Importance of Mantra Chanting & Shat Kriyas in Yoga Teacher Training

Any yoga teacher training experience is more than yogic postures and theory material. While asana practice is important to build endurance, flexibility and strength. It constitutes only as one of the 8 limbs of yoga.

Mantra chanting and Shat Kriyas are important aspects of yoga which are also powerful traditional rituals that help in making a Yogi an able teacher. This is because mantra chanting and shat kriyas not only purify the body. But they make mind calm so that one can process and regulate their emotions better and prepare the Yogi to rise up to the higher levels of self awareness and consciousness.

The reason that these two practices are still relevant and important even in the modern day yoga teacher training is because these are ancient techniques which are essential for internal transformation. Yoga is not just physical flexibility but it is a union of the body and the mind and mantra chanting and shat kriyas are the tools through which one can elevate their consciousness and rise up to the higher levels of being.

It is important to understand the importance of these two traditional practices as not just traditional add ons. But as important aspects of yoga which is mentioned the classical Hatha Yoga texts. Let’s dive into understand why are mantra chanting and Shat kriya is an important aspect in the yoga teacher training.

Why Are Traditional Practices Important in the Modern Day Ytt Courses?

Traditional practices such as mantra chanting as well as shat kriyas are important because they are directly effective in making the Yogi an able teacher.

For instance, in the 200 hours yoga teacher training in Goa these techniques are imparted by the guru (instructor) in the students to build discipline, awareness and mental stability. These techniques also helps the students to balance their emotions and energy to prepare themselves for deeper practices such as pranayama, meditation, energy shifts as well therapeutic asana practice.

Yoga Mantra Chanting Benefits in TTC

Creates a meditative and sacred space for students

Whether it is the calming and grounding Gayatri Mantra or the simple Brahma mantra that is Om chanting, practicing mantra chanting is an effective way to shift mental state from chaos to calm.

The vibrations and frequency created by mantra chanting instantly brings down your mental noise, relaxes your nervous system, boosts concentration and helps you channel your energy.

Prepares the body for Pranayama and balance

Mantra chanting effectively prepares the body for pranayama and balance. While we practice mantra chanting cultivate breath inhalation and exhalation. This is helpful in improving the capacity of the lungs and creating a rhythmic breathing which plays an important role in pranayama as well as in asana practice where movement is linked with breath.

The sacred sounds create sound healing energy

The sounds of mantras as also mentioned in the classical Yogic textbooks are sacred sounds that create sound healing energy. Mantras are nothing but frequencies which activate our energy system and influences chakra - energy points and Nadis - energy channels. It boosts balance, fosters awareness and clears energy blockages.

How is it helpful with the teaching aspect?

Imparts essential skills for yoga teachers

With the teacher training aspect, these traditional practices imparts essential skills for yoga teachers. When they pronounce the mantras correctly with the right spacing and pronunciation, they create a sacred environment for the students. Where they can gently transit from the outside chaos to step into the meaningful practice of yoga and meditation. It helps the students naturally get out of anxiousness and participate in emotional cleansing.

Helps bring authenticity into teaching

In addition to creating essential skills, mantras also allow the teachers to connect with the ancient practice of yoga and maintain its authenticity. Through maintaining these practices, the teachers are able to build gratitude, respect and reverberation for the practice as well as the culture.

What are the 6 kriyas?

The 6 Kriyas are –

·       Nasal cleaning – Jala Neti.

·       Frontal brain cleansing breath work technique – Kapalabhati.

·       Focused gazing – Tratak.

·       Cleansing of the digestive tract – Dhauti.

·       Churning of the abdominus – Nauli.

·       Cleansing of the Colon - Basti

The role of Shat kriyas in Ytt classes

All of these shatkriyas may not be a part of all YTT classes especially for the beginners. But they are introduced in higher and advanced levels of yoga teacher training.

Removal of accumulated toxins

These six Kriyas help in removing the deep seated toxins from the digestive tract, respiratory system as well as the sinus passages. As a result, the Yogi can notice enhanced digestion, better immunity, clear breathing and better energy levels.

Enhances breath work practices

Following these six Kriyas can also impact the breath work practices such as pranayama as the nasal passages clear up and the capacity of the lungs improve. For instance, the nasal cleaning helps in clearing up the nasal cavity to boost oxygen flow, reduce infections and allergies and prevent congestion.

Boosts clarity and focus

Practicing the six Kriyas are effective in boosting mental clarity. Especially practices such as the Kapalabhati and Tratak are effective in boosting focus, concentration and making the body alert and agile.

Cultivates discipline

The Shat kriyas are a part of the yoga teacher training courses because they play an important role in cultivating discipline and consistency. When these practices are followed under the guidance of an instructor, one can not only truly follow procedures of becoming a yoga teacher. But becoming someone who is disciplined and has mastery over his body and thoughts.

How can teachers implement the Shat Kriyas cleansing techniques in yoga training?                                                                                                                                                                            

The yoga students who transform into becoming able yoga teachers can implement these six Kriyas cleansing techniques in their yoga training by implementing every day meditation practices such as Tratak. Practicing the Kapal Bhati Pranayam. Making jala neti part of their everyday ritual. And going for Panchkarma therapies such as Basti helps in cleansing of the Colon to improve digestion and overall well being.