Chanting
It is not possible for everybody to fix his or her mind on the Supreme Principal just through meditation on the Self. But Japa and singing devotional songs are a way that suits everyone.
- Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
Chanting is an integral part of the practical, philosophical, and spiritual lineages of Yoga.
Chanting provides many important benefits to the physical, mental, and emotional development of yoga practice. It is highly valued across Dharma communities, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism. As such, it’s a terribly missed opportunity when chanting is minimized and neglected in Western yoga culture. See 10 major benefits of chanting here below.
Aquamarine Yoga offers a welcoming and supportive space to learn and enjoy chanting on the path of yoga. Whether you are just beginning to chant, or you have many years of experience, we are here to chant together!
chant together
Start or supercharge your chanting practice with group sessions.
NEW MOON CHANTING - ONLINE
Friday, November 1st @ 8pm-9pm EST
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
The New Moon, also known as Amavasya in the Hindu tradition, is a significant day in the lunar calendar when the moon is not visible in the sky. In some calendars, this dark night marks the end of one lunar cycle and the start of a new cycle - symbolic of the transition between death and rebirth.
It is considered especially auspicious on the New Moon to chant to the Mother Goddess, the Divine Feminine, to purify the mind, body, and spirit, remove negativity and obstacles, invoke protection and grace, and extend motherly love towards all beings, especially our ancestors.
Learn and practice ancient Sanskrit chants to the Mother Goddess on the New Moon.
All levels of experience welcome. Text and translation provided onscreen.
This event is Free on Zoom. Donations welcome!
Questions? Send an email.
10 Potential benefits of chanting:
1. Focus and Concentration: The rhythmic repetition of sounds and mantras in chanting can induce a state of calmness and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety levels, while helping to center the mind and cultivate a deep sense of focus, which is essential for various yoga practices, including meditation and asana.
2. Heart Coherence: Chanting can improve heart coherence—the optimal functioning of the heart’s rhythm in sync with the body’s physiological processes—by synchronizing breath patterns and promoting relaxation, which enhances the harmony between heart rate variability and emotional well-being. When in a state of heart coherence, individuals often experience greater clarity, resilience, and a more positive outlook.
3. Breathing Stamina and Rhythm: Chanting improves breathing stamina, breathing rhythm, and breathing efficiency, which can benefit many other activities such as movement and music.
4. Enhancing Vocal Strength: Regular chanting can strengthen the vocal cords and improve voice projection and clarity.
5. Energetic Balance: Certain chants are believed to balance the energy centers (chakras) in the body, promoting increased energy and vitality.
6. Building Resonance: The vibrations produced through chanting can promote healing by clearing energetic blockages in the inner world and in external relationships.
7. Cultural and Spiritual Connection: Chanting connects practitioners to the cultural and spiritual roots of yoga, fostering a deeper understanding of its traditions and philosophies.
8. Mood Enhancement: Chanting mantras or specific sounds can uplift mood and create a positive atmosphere during yoga practice.
9. Self-Expression and Creativity: Chanting encourages self-expression through sound and can enhance creativity by opening channels of communication beyond words.
10. Community and Unity: Chanting together in a group or class setting promotes a sense of unity and belonging among practitioners, fostering a supportive and inclusive yoga community that honors more than the physical body.