice. Also it is important to never stop learning and being interested in new styles. Your students can feel your passion for yoga and it becomes contagious. 

Namaste!

Recently I have become more interested in chanting. I like to practice either before or after my yoga practice, and sometimes both. One chant I particularly enjoy while working one on one, or in a group setting, is the Chakra Chant. 

This type of chanting goes deeper than just sounds and explores the root of vibration. It also allows the person to experience types of sounds that affect the body, mind and soul. The application of certain sounds can awaken various parts of you. Once focused you can choose which areas and feel the results. It all really comes down to it all is energy and that energy is in a state of vibration and vibration is sound. 

Each chakra chant corresponds to a different area of the body. Releasing energy in that area, opening and cleansing it gives the person a feeling of awakening. So give ChakraChanting a try next time you want to awaken yourself to the universal vibration and life force. 

Chakra Chanting

1. LAM- corresponds with the Muladhara Chakra or Root Chakra. This energy begins at the base of the spine. The color associated with this chakra is red. 

2. VAM- corresponds with the Svadhisthana Chakra or Sexual Chakra. This energy begins just below the navel. The color associated with this chakra is orange. 

3. RAM- corresponds with the Manipura Chakra or Amibitions Chakra. This energy begins at the navel center. The color associated with this chakra is yellow. 

4. YAM- corresponds with the Anahata Chakra or Love Chakra. This energy begins at the heart center. The color associated with this chakra is green. 

5. HAM- corresponds with the Vishuddha Chakra or Communication Chakra. This energy begins at the throat center. The color associated with this chakra is blue. 

6. OM- corresponds with the Ajna Chakra or Spiritual Intuition Chakra. This energy begins at the third-eye center (between the eyes on the forehead). The color associated with this chakra is purple (or indigo). 

7. SILENCE (or some practice chanting HARE OM)- corresponds with the SahasraraChakra or Universal Consciousness Chakra. This energy begins at the crown of the head. The color associated with this chakra is violet. 

NAMASTE!