Morning Arati Practice

This video guides you through the practice of arati, the “waving of lights,” which takes place each morning after the Guru Gita practice in our shrine. Participating in arati is a privilege and should only be undertaken if you feel a connection with the deities in the shrine and are comfortable in a devotional atmosphere.

Arati, meaning “waving of lights,” represents the removal of darkness—darkness from ignorance, the ego, and all that yoga seeks to peel away through its many practices. During arati, we use everyday objects—candles, incense, fruit, a peacock fan, and an umbrella—as sacred tools to elevate our connection to the divine. These objects become a bridge, helping us connect our hearts with the sacred images before us. Arati is a devotional practice at its core, centered in the heart, so don’t let the physical objects distract you; they are simply conduits for a deeper experience.

Take about 20 minutes to watch the video. You can take notes if you’d like, but remember there’s a small cheat sheet in the arati tray with the mantra and the order of offerings. Enjoy the process, and we hope you experience as much growth and joy with arati as we do.