ON CHANTING AND EXPLORING THE SPIRITUAL DYNAMICS OF YOGA:

Yoga is a practice for seekers of all religions and paths. It is a way of connecting directly to the
spirit by using breath and movement. Though yoga philosophy stems from Hinduism, it is
beyond the constrictions of any religion or dogma.

1) Don’t need to be Hindu to enjoy the benefits of chanting. It is a basic Hindu belief that
different religions are like different rivers that all lead to the same source.

“As the different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water
in the sea, so different paths men take through different tendencies, various though they
appear, all lead to the same God” – a Vedic hymn.

2) Don’t even need to believe in God – It is a Hindu belief that truth will reveal itself no
matter what we believe. All we need to believe in is ourselves – from faith in ourselves
we are able to look within. True knowledge comes from within.

“OM TAT SAT.” THOU ART THAT. Look within Yourself.

“It is not absolutely necessary to believe in God, truth will make itself felt in spite of belief or
disbelief provided one follow the practices of yoga. In Indian philosophy and religion,
religious truths are not mere dogmas, accepted on faith, but facts made visible by an inner
light.”- Swami Prabhavananda.

3) Duality – Contrary to popular belief, Hindus don’t believe in many Gods and Goddesses.
All Gods and Goddesses are manifestations of the same one God. And that one God,
Hindus believe is the same God Muslims, Jews, Christians, etc believe in. We just call
that God by different names.

“All religions are branches of the same mighty tree – the diverse manifestations of One
Great Truth.” (Vedas)

4) Furthermore, the one God that Hindus do worship, we believe consists of the same
elements as ourselves. God resides within.
So, when we do pay our respects to God(s), we acknowledge the God/Divine within
ourselves. For ex, we worship the Goddess Durga for her sakti/power. When we chant her
name, we acknowledge, bring up, and manifest the power/sakti within ourselves. When we
worship Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and the arts, we awaken and develop our own
creativity. While worshipping Shiva, we manifest own power to destroy negativity.

“We identify with the deity worshipped to awaken that deity within oneself.”

As we chant the names of Krishna or Ram, it is perfectly fine to think of Christ, Allah, the
moon, a flower, anything that brings peace to your mind. Everyone’s spiritual path is unique.
Feel free to be creative in how you wish to focus and calm your mind.