Yoga Mantra: Simple Chants for Opening and Closing Practice

Yoga basics 3 illustrations Updated 2 Nov 2026

A yoga mantra is a short sound, word or verse, usually in Sanskrit, chanted aloud or silently to focus the mind. Many classes begin and end with one: a single om, a peace chant for teacher and student, or a closing wish for the wellbeing of all. Mantra yoga is also a path of its own, in which repetition of a mantra is the main practice.

Below are the most widely used chants with their meanings in plain English, how to chant them, and how mantra fits into a home practice. The verses given are ancient texts from the Upanishads and traditional prayers; the translations are our own.

Language: Mostly Sanskrit
Most common: Om, chanted three times
Opening chant: Om saha navavatu (peace chant)
Closing chant: Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
Ways to chant: Aloud, whispered or silent
Mantra yoga: Repetition as the main practice

Om: the simplest yoga mantra

Om, also written aum, is the most familiar chant in yoga. It is said to contain the sound of everything: a, the waking state; u, dreaming; m, deep sleep; and the silence after it, pure awareness. To chant it, breathe in, then let the sound flow as a short aa-oo and a long mmm until the breath ends. Three oms at the start of practice are common. Bhramari and the udgeeth breath in types of pranayama are related humming practices.

Yoga mantra in pictures

Chanting a yoga mantra seated cross legged with palms joined at the chest — Level
All levels
Hold
3 chants
Works on
Attention
Classes often open with three oms, palms together at the chest, to mark the start of practice.
**Teacher's cue:** Let the sound start low in the belly and fade into silence.

Mantra repetition counting on a plain string of wooden beads held in one hand — Level
All levels
Hold
1 round of 108
Works on
Concentration
In mantra yoga, a string of 108 beads is used to count silent or whispered repetitions.
**Teacher's cue:** Move one bead per repetition and keep the pace even.

Small group seated in a circle closing class with a shared chant — Level
All levels
Hold
1 to 2 minutes
Works on
Closing
Ending with a shared wish for everyone's wellbeing leaves many students with a sense of connection.
**Teacher's cue:** Listen to the voices around you as much as your own.

Yoga prayer in Sanskrit: the peace chant

This opening verse from the Taittiriya and Katha Upanishads is chanted by teacher and student together:

Om saha navavatu
saha nau bhunaktu
saha viryam karavavahai
tejasvi navadhitam astu
ma vidvishavahai
Om shanti shanti shanti

Meaning: May we both be protected. May we both be nourished. May we work together with energy. May our study be bright and effective. May there be no ill will between us. Peace, peace, peace.

Other well known yoga shlokas

Asato ma sadgamaya: from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It asks to be led from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu: a closing wish, may all beings everywhere be happy and free. It is a simple, inclusive way to end practice.

Om shanti: peace, often repeated three times for peace within, around and beyond.

Mantra yoga: repetition as practice

In mantra yoga, a word or phrase is repeated, called japa, often 108 times using a string of beads. The repetition gives the mind a single object, which is the core of meditation. Some teachers give personal mantras; others suggest simple ones like om or so hum, a natural sound of the breath meaning I am that.

Recorded chanting and soft meditation music with mantras can help beginners learn the rhythm.

How to chant well

Sit upright so the voice has space.
Breathe in fully, then let the chant use the whole exhale.
Start quietly; volume is less important than steadiness.
If chanting aloud feels awkward, whisper or repeat silently.
Pause in silence afterwards to notice the effect.

Chanting is optional in any yoga practice. Our surya namaskar mantra page lists the twelve chants used with sun salutations.

Practise on an empty stomach, move slowly into each position and stop at any sharp pain. If you have an injury, a health condition or are pregnant, check with a doctor or an experienced teacher first.