Chants
Sanskrit is an ancient language that is no longer used in conversation, though Sanskrit words and phrases are still used in the teachings of Yoga and Buddhism. Surprisingly, there are many words in English that have its roots in Sanskrit. Sanskrit, Latin and Greek have a common source. There are amazing similarities in these old languages. We humans come from a common source!
Sometimes we begin class with a student/teacher chant. Back in the day, the teacher and students would chant this before their studies. Below is a rough translation and Sanskrit transliteration.
 
| Translation:
"May we be protected when we come together. May we study with vigor and strength. May we glow, be brilliant and lustrous from our studies. May there be no enmity, bad feelings between us." Let us together (-saha) be protected (-na vavatu) and let us together be nourished (-bhunaktu).
Let us together join our mental forces in strength (-veeryam) for the benefit of humanity (-karvaa vahai). Let our efforts at learning be luminous (-tejasvi) and filled with joy, and endowed with the force of purpose (-vadhita mastu). Let us never (-maa) be poisoned (-vishaa) with the seeds of hatred for anyone. Let there be peace and serenity (-shaantih). This mantra highlights the nature of the teacher-student relationship that produces ideal results for the student. The transference of mental, spiritual and intellectual energies from the teacher to the student can be achieved through a mutually nourishing relationship which is based on (mutual) respect, joy (of giving and receiving), and absence of malice or negative thoughts. |
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