Mantras of ashtanga yoga

The word man means to think - and a mantra is a thought or a sensation expressed through sound. It can consist of one or more sounds that has no actual meaning. Or it can consist of meaningful sentences.

The most well-known and the oldest of all mantras is OM, which symbolizes the universal power and is said to be the source of all sounds. OM and other mantras are used for meditation where they are thought to take the individual to a higher level of consciousness when repeated over and over again (called japa). The vibration of the sound of the mantra merges into the vibration of thought and generates mental serenity.

In Ashtanga vinyasa yoga we (often) begin and end the practice with a non-religious mantra. It is a nice and respectful way to round off the practice. In addition, many practitioners find that the opening mantra helps to focus the attention on the breath before starting the yoga practice.

Ashtanga yoga mantram

OM Vande gurunam caranaravinde Sandarsita svatma sukhavabodhe Nihsreyase jangalikayamane Samsara halahala mohasantyai Abahu purusakaram Sankhacakrasi dharinam Sahasra sirasam svetam Pranamami patanjalim   OM

This translates into: "OM. I bow to the lotus feet of the Gurus; The awakening happiness of one's own Self revealed; Beyond better, acting like the jungle physician; Pacifying delusion, the poison of Samsara; Taking the form of a man to the shoulders; Holding a conch, a discus, and a sword; One thousand heads white; To Patanjali, I salute. OM."

The best explanation and interpretation of the opening mantra (pdf) that we have heard up to now is from Michael Stone's workshop in the shala in September 2007.

The mantra consists of two verses, the first an acknowledgement of internal lineage and the second a visualization of the sage Patanjali as the embodiment of our yoga ideals. 

Mangala mantram

OM Swasthi prajabhyah paripalayantam Nyayena margena mahi mahishaha Gobrahmanebhyaha shubhamastu nityam Lokaasamastha sukhino bhavanthu OM

This translates into: "OM. May all be well with mankind; May the leaders of the earth protect in every way by keeping to the right path; May there be goodness for those who know the earth to be sacred; May all the worlds be happy. OM."

The essence of the finishing mantra is to wish for peace, prosperity, and happiness for all creations of the world.

Listen to

Guruji's version of Ashtanga yoga mantram (mp3, 318 KB).

Guruji's version of Mangala mantram (mp3, 192 KB).

Sri R. Sharath, Guruji's grandchild, chanting Mangala mantram (mov, 1.8 MB).

All can be played with free version of Quicktime.