It is traditional in an Iyengar yoga class to commence by chanting the Invocation to Patanjali. Who was Patanjali? Why do we recite this chant? What are we actually saying when we chant these Sanskrit words, and what meaning does it have?

Who Was, And Why Do We Invoke, Patanjali?

Patanjali is considered the Father of Yoga. He was the compiler of the Yoga Sūtras. This text is a concise, and sometimes abstruse, spiritual manual directing one on how to experience the purusa, or soul. Over time it came to be regarded as one of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy. The Yoga Sutras is the root text or canon upon which all yoga is based.

By invoking Patanjali we are paying our respects to this sage, and in effect recognising the lineage of yoga, and all teachers who have gone before. Yoga is a subject that has been passed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. By chanting the invocation we are acknowledging the teachings that have been handed down over time and the teachers, including BKS Iyengar, from whose experience and wisdom we have benefitted.

In acknowledging the spiritual heritage of yoga we are also paying our respects, and in paying our respects we are generating a sense of humbleness, a feeling of quietness and receptivity, and in doing this we are creating an internal space through which our ego is placated so that learning can take place. Often we arrive at our practice or class with our minds clogged with mundane matters. In order to transcend this state and go deeper in our practice reciting the invocation is helpful.

On a more practical level reciting the Invocation together in a class environment brings the group together. We recognise that we have arrived with a common purpose, we come together, and generate an energy that assists in focusing and progressing in our yoga practice.

What Are We Saying When Reciting The Invocation?

The Invocation to Patanjali is recited in Sanskrit, the original Indic language in which the Yoga Sutras were written. It commences with the sounding of 'aum' three times, and then again once at the end. Aum is a sacred syllable. It represents divinity; it is the sound that was made when the Universe was created. Then follows the words of the Invocation. Below I have included the transliteration of the Sanskrit words, the phonetic pronunciation of those words, and a translation of each line:

yogena cittasya padena vacam
(yo-gay-nuh chih-tah-syuh pah-day-nuh vah-chahm)

To purify the mind (citta), purify the consciousness, Patanjali gave the science of yoga (yogena) to us. To purify our use of words (pada) and speech (vacca), he gave a commentary on grammar to us, so that our use of words and way of speaking is clarified, distinct and pure.

malam sarirasya ca vaidyakena
(mah-lahm shah-ree-rah-syuh chuh vy-dyuh-kay-nuh)

To remove the impurities (malam) of the body (sarira), he gave us the science of medicine (vaidyakena)

yopakarottam pravaram muninam
(yo-pah kar-oh-tahm prah-vah-rahm moo-nee-nahm)

Let me go near the one who has given these things to us

patanjalim pranjaliranato’smi
(pah-than-jah-lim prahn-jah-leer ah-nah-to-smee)

Let me bow down my head with my folded hands to Lord Patanjali

abahu purusakaram
(ah-bah-hoo-poo-roo-shah-kar-ahm)

From the hand up to the head he has the shape (karam) of a human (purusa)

sankha cakrasi dharinam
(shahn-kah chah-krah-see dar-ee-nahm)

In his hand he is holding the conch (sankha) and disc (cakra)

sahasra sirasam svetam
(sah-hah-srah sheer-ah-sahm shvay-tahm)

On top of his head (sirasam) he has got a thousand (sahasra) hoods of the cobra, because he is the incarnation of Adishesha, the greatest cobra. Svetam means white

pranamami patanjalim
(prah-nuh-mah-mee pah-tahn-jah-lim)

I bow down to Patanjali

In other words, the chant is saying: To the noblest of sages, Patanjali, who gave us yoga for serenity of mind, grammar for purity of speech, and medicine for the protection of body, I salute. The second part describes the visual depiction of Patanjali: I salute before Patanjali whose body has a human form, whose arms hold a conch, and disc, and a sword, who is crowned by a thousand headed cobra. Oh incarnation of Adisesa my humble salutations to thee.

The Meaning And Symbolism Of The Invocation

Patanjali was not only ascribed as the composer of the Yoga Sutras, but also authoritative texts on ayurveda (Indian medicine) and grammar as well. Thus he is credited with purifying mind (yoga), body (ayurveda) and speech (grammar).

Over time he became known as a mythological figure with legendary qualities, hence his description in the Invocation. His portrayal is symbolically laden. Patanjali is depicted as half man and half serpent. The human form represents the individuality of man, since he has been endowed with intelligence to use his own efforts to reach the goal of yoga. The form of the serpent implies the motion and continuity of sadhana (or practice), which cannot end until the goal is reached. The conch signifies the state of alertness, attentiveness and readiness to face the obstacles which inevitably arise in the practice of yoga; the disc signifies the destruction of ignorance, the main aim of yoga, with supreme effort; and the sword, tucked into the waist, indicates the cutting of the ego, or sense of ‘I’ which is the main obstacle in yoga. These three weapons also indicate the restraint of mental fluctuations, removal of obstacles and the eradication of afflictions through yoga practice. The hood above the head is an assurance of protection from Adisesa, king of serpents. This protection is available for the practitioner, provided he surrenders to God, which is signified by the hands folded in namaskarasana, also known as atmanjali mudra.

Patanjali was the author of the Yoga Sutras, the root text upon which yoga is based. By invoking Patanjali before our classes we are paying respect to the yoga lineage, creating a humble mental space so as to receive teachings, and coming together as a group with a common purpose. The Sanskrit words of the Invocation include a description of the works of Patanjali and a description of his form, which is rich in symbolism. By reciting the prayers regularly and devotedly we are also invoking the qualities of Patanjali to guide us on the yogic path.

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James Hasemer

James Hasemer is the Founder and Director of Central Yoga School and a Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Assessor, and Moderator. He is also currently a Teacher Director on the Iyengar Yoga Australia Board.

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References

Light On The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali BKS Iyengar
The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali Edwin Bryant