Prarthana

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.