Saha na vavatu
To begin our blog,
We introduce a shanti mantra, a mantra of peace, taken from the Krishna Yajurveda Taittiriya Upanishad (2.2.2.). It is often referred to as the teacher/student mantra and is commonly recited by the teacher and by the student before the study of sacred scriptures, and sometimes in schools before the start of classes.
OM
Saha na vavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahai
Tejas vinavadhitamastu
Ma vidvishavahai
Om shantih shantih shantih
OM
May we (the teacher and students) be protected
May we be nourished
May we work together with energy and vigor
May our study be enlightening
May there be no animosity amongst us
OM peace (within), peace (with each other), peace (universal)
This mantra reflects our intention for the work our teachers and students will do together.
At New Vibe Yoga, we believe that the deepest learning happens when the teacher and student work together, ideally over a long period of time, in an earnest and dedicated way, with a spirit of humility, mutual respect, curiosity and gratitude. It is our joy to share with students the Yogic knowledge we have learned from our teachers, and also to learn from our students' sincere efforts to practice.
Before teaching public classes, many of our teachers recite the Sahana Vavatu mantra to themselves to bring the energy and intention of this mantra into their teaching, and it is our hope that students may also want to learn this mantra as a way of setting a positive intention for the work we do together. If you are interested in learning this mantra, we recommend the recording by Dr, M.A. Jayashree, which can be purchased online.
We also recommend the New Vibe Yoga Training Program as an entry door for students to deepen their capacity to be students of Yoga and also to begin to explore the practice of teaching yoga. Please reach out to us if you are curious about participating and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have so you can decide if it is right for you.