Ashtanga Opening and Closing Mantra (With Translation)

Opening Mantra

Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde

I bow to the lotus feet of the Guru, the lineage and all the masters that have kept the traditions alive.

Sandarashita Svatma Sukhavabodhe

The awakening bliss of one’s own Self revealed.

Nishreyase Jangalikaya Mane

The practice acting like a jungle Medicine Man.

Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai

Pacifying delusion, the poison of Samsara (cycle of death and rebirth)

Abahu Purushakaram

Taking the form of man and serpent

Shanka Chakrasi Dharinam

Wearing a conch (symbolising divine sound), a wheel (symbolising infinite time) and a sword (symbolising discrimination or cutting through confusion)

Sahasra Shirasam Svetam

With 1000 snow-white snake heads.

Pranamami Patanjalim

I bow down to Patanjali

Closing Mantra

Swasti Prajabyah Paripalayantam

May all be well with mankind

Nyayena Margena Mahim Mahisaha

May the leaders of the Earth protect it by keeping on the right path

Gobhramanebhyah Subamastu Nityam

May there be goodness for those who know the Earth to be sacred.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings be happy and free; May my thoughts, words and actions contribute to this happiness and freedom.

Om shanti shanti shantihi

May we find Cosmic peace, Planetary peace and Inner peace