Ashtanga Opening & Closing Mantras.
These traditional chants are recited at the beginning and end of an Ashtanga Yoga practice. The opening chant is an invocation to Patanjali, the sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, expressing gratitude for the teachings of yoga. The closing chant is a universal prayer for peace and well-being.
Opening Chant
Sanskrit:
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita Svatma Sukhava Bodhe
Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai
Abahu Purushakaram
Shankhachakrasi Dharinam
Sahasra Shirasam Shvetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
English:
I bow to the lotus feet of the great teachers,
Who reveal the knowledge of the Self, bringing happiness,
Who are like the jungle doctor.
Pacifying the delusion caused by the poison of conditioned existence.
I bow to Patanjali,
Who has the form of a human up to the arms,
Holding a conch, discus, and sword,
With a thousand radiant, white heads.
Closing Chant
Sanskrit:
Swasti Praja Bhyah Pari Pala Yantam
Nyayena Margena Mahi Mahishah
Go Brahmanebhyah Shubhamastu Nityam
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shanti Shanti Shantih
English:
May the leaders of the earth protect it in every way by following the righteous path,
May there be goodness for those who know the Earth to be sacred,
May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
Om, peace, peace, peace.
At first, the Ashtanga mantras may seem out of place in modern life, but chanting creates a shared intention that connects us to a deeper tradition. The opening mantra reminds us that practice is a path to clarity beyond the physical, while the closing chant expands our awareness outward, offering our efforts for the good of all. In a fast-paced world, these simple rituals ground us in stillness, purpose, and community.