The Hatha Yoga Pradipika Dhyana Mantra refers to the opening invocation and meditative verses found in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a seminal 15th-century text on Hatha Yoga attributed to the sage Svatmarama. This mantra is traditionally chanted to invoke the blessings of Adinath (Shiva), the first teacher of yoga, and to align the practitioner with the lineage of yogic masters. The text itself, as stated in its first chapter, is intended to guide the aspirant from the darkness of ignorance to the light of self-realization through the practice of asanas, pranayama, mudras, and bandhas. The dhyana mantra typically includes salutations to Adinath and the lineage of gurus, as seen in verses like "Shri Adinathaya namah" (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 1.1).
The beej-akshara "Om" is central, representing the primordial sound and the union of body, mind, and spirit. According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the purpose of this mantra is to purify the mind and create a conducive inner state for the rigorous practices of Hatha Yoga. It is chanted before commencing asana practice, often 108 times, to establish focus and devotion. The recommended time is early morning (brahma muhurta) in a clean, quiet space.
The mantra is also used in meditation to internalize the teachings of the text. No specific cautions are given, but it is advised to chant with clear pronunciation and reverence, as the mantra connects one to the traditional parampara. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika itself (1.10) emphasizes that yoga is achieved through practice, not mere theory, so the mantra serves as a support for disciplined sadhana. Additionally, the Mantra-Yoga-Samhita (a later compilation) echoes the importance of such invocatory mantras for stabilizing the mind before yogic practices.
The dhyana mantra thus embodies the essence of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika: a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance, leading to the ultimate goal of samadhi.
Salutations to the glorious primal lord (Shiva).
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', representing the primordial vibration and the union of body, mind, and spirit.