Chanting: an ancient tradition for modern life

Why in modern-day Bristol would we want to recite a mantra that is thousands of years old in an ancient and rarely spoken language?
 
Recently we have been learning the 'Sarva santhi' mantra. It is beautiful, ancient and in Sanskrit, the oldest language in existence. With precise rules around pronounciation, letter differentiation, pause, and rhythm the traditional repetition has lasted through the ages.
 
Reciting it links us into a tradition of invoking peace into minds and hearts so that we can embody and encourage it. The chant asks for peace at all levels of existence, internally within ourselves and externally in the environment around us.
 
Easing back ache increases peace
In our yoga practice, we could view what what we are doing as  strengthening internal peace in our bodies, our breath and our minds. ​

Cultivating a state of steady, non-disturbance, reducing agitation, tension, pain and struggle. Less aching in our lower backs helps us discover more ease and peace in our minds.
 
From a place of greater peace and clarity, we are better positioned to meet conflict, challenge, and to solve problems and engage in relationships. Ultimately this leads to better outcomes for everyone. Quiet warriors in a turbulent world. Embodying a calm demeanor with yourself, your body, your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues who will in turn become more regulated and calm and so the effect is amplified.
 
A worthwhile pursuit.
 
Here is a link to the chant sheet for 'Sarva santi'.
Sarva Santi Chant Sheet >

At first if will be hard to read. Feel free to print it out and bring it along to class and start to follow the words as you learn the sounds and rhythms of Sanskrit.