Sikh and Kundalini Yoga Mantra
also known as the Mangala Charan Mantra
Authored by:
Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Fifth Guru of the Sikhs,
composed the Sukhmani Sahib (prayer of peace) around 1602.
Language: Gurmukhi
Teaching Page made 5/2018
UPDATE 2022: This song is on pause in our repertoire out of respect for the US-based Kundalini yoga community which was shattered when the news of the corruption by the movement’s founder*, who popularized many ancient mantras including this one. We have purposefully removed almost all references to this false guru from this page, out of respect for the victims and survivors, but also out of respect for the mantra itself, which deserves to be reclaimed as its own powerful, ancient self, and not something belonging to or originating from the false guru who caused some much harm.
If you choose to sing it, consider doing your own research about its origins prior to the popularization of Kundalini in the US, and hold it with care as many community members are still hurting.
Kaitie’s notes: I first found this mantra in a recording from Deva Premal, although the recording by Snatam Kaur has gained more attention in recent years. I was on a mission to learn more chants for vocal health reasons, but soon found that, by chanting, something was opening spiritually in me as well.
Aad Guray stayed close to me, a source of comfort, for many years, before I found out it is often used as a mantra for protection. In our choir, we usually chant it 3 times, each time imagining a white field of protective light: first around ourselves, then around our communities, then around the whole world.
In this recording, I use the harmonium, and a smattering of layers to suggest how harmonies and echoes may unfold. I want it to be alive and different every time, with no strict settings on arrangement. For our choir, I encourage members to make up their own harmonies based on this recording, or pick the ones they like from here. You will also hear my Bird sweetly “chanting” along from time to time in the background.
“This is the best mantra for protection. You can put it around your kids, your house, and whatever vehicle you are driving or riding in. It is wonderful.” (Source Unknown)
The Words:
In Gurmukhi:
Aad Guray Nameh
Jugaad Guray Nameh
Sat Guray Nameh
Siri Guru Dayvay Nameh
Translation:
I bow to the Primal Wisdom.
I bow to the Wisdom through the Ages.
I bow to the True Wisdom.
I bow to the great, unseen Wisdom
More info on the language itself:
Kundalini Yoga Mantras are chanted in a special language, Gurmukhi, that connects us with the inner sound current. The words ‘guru-mukh literally mean “from the mouth of the guru”. While “Gurmukhi” is spoken, it is a poetic rendering, written in a script intended for spiritual writings. Chanting a mantra is also considered a meditation and can include a mudra (hand position), breathing in a certain way, and the sound of the words.
Mantras are sounds that express the heart and they can be in any language. The most well known are ancient Sanskrit mantras that have been in use for thousands of years. The sounds become powerful in the meditative state as it’s then that we are in contact with power the self, a beautiful energy that lies within every one of us — the Kundalini.
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of “creating transformation” (cf. spiritual transformation). Mantras (Devanāgarī मन्त्र) originated in the Vedic tradition of India, becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
In some traditions mantras are kept secret and passed on only through initiations referred to as empowerments. In the Sikh tradition mantras are shared with all.
*Yogi Bhajan is credited with bringing Kundalini yoga traditions to the US and popularizing them. He is also credited as creating a system of ongoing abuse of multiple forms toward his followers and community.