PARAYOGA INVOCATION
gaṇeśa graha nakṣatra
yoginī rāśi rūpiṇīm
devīṁ mantra mayīṁ naumi
mātṛkāṁ pīṭha rūpiṇīm
Textual source:
Nitya Sodashikarnava
Definitions:
gaṇeśa
gana = grouping, individual, troop, entity
isha = ruler, presiding force
gana + isha = the One who presides over all individuals or groups of beings, the ruler of the universe
graha planets
nakṣatra constellations
yoginī the power in yoga, shakti, knowledge, wisdom that yields perfection in yoga
rāśi twelve astrological house (metaphor for all karma)
rūpiṇīm is identical (as in ganesha is identical to the Divine Mother)
devīṁ divine mother
mantra that which protects all, expands the mind
mayīṁ (same as rūpiṇīm): one who is identical to gaṇeśa
naumi I pray
mātṛkāṁ letters, phonemes. Most merciful aspect of the Divine, the seat of all mantras, the locus for the entire invocation
pīṭha seat, location or placed; sound is the seat of mantras
rūpiṇīm she who is identical to gaṇeśa
Translation:
I pray to the Divine Mother, who identical to Ganesha, is the ruler of the planets, the constellations, and the ways of karma.
I pray to the knowledge, Shakti, the most merciful aspect of the Divine that guides me in perfection in yoga and on the path of destiny.
I pray to Her who presides over mantra.
I pay homage to Her (in Her most primordial form), who is the locus and presiding force of speech and all sound, She who is forever kind.
Short and Easy Translation, fitting for any classroom setting:
“I open myself to the teachings that reveal the light of knowledge of the self.”
Or for a more in-depth explanation…
This invocation inspires and empowers us to open to the knowledge and ever deepening wisdom of the yoga tradition. We chant this prayer we are accompanied by the full spectrum and understanding of the Divine Mother in her highest form––para shakti. the prayer is to propitiate the para shakti or ganesha, the presiding force of yoga and, in so doing, help us evolve.
How to use this invocation:
Say it three times before starting class, internally, or out loud, or at least three times before beginning any Tantric practice.
Context:
The verse is a summary of the entire text Nitya Sodashikarnava, dedicated to para shakti, ganesha, the planets, and how theory and practice fits with devotion to the Divine Mother.
This prayer is an entryway into Sri Chakra and Sri Vidya and represents vast knowledge.