Yoga is not merely a means of maintaining physical health; it is a scientific as well as spiritual discipline that harmonizes the body, mind, and soul. For this reason, the tradition of offering a prayer before beginning yoga practice has existed since ancient times. Prayer calms the mind, enhances concentration, and cultivates a positive mental attitude. In this sense, prayer itself is a form of yoga.
The prayer offered before yoga practice is far more than a religious ritual. From psychological, scientific, and spiritual perspectives, it is a highly beneficial practice. It quiets the mind, brings balance to the body, and awakens higher consciousness. Beginning yoga with prayer makes the practice safer, more effective, and more enjoyable, enabling the practitioner to realize yoga’s true purpose—maintaining a healthy body while fostering inner harmony and well-being.
Prayer does not mean that God will simply grant all our wishes without any effort on our part. When we visit a temple or perform worship at home, we offer fruits, sweets, and other items to God. Yet God does not physically consume these offerings; instead, they are received by us as Prasada (blessed offerings). Likewise, whatever we pray for must also be pursued through our own sincere effort and dedication.
Prayer becomes a powerful means of achieving our goals because repeated contemplation gradually shapes our thoughts, strengthens our intentions, and increases our determination to attain them. In other words, our daily prayer gradually transforms into a personal resolve (Sankalpa), and it should be understood and practiced in that spirit.
Presented below is a prayer that we believe is appropriate for beginning a yoga session. However, you are by no means required to use these particular verses. You are completely free to choose or compose a prayer according to your own faith, beliefs, and preferences. Our only suggestion is that every yoga practice should begin with a moment of sincere prayer.
Our Suggested Prayer
If you are not comfortable reciting the Sanskrit mantras, you may simply contemplate their meanings with devotion and sincerity.
- Prayer for Purification and Well-being
Om Vishvāni Deva Savitur Duritāni Parā Suva;
Yad Bhadraṁ Tan Na Ā Suva.
(Yajurveda 30.3)
Meaning:
O Supreme Creator, source of all existence, embodiment of purity, and bestower of all happiness, kindly remove all our faults, vices, addictions, and sufferings. Bless us with noble qualities, righteous actions, virtuous character, and everything that promotes our well-being and spiritual growth.
- Prayer for Noble Thoughts
Om Yaj Jāgrato Dūram Udaiti Daivaṁ Tad U Suptasya Tathaivaiti;
Dūraṅgamaṁ Jyotiṣāṁ Jyotir Ekaṁ Tan Me Manaḥ Śiva Saṅkalpam Astu.
(Yajurveda 34.1)
Meaning:
O Lord, the mind travels far and wide in the waking state, and likewise wanders during sleep. May this radiant mind—more brilliant than all lights and capable of reaching great distances—be filled with noble, auspicious, and benevolent thoughts and resolutions.
- Prayer for Health, Strength, and Longevity
Om Tac Chakṣur Devahitaṁ Purastāc Chukram Uccarat;
Paśyema Śaradaḥ Śataṁ, Jīvema Śaradaḥ Śataṁ,
Śṛṇuyāma Śaradaḥ Śataṁ, Prabravāma Śaradaḥ Śataṁ,
Adīnāḥ Syāma Śaradaḥ Śataṁ, Bhūyaś Ca Śaradaḥ Śatāt.
(Yajurveda 36.24)
Meaning:
May the radiant Divine Light, symbolized by the rising Sun, bless us so that we may see for a hundred years, live for a hundred years, hear clearly for a hundred years, speak with wisdom and kindness for a hundred years, and remain strong, dignified, and self-reliant throughout our lives. May we continue to enjoy health, vitality, and fulfillment even beyond a hundred years.
Conclude Your Yoga Practice with the Peace Invocation
Om Dyauḥ Śāntir Antarikṣaṁ Śāntiḥ,
Pṛthivī Śāntir Āpaḥ Śāntir Oṣadhayaḥ Śāntiḥ;
Vanaspatayaḥ Śāntir Viśve Devāḥ Śāntir Brahma Śāntiḥ,
Sarvaṁ Śāntiḥ, Śāntir Eva Śāntiḥ, Sā Mā Śāntir Edhi.
Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ.
(Yajurveda 36.17)
Meaning:
May there be peace in the heavens, peace in the atmosphere, peace upon the earth, peace in the waters, peace in the healing herbs, and peace among all vegetation. May all the forces of nature remain in perfect harmony. May there be peace in the Supreme Reality. May peace prevail everywhere. May that divine peace manifest within our thoughts, words, and actions.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.