Often yoga sessions start with an intention, a sankalp or a prayer. I don’t think yoga is connected to any religion, but I do believe that yoga and spirituality are entertwined. There are many shlokas found in the upanishads and other ancient scriptures that are used to begin and end yoga sessions. Below are the ones that I use in my class.
Opening Prayer
Om sahanavavatu, saha nou bhunaktu,
Saha Viryam karvavahai,
Tejasvi navadhitamastu ma vidvisavahai.
Om Santih Santih Santih (Taitt. Upanishad)
May he protect us both, May he nourish us both;
May we both work together with great energy;
May our studies be enlightened and fruitful;
May we not hate each other,
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Closing Prayer
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah,
Sarve santu niramayah,
Sarve bhadrani pasyantu,
Ma kascit dukhabhag bhavet,
Om Santih Santih Santih
May all be happy,
May all be free from diseases,
May all see things auspicious,
May none be subjected to misery.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
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