Asatoma Sadgamaya, often known as the Asathoma Sadhgamaya, is a simple yet profound transformative mantra from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It carries a depth of wisdom that is beyond ordinary understanding.
While this mantra does not invoke any specific deity, it appeals to the Universal consciousness, to guide from untruth to truth, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of spiritual clarity, and from the bondage of death to the bliss of immortality, symbolising liberation (moksha).
For those walking on the path of self-realisation, this ancient Vedic chant serves as a timeless reminder that true enlightenment lies not in the material world but in the awakening of the inner light of awareness.
Asatoma Sadgamaya Mantra
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः II
Oṃ asato mā sadgamaya
tamaso mā jyotirgamaya
mṛtyormā amṛtaṃ gamaya
Oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ II
Meaning: O’ the Divine, Guide me from the illusion of untruth to eternal reality.
Guide me from the darkness of ignorance into the spiritual light.
Guide me from death to the sacred nectar of immortality.
O’ the Divine, may the threefold shanthi prevail all
Asatoma Sadgamaya Meaning (Word-by-Word)
Om – the universal consciousness
Asato – from untruth or ignorance
Mā – me
Sat – the eternal truth
Gamaya – lead me or guide me
Tamaso – darkness (can be referred to as ignorance)
Mā – me
Jyotirgamaya – lead to spiritual light
Mṛtyor – death, (referring to the cycle of birth and death)
Mā – me
Amṛtam – to nectar of immortality (referring to liberation from the cycle of birth and death)
Gamaya – lead me or guide me
Oṃ śāntiḥ – May the peace prevail
Benefits of Chanting
- Asatoma sadgamaya is a simple and powerful mantra from the Upanishads.
- It is also called the Pavamana Mantra, meaning a chant that brings purity.
- It is easy to learn and can be introduced to children for their growth and values.
- Its true effect is felt when recited with a pure heart and a calm, focused mind.
- Practising this mantra by slowly understanding its in-depth meaning brings peace, stability, and inner clarity.
- Each verse guides us toward truth, spiritual light, and higher consciousness.
- It helps us slowly move away from the material illusions that cause inner suffering.
- It awakens the spiritual light within and reduces fear of life and death.
- Daily chanting creates harmony at the mental, physical, and spiritual levels.
- It is widely chanted during meditation and yoga, helping seekers connect more deeply with their inner essence of the mantra.
