This three-line prayer comes from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the oldest Upanishads (first chapter, third Brahmana). Its simple words, asking to be led from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light and from death to immortality, are often chanted at the start of study, at gatherings and at times of reflection.
The prayer
असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥
asato mā sad gamaya
tamaso mā jyotir gamaya
mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya
Say it: a-sa-to maa sad ga-ma-ya · ta-ma-so maa jyo-tir ga-ma-ya · mrit-yor maa a-mri-tam ga-ma-ya
Lead me from the unreal to the real! Lead me from darkness to light! Lead me from death to immortality!
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, translated by F. Max Müller, Sacred Books of the East, vol. 15 (1884)
About the translation: we use older English translations that are now in the public domain and quote them exactly. Their wording is sometimes old-fashioned, and modern scholars may translate words differently.
What it is about
In the Upanishad the verses are followed by a short explanation: the unreal and darkness are understood as death, and the real and light as immortality. Together they express a wish to move towards what is true and lasting.
How to begin
- Many traditions recommend learning a mantra from a teacher, who can help with pronunciation and meaning.
- Sit comfortably, take a few slow breaths, and repeat the mantra slowly, aloud or silently.
- Some people count repetitions on a mala of 108 beads. You can try the digital mala.
- Focus on the sound and the meaning rather than on speed.
