Understanding the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Invocation: Etymology, Meaning & Inner Alchemy

The Hidden Meaning of the Ashtanga Invocation

The yoga community is like one big family, not united by fancy poses but by a shared love for this ancient practice. Whether you’re new to yoga or have practiced for years, the real essence of yoga is not in perfection but in presence.

It doesn’t matter what shapes your body can or can’t make. What matters is that you keep showing up, giving your best effort, and opening yourself to transformation.

Presence, Not Perfection

One of yoga’s greatest teachings is that what binds us together is presence, not perfection. The practice calls forth a quiet courage and insight within us, weaving us into a community of seekers who walk the path of yoga together.

Beyond physical strength or flexibility, yoga reveals subtle gifts, the ability to see clearly, not just with the body but with the mind and heart. Its promise is inner transformation: dissolving confusion and uncovering freedom.

The Invocation in Ashtanga Yoga

At the start of every Ashtanga yoga practice, students chant an invocation. This opening chant is not just ritual; it is a reminder of why we practice and what we are here to transform.

One key line in the invocation is:

Saṃsāra Halāhala Mohaśāntyai
“For the pacification of the delusion (Moha) that is the poison (Halāhala) of Saṃsāra.”

Word-by-Word Meaning

• Saṃsāra (संसार): From sam- (together) + √sṛ (to flow). The endless cycle of birth and death — literally, “the continuous flowing together.”
• Halāhala (हलाहल): Deadly poison, like the mythic poison Śiva contained in his blue throat. Symbolizes the toxic nature of worldly entanglement.
• Moha (मोह): Delusion — the ignorance that clouds clear seeing.
• Śāntyai (शान्त्यै): “For pacification” — calming the poison of confusion.

Why It Matters

This ancient line reminds us that the real work of yoga is inner alchemy. The Guru and the practice help neutralize the poison of confusion so we can see clearly and live freely.

When we chant, we remember: the obstacles aren’t just outside of us — they live inside as fear, attachment, and illusion. The path of yoga transforms poison into nectar, chaos into calm, and confusion into clarity.

Deepen Your Practice

Chanting the invocation is an opportunity to pause, connect with lineage, and set an intention for transformation. By honoring this sacred tradition, we remind ourselves that yoga is not just about physical poses but about cultivating freedom in body, mind, and spirit.

Listen to the full Dharma talk here on the Yoga Inspiration Podcast. Practice with me online and follow for more!

Practice With Kino

• Practice live with me exclusively on Omstars Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial.
• Special Offer: Sign up for my upcoming October live series, Embodied Strength, and get one year of Omstars+ membership free.
• Stay connected on social: @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga
• Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I’m teaching on my schedule tab and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.