The Ashtanga Yoga Dhyana Mantra is a set of contemplative formulas for each of the eight limbs of yoga as codified by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs are Yama (ethical restraints), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). According to the Yoga Sutras (2.29), these limbs constitute the path to kaivalya (liberation). The mantra is chanted to internalize the qualities of each limb, often by prefixing 'Om' to the limb name, e.g., 'Om Yama', 'Om Niyama', etc. This practice aligns with the tradition of bija mantra meditation, where each syllable is considered a seed of divine energy.
The phoneme 'Om' (प्रणव) is the primordial sound, representing the ultimate reality, as described in the Mandukya Upanishad. The purpose of this mantra is to deepen one's understanding and practice of each limb, facilitating progress on the yogic path. It is traditionally chanted during morning or evening sadhana, seated in a comfortable asana, with a japa mala of 108 beads. The recommended count is 108 repetitions per limb, or one mala for each. Cautions include maintaining proper pronunciation and intention, as the mantra is considered sacred.
According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (4.29), such dhyana mantras should be practiced under the guidance of a guru to avoid obstacles. The mantra is associated with Patanjali, the compiler of the Yoga Sutras, and is worshiped in yoga studios and spiritual circles globally. The textual origin is primarily the Yoga Sutras, but the practice of limb-by-limb contemplation is also found in later commentaries such as the Yoga Bhashya of Vyasa. The mantra is not tied to any specific festival but is used in daily yoga studies and retreats. Its iconography is the eight-limbed path, often depicted as a lotus with eight petals or a ladder to samadhi.
Om, the eight limbs: ethical restraints, observances, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and absorption.
The mantra uses the seed syllable 'Om' (praṇava), which is the primordial bija. Each limb name is chanted as a distinct seed-sound for contemplation.