Sacred Beginnings: Why Hawan Puja and Mantra Chanting Open Every Yoga Teacher Training Program

Om Sahnavavatu

Sah nau bhunaktu

Sah veeryam Karvavahai

Tejaswinavadhitamastu ma midvishavhai

• Taittriya Upanishad 1.1.1

This is the Shanti mantra which has been mentioned in the Vedic philosophy of Sanatan Dharma. It basically translates to being protected together being nourished together and working together with great energy and that two may never oppose each other.

As a Yogi you may have heard this mantra at one point or another during your yoga practice or before your yoga classes. And if you haven’t, you can surely be guaranteed to hear it while you are enrolled in a yoga teacher training course in Goa.

Yoga in India is more than just a physical routine It is a spiritual and sacred journey that connects one with their body, mind and soul to find the deeper meaning of life and there WHY.

Ages before yoga became a global movement and a Wellness practice, it had been rooted in the ancient traditions that stressed upon purification, spiritual purpose and the intention behind the practice.

One of important reasons that sacred beginnings like hawan are still maintained in the modern yoga teacher training courses or yoga classes is because of the meaning it carries and the implication it holds. Today yoga has become a global movement and students from various corners of the world visit India to learn yoga in its most natural and authentic form. This is where hawan pooja and mantra chanting become a part of the sacred beginnings marking a positive onset to the ytt course and the meaningful journey they have ahead.

The importance of sacred beginnings of Yoga course

In the yogic philosophy, every beginning is considered to be important. When getting enrolled in a certain yoga commitment it is important that the journey starts with the right intention so that the outcome is also positive and meaningful.

When you are going for a yoga teacher training, it is not just about learning the physical asanas or mastering the sequences. But it is a medium of finding yourself while deeply cleansing your body and mind and finding true awakening.

What exactly is Hawan Puja?

Havan is basically a fire ceremony which is performed as per the Vedic traditions. This ceremony includes offering natural substances like grains, herbs, ghee, wood etc in a consecrated fire while chanting the Sanskrit mantras. It is meant to symbolize purification, consciousness, burning away negativity and opening up a path for deep transformation.

What does Agni represent?

The Agni represents fire which is one of the five elements that constitutes this universe. Agni symbolizes Shuddhi – Purification. The meaning of Agni in yoga philosophy is to symbolize releasing mental blockages, overcoming one’s ego, cleaning the emotional impurities and making way for inner discipline.

Why Hawan Puja Open Every Yoga Teacher Training Program

Shuddhimeti Na Sanshayaha – Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.6

This means that through purification success can be easily achieved in yoga. This ancient yogic textbook emphasizes the importance of purification especially before advanced yogic practices. Hawan Puja in Yoga Training is considered holy and traditional and way of cleansing and purifying the mind environment as well as aligning the energy points of one’s body.

To purify the energy field

Havan is performed with the purpose of purifying the energy field.       This becomes especially important in yoga training as the environment should be peaceful and the energy should be clean to remove negativity and set a positive vibration and tone for the entire course.

Sankalpa  – intention

Havan prepares the student to set a certain Sankalpa, intention in their yoga journey. Since any YTT is not just about superficially learning the yoga postures and teaching methodology. But it is a deep dive into the yogic philosophy while also learning the other aspects such as mastering the right way of performing asanas, teaching methodology, discipline, self growth etc. Therefore, setting a clear intention is important.

To pay respects to the traditional lineage

Yoga is a centuries old tradition which has been passed down from the teacher to the students through generations. Practicing Havan before starting the actual yoga course shows respect to the traditional lineage of the yoga and the philosophy associated with it.

The importance of Mantra Chanting in Teacher Programs

Mantras are basically sacred sounds or vibrations that carry healing and therapeutic powers. When it comes to yoga practice, mantra chanting helps one to channel their energy and influence their inner consciousness.

Why do we chant mantras?

Mantra chanting in yoga is deeply associated with aligning one’s body, mind and soul especially when moving on the path of a spiritual journey. The mantras mentioned in the Yogic philosophy carry therapeutic benefits and helps one to relax their mind, nervous system and align their vibrational frequency with the intention behind their reason and purpose of practicing yoga.

People Also Ask (PAA) section

Are these rituals relevant for the modern yogi?

100%. Even though these rituals are as old as the Hindu philosophy. Yet they are still relevant for the modern Yogi as even in today’s time the yogis need to align their body, mind and spirit while practicing yoga as a holistic journey.

Does one need to be spiritual before undertaking a YTT course?

Being spiritual is a very personal thing. One may or may not be spiritual to become a Yogi. Although yoga in its true form helps one gain insights to become intentional about their personal feelings, how they address their emotions and how do they look at themselves and their mind and body.