Chanting 108 x Rounds of The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra For Closure to Farewell 2024
Join Avril for this special gathering to farewell 2024 on New Years Eve, with our yoga community at Kundalini House.
We all know that how we begin things matter. But we do not always seem to give endings a lot of consideration or thought. Both, beginnings, and endings are symbolic, significant, and auspicious. This time in between, when the old is over and the new has not yet come is a special time to honour what was and appreciate what is. In seeking closure we acknowledge the past, releasing it gently receiving blessings to start again, fresh, ready for auspicious new beginnings.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (Sanskrit) is the ‘great death-defying hymn’ which comes from the Rig Veda (The Sacred texts of Yoga). It is one of the oldest and most powerful mantras continuously chanted by Yogi’s for over thousands of years and carries the vibrations of all our ancestral voices. This is a Shiva mantra and is perfect for this occasion. When recited, it assists us to let go of all that is impermanent, all that causes pain and suffering, all that dies, including our physical bodies at the time of death and our fear of dying. This mantra is chanted for liberation, for release from the ever repeating cycle of birth and death.
Japa is the meditative repetition of sacred sounds – mantras chanted with mala beads. It is an ancient yogic practice which helps to calm the mind and is also a form of pranayama as it helps to regulate the breath. When chanted in a group, together the expression of sound becomes exponentially powerful. The rhythmic vibrational forces effects not only our own being but the whole environment. It is not always necessary for us to understand the meaning of mantras, chanting them with dedication, repeatedly gives insight & helps to transcend the mind.
108 is the sacred, auspicious number for divine energy and cosmic connection which is what Yoga is about and said to represent infinity. We use a Japa Mala (a sacred bead necklace) to keep count of this auspicious number as we chant continuously.
Avril is a Yoga & Meditation Teacher of the Vedic lineage and tradition and teaches at Kundalini House. She teaches Shakti Mantra Meditation. Avril loves to chant and share these ancient Vedic, Sanskrit sounds. She will often finish her regular teaching classes with a chant after Savasana. Avril enjoys creating community through yogic rituals and ceremonies.
The event begins at 4PM. Please arrive 15mins early to allow time to settle into the space before the sacred ceremony begins. The event includes Chai and Chanting with call & response followed by 108 x rounds of chanting together, ending with 10 x minutes of silent meditation or resting in savasana.
This is a deeply moving meditative experience. An offering in gratitude and closure of the year that was.
Please don’t be put off by the Sanskrit & not knowing the words or how to chant if you have a voice you can chant . If you are not familiar with this mantra, we will have copies of the words printed and Avril will begin slowly with a few rounds of call & response breaking it down to allow you time to familiarise yourself with the sounds at the beginning. You will soon pick it up through the 108 rounds of chanting.
This is great for creating new neural pathways in our brain. Chanting is also a healing practice for our nervous system, it tones the vagus nerve and is balancing for the throat chakra – Visuddha, our centre for personal expression and truth. For those who do not wish to join in the chant, you can still come bathe in its vibrations, close your eyes and drop into meditation. We recommend that you allow a few minutes for grounding and connection at the end before you leave with another cup of chai!
Here are the words:
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
~ Rig Veda
Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe
sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-
mrityor-muksheeya maamritaat
(Source Isha.sadguru.org)
Tickets $50/40 Concession/KH Members
This is an in-person only event. Please wear comfortable warm clothing and be prepared to sit on the floor/cushion. Space is limited, please book your spot early.