Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo is the Adi Mantra of Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Traditionally chanted three to five times at the beginning of every Kundalini yoga session, it is a tuning-in mantra that connects the practitioner to the lineage of teachers, to their own inner wisdom, and to the higher consciousness that is the true teacher within.
Meaning and Pronunciation
The mantra translates as: "I bow to the creative wisdom. I bow to the divine teacher within." Ong is the creative consciousness that underlies all of existence, a more active form of Om. Namo means I bow or I call upon. Guru means the one who brings from darkness to light. Dev means transparent or divine. The pronunciation is Ong Nah-moh Goo-roo Dayv Nah-moh, with Ong resonating in the upper palate and back of the throat. The proper resonance of Ong is created by pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth as the sound vibrates.
How to Use It in Your Practice
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with the hands in prayer at the heart. Close the eyes and bring attention to the centre of the chest. Inhale deeply and chant Ong Namo on the exhale, followed immediately by Guru Dev Namo on the next exhale. Repeat this three times with full breath and full intention.
The mantra is not merely a ritual opener but a genuine act of humility and connection. By chanting it, you acknowledge that yoga is not a personal performance but a participation in something ancient and living. This quality of orientation can transform the tone of an entire practice, shifting it from achievement-focused effort to open-hearted exploration. Many practitioners find that days when they begin with this mantra have a noticeably different quality of depth and ease.
