YOGENA CITTASYA, PADENA VĀCĀṂ

YOGENA CITTASYA, PADENA VĀCĀṂ

Yogena cittasya, padena vācāṃ,

malaṃ śarīrasya ca vaidyakena

Yo’pākarot taṃ pravaraṃ munīnāṃ

patañjaliṃ prāñjalir ānato’smi

oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

I bow to the sage Patanjali,

who cured the imperfections of the mind through

 yoga the imperfections of speech through

 grammar and the imperfections of the body through medicine.

 

1. History of “Yogena Cittasya, Padena Vācāṃ”

• Scriptural Source:

  This verse is traditionally recited as an invocation (maṅgalaśloka) to Patañjali, the sage who systematized Yoga. It does not appear in the Yoga Sūtras themselves but is part of the later Yoga tradition.

• Context of Use:

  • Commonly chanted at the beginning of yoga classes, chanting sessions, or study of Yoga Sūtras.

  • Functions as a guru vandana (salutation to the teacher) and an acknowledgment of the lineage.

• Philosophical Foundation:

  • Honors Patañjali for his contributions in three fields:

    1. Yoga – disciplining the mind.

    2. Vyākaraṇa (grammar) – disciplining speech.

    3. Āyurveda (medicine) – disciplining the body.

  • Represents the Indian tradition of seeing knowledge as sacred and bowing to the teacher before study.

 

2. Text and Etymology

• Word-by-Word Meaning:

  • Yogena – through yoga (discipline, union).

  • Cittasya – of the mind.

  • Padena – through grammar (literally “by words/feet,” here meaning language structure).

  • Vācām – of speech.

  • Malam – impurities, blemishes, defects.

  • Śarīrasya – of the body.

  • Vaidyakena – through medical science (Āyurveda).

  • Yaḥ apākaro t – who removed.

  • Pravaram Munīnām – the most exalted among sages.

  • Patañjalim – Sage Patañjali.

  • Prāñjaliḥ ānataḥ asmi – with folded hands (añjali), I bow down.

• Meaning (simplified):

  “I bow with folded hands to Sage Patañjali, the greatest of sages, who removed the impurities of the mind through Yoga, of speech through Grammar, and of the body through Medicine (Āyurveda).”

 

3. Benefits of Chanting This Invocation

4. a) Spiritual Benefits

• Cultivates humility and gratitude before learning.

• Establishes a sacred atmosphere for yoga practice.

• Connects practitioner to the guru-paramparā (lineage of teachers).

1. b) Psychological Benefits

• Centers the mind and reduces distractions before practice.

• Helps shift from daily concerns to a learning or meditative state.

• Enhances focus, reverence, and receptivity.

1. c) Social/Educational Benefits

• Reinforces the importance of honoring knowledge sources.

• Creates a sense of unity in group yoga practice.

 

4. Contraindications / Precautions

• No medical contraindications.

• Best recited with awareness of its meaning, not as a mechanical ritual.

• Some modern practitioners may not relate to the idea of bowing — in such cases, it can be understood symbolically (respect for knowledge and teachers).

 

5. Science of the Mantra

6. a) Neurological Effects of Chanting

• Chanting with folded hands activates the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing calm.

• Vibrations from Sanskrit syllables engage brain regions for focus, memory, and speech clarity.

• Rhythmic recitation promotes alpha brainwaves, linked to relaxation and learning readiness.

1. b) Psychological Science

• The act of gratitude and reverence before learning is shown in psychology to enhance receptivity and memory retention.

• Ritualized openings (like this chant) reduce anxiety and create a transition into a mindful state.

1. c) Somatic & Social Science

• Folding hands in añjali mudrā centers energy and symbolizes integration of right and left hemispheres.

• Group chanting synchronizes breathing and heart rate, enhancing a sense of belonging.

1. d) Educational Science Parallel

• Acknowledging teachers increases cognitive openness and reduces ego-driven resistance, a principle supported in modern pedagogy.

Summary:
The invocation “Yogena Cittasya, Padena Vācām …” is a maṅgalaśloka in praise of Patañjali. Its etymology highlights the threefold purification: mind (Yoga), speech (Grammar), and body (Āyurveda). Its benefits include cultivating humility, focus, and reverence; it has no contraindications. Science supports its use in relaxation, improved attention, and creating a receptive learning mindset.