Is it important for yoga teachers (and students) to learn mantra?

I think it’s key to being a well-rounded yoga teacher or practitioner. Here’s why…

Mantra chanting is known as “Naad Yoga”, or the yoga of sound.  Often overlooked in yoga classes or offered minimally in yoga teacher training, it is a fundamental path within the yoga tradition and pre-dates the physical postures/asana.

Mantra brings clarity and focus to our minds, increases energy, and helps us to connect to both our own hearts – and the heart of yoga.

Of course it can feel strange to begin with.  A ‘foreign’ language can leave us feeling perhaps shy or self-conscious, and yet in my experience people very quickly drop into the ancient sounds with a surprising ease.

Naad Yoga helps us in multiple ways; from our physical and mental health, to steadying emotions and increasing confidence, the resonance ignites physical and mental energy plus, like an anchor, brings a reassurance to our path in life.   

Mantra is first and foremost a spiritual practice – but that doesn’t mean you have to believe in any of the associated deities, gods or goddesses.  Before the personification of the chants there was the fundamental energy; of healing, of the elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), of the power to remove obstacles, receive abundance or receive protection…

Why Chanting Is Important in Yoga

For thousands of years, chanting has been a part of daily life both as a standalone practice and being added to both asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing practices). Traditionally mantra was the oral expression of sacred teachings, and helped practitioners, students and householders understand the “meaning of life” and how to live it in a conscious way. Mantras come from the Vedas, the four main sacred texts that underpin the teachings of yoga, philosophy and the deeper meaning of life, the universe and the Divine.

In the 21^st century – this hasn’t changed.  Yoga teachers and students benefit so much from these sacred practices by supporting our health, healing and spiritual connection.  As teachers or committed students we can share these teachings with others to bring an authenticity and depth to yoga that can be missing when it is too often taught purely through the physical lens.   During a class or our own practice, introducing simple mantra (for example Bija or seed sounds) can: –

• Focus the mind
• Enable the breath to be longer and more relaxed.
• Lift our mood and calm emotions
• Experience an inner massage through the physical vibration
• Through the resonance create an easeful connection within our group, family or wider community.
• Encourage a calm stillness.

It’s not about “singing”; if you can speak, you can chant (and you can chant silently too).  The vibration or resonance created by sound can be surprisingly powerful, helping to soothe the nervous system and bring you firmly into the present moment.

How Chanting Supports You as a Teacher

Chanting can also become a valuable tool in your teaching. Whether you’re a student, student-teacher or fully fledged teacher, mantra can help and support you in a multitude of ways.  It can: –

• Help you to build confidence in using your voice
• Develop self-esteem and inner security.
• Connects you to the roots and lineage of yoga.
• You can share these mantras with your students, passing on traditional practices that are so relevant in the 21^st century. 

Beginning your journey with mantra, sharing that with students, needn’t be complicated.  Simple, single syllable sounds (of which there are many) hold huge potential for healing and transformation.  Building on those you learn slightly longer chants, then (optional!) longer chants again.  In other words, krama – learning step-by-step, building on the previous sound or chant.

Over time, it can becomes a gentle way to settle into a class, bring into a meditation, or naturally link the physical practice of yoga with its more reflective and spiritual aspects.

If you would like to learn more…

The Art of Healing Chant Programme is an 8-month experiential course that can equip you as a yoga teacher, student-teacher or practitioner to confidently share mantra with your students or clients. It will add both breadth and depth to your own practice.  I have over 25 years’ experience of studying and teaching cross-cultural healing chant and absolutely love to teach, guide and share! Our next programme runs from April to November 2026 – the full details are here.  SPRING DISCOUNT! £100 off the programme cost plus enjoy a 1-to-1 coaching session that supports you in finding clarity and direction. Book a Discovery Call to find out more.