Ashtanga Opening and closing Mantra

Opening Om

vande gurūnam caranāravinde

sandarśita svātma sukhāva bodhe

nih śreyase jangalikāyamāne

samsāra hālāhala mohaśāntyai

Traditional Translation

I bow to the lotus feet of the teachers

who reveal the awakened happiness of one’s true Self,

acting as the jungle physician

who removes the poisonous delusion of worldly existence.

Modern Translation

I honour the teachers who preserved this practice.

They show that peace isn’t found outside but recognised within.

Through steady practice confusion softens

and the mind becomes clear.

Continued...

ābāhu purushākāram

śankhacakrāsi dhārinam

sahasra śirasam śvetam

pranamāmi patanjalim

Om

Traditional Translation

I bow to Patanjali,

who assumed the form of a radiant human,

holding the conch, discus and sword,

with a thousand white serpent heads.

Modern Translation

I acknowledge Patanjali,

who organised yoga into a clear path we can follow today.

With respect for the lineage,

I begin practice with steadiness.

Closing Om

svastiprajābhyah paripālayantām

nyāyena mārgena mahim mahīśah

gobrāhmanebhyah śubhamastu nityam

lokāh samastāh sukhinobhavantu

Om shanti shanti shantih

Traditional Translation

May all people be protected and nourished,

may the rulers of the earth uphold justice,

may sacred knowledge and wisdom be preserved,

may all beings everywhere be happy and free.

Om peace perfect peace.

Modern Translation

May people live safely and treat each other fairly.

May wisdom and understanding continue in the world.

May everyone everywhere experience wellbeing.

Peace within ourselves, peace between each other, peace around us.

Why do we chant in Ashtanga?

In traditional Ashtanga practice we begin and end with chanting.This isn’t religious and it isn’t performance, it’s preparation.

The opening mantra shifts the mind from daily life into practice.

The closing mantra shifts us back into the world.

Instead of walking straight onto the mat carrying distraction, tension and expectation, the chant gives the mind one simple thing to focus on: sound and breath. Very quickly the nervous system settles and attention becomes steady.

Chanting also reminds us yoga isn’t something we invented. We’re participating in a method that has been handed down, refined and protected over time. The chant is simply acknowledging that lineage, a moment of humility before effort.

At the end, the closing mantra directs the benefits of practice outward. Rather than keeping the calm only for ourselves, the intention is clarity, patience and steadiness in daily life.

You don’t need to understand Sanskrit or sing well. You just breathe, listen and gradually the words become familiar.