Sanatana Dharma is considered the eternal or absolute set of duties and practices that define all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect. It is a custom, according to Sanatana Dharma to pray the Guru (teacher), before staring anything.

Jagadguro namasthubhyam |

Shivaaya Shivadaaya cha

YogJeendraanaam cha Yogeendra

Gurunaam gurave nahah ||

Aabahu Purushaakaaram

Shankhachakraasi Dhaarinam

Sahasra Sirasham Shvetam

Pranamaami Pathanjaliim

Vande Gurunaam Charanaaravinde

Sandarshita Svaatma Sukaava Bodhe

Janasyaye Jaangalikayamaane

Samsaara Haalahala Mohashantyai

Before we start our Yoga practice, we pray to the following Gurus of the Parampara (tradition):

First to Shiva, the Yogi of the yogis and Guru of the gurus.

Salute to you, the Guru of the universe.

Shiva, The Auspicious one and the Giver of happiness.

The Yogi of the yogis the Guru of the gurus.

I prostrate to you.

Next, Maharshi Pathanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras.

I prostrate before Maharshi Patanjali

who has the limbs of purusha, the human being and

who is holding a conch and a wheel,

who has one thousand white head.

Finally, we salute our Personal Guru.

I salute my guru at his lotus feet

who has experienced the knowledge and

bliss of Atman, and who removes the delusion of

people caused by the poison of samsara.

Submitting to all of them to give us the permission and the blessings to start our practice every day, every single time.