What is that thing April does at the end of class anyway?

So,

I've been asked a number of times about the chant that I sing at the end of class sometimes. And some of my YMCA "regulars" even got a print out one special class of that little prayer. But I thought I would make the transliteration/translation available on my blog since some people seem to really like it.

Let me start by saying that when I first got into yoga, I didn't want to get into the whole "chanting" thing because it felt weird, a little goofy, and close to religious, which is something I have struggled with. However, when I started to read about the translations of some of these chants, I found them to be spiritually purposeful for me, and fairly universal in nature - meaning the opposite of exclusionary. That's why I sing some of them before or after my class, because it reminds me of my own intention, and to be honest, I like the way they sound and feel when I sing them. They fill me up like a glass of water does a thirsty person in the desert. Or at least that's the feeling I get.

However, I understand people's curiosity or hesitation about them. More to the point, I have no interest in being signed up for a particular religious belief or pushing one on anyone else. I'm the first to want to know what prayers are being made in my presence and to make sure if I sing along, or say them, that I'm not signing myself or anyone else up for a contract of which they are not a willing participant. Therefore, without further ado...

Closing class prayer:
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha
Sarve Santu Niraamayaah
Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu
Maa Kaschid Dukha Bhaag Bhavet
Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Namaste

Translation:
May happiness be unto all,
Perfect health be unto all,
May all see good in everyone (or all things auspicious)
May all be free from suffering.
Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
I bow to you (or I bow to the god in you.)

**I took this translation from a little booklet of Kirtan from Swami Satchidananda's Yogaville, copyright 1987. However, if you enter "closing slokas" in a google search, you'll find different variations of the transliteration and the actual English translation - but they all come pretty close to this one.

*A little known fact is that the salutation, "Namaste" is an acknowledgment or sign of deep respect.

So with that...

Namaste!
April KirkHart
www.workofheartyoga.com