Why I chant at the end of my prenatal yoga classes

by Jeanna Lurie

Lokah Samastah Sukinoh Bavantu

“May all living beings be happy and free and may I in some way contribute to this happiness.” 

Recently, a student who has practiced with me in a previous pregnancy asked why I was no longer chanting these beautiful words at the end of my Lotus Blossom class. As mainstream yoga becomes more and more physically focused, teachers like me sometimes worry that chanting in Sanskrit may alienate some practitioners and as we build the program at Lotus Blossom, I was erring on the side of caution. What a delight to hear that I was indeed in error! 

It has been part of my classes for more than a decade and I am bringing it back to my developing Los Altos class. (For what it’s worth, the chant has never left my well-established Sunnyvale classes.) When you practice with me, expect to hear me chant at the end. My students are invited to join me for all or part or to simply listen. 

Baby Maceo’s look of wonder

Chanting has been a part of my personal practice for many, many years. I particularly cherish what I have learned practicing with senior Iyengar teacher, Ben Thomas. Including this simple, well-known chant sending good energy into the world has always felt like a natural closure of class to me. I often focus on a particular person or group of people who seem to be in need of support at that particular moment.  

There is more to the reason I like to include this chant at the end of our practice...I remember wanting to sing to my first-born, Jeannessa, when she was a baby and suddenly I couldn’t think of any songs besides the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” (That got old fast!) Most moms learn the words to the chant after just a few classes. It provides a familiar, mid-range song to calm their little ones. When my son Maceo was born, it was easy for me to go to this when I needed to soothe him. The first time, when he was just a couple of weeks old, it was magical seeing his eyes get wide in recognition of the chant- he had been hearing it multiple times per week as I taught throughout my pregnancy with him. Not only does it sound beautiful, but it’s also a profound sentiment to share with our babies as they start their lives.

I invite you to join me in singing to your baby and to “all living beings”!