06/07/2026
Today I began the practice with an invocation to Patanjali to honor the teaching tradition and lineage of yoga. Chanting these mantras, or even simply chanting AUM and sitting in silence for a few moments, gives us a chance to shift the awareness from the outer world to the inner self. It helps prepare the mind to become steady, present, and receptive before moving into the physical practice.
“yogena cittasya padena vacam”
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 (v***a), 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”
To remove the impurities (malam) of the body (sarira), he gave
us the science of medicine (vaidyakena).
“yopakarottam pravaram muninam”
the foremost among sages who rendered great service/help
“patanjalim pranjalir anato’smi”
Let me bow down my head with my folded hands to Lord Patanjali
Then after knowing the work of this Lord, the second stanza
says what Lord Patanjali looks like. To do any meditation
first the form has to be in front of the eyes.
“abahu purusakaram”
From the hand up to the head he has the shape of human (purusa).
“sankha carkrasi dharinam”
In his hand he is holding the conch (sankha) and disc (cakra)
“sahasra sirasam svetam”
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”
I bow down to Patanjali