Asato mā sad gamaya

Canonical source text

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

IAST transliteration

Close translation

From the unreal, lead me to the real. From darkness, lead me to light. From death, lead me to the deathless. Oṃ peace, peace, peace.

Reader-friendly meaning

Three petitions on the path: from untruth toward truth, from darkness toward light, from death toward the deathless. A prayer of turning, spoken with humility.

Meenananda editorial explanation

When life feels narrow, this prayer asks to be led toward Guru and Light. At the Ashram it is sung as longing on the path, with the journey still open before the feet. The mouth stays soft; walking continues. For a deeper reading of this mantra, a personal rhythm of japa, or the path of diksha, please contact Meenananda Ashram.

Practice context

A peace for study and sandhyā. For a personal practice, contact the Ashram.