These invocations are typically used at the beginning of a Vedic chanting session. There is a science and a depth teaching to what invocation is and how to do it. In a very simple way, we could say that we are inviting teacher, Ganesh remover of obstacles, and Sarasvati mother of learning and art to be part of our practice. On a more subtle level, the practice of invocation helps a student to ‘clear their mind’ from whatever they were doing prior to the session and be fully present, fully attentive, to this session. It encourages an interior state of appreciation, relationship, and openness. As we go on, the invocations take on more meaning as we are nourished by further teaching experiences, which are ‘triggered’ and recalled to some working memory as we begin again here and now.
Invocation is also a vocal, interior, and personal calling in. As we invoke our teachers and the path, we are subtly calling ourselves back home.