All mantras

The Real (Brahman) · Lead me to truth

असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।

Asato Maa Sadgamaya, Tamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya, Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya

Meaning

Lead me from the unreal to the Real; from darkness to Light; from death to the Deathless.

Why chant this

The Pavamana Mantra — one of the oldest prayers on earth. Sets the direction of an entire lifetime in three lines.

Pronunciation

Three phrases, three breaths. Long "aa" in "gamaya".