Peace invocations · शान्ति मन्त्राः

Shanti Mantras

Three short peace invocations traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of study or practice.

Verse 1

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

oṃ asato mā sad gamaya | tamaso mā jyotir gamaya | mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya | oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||

Plain meaningLead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to what does not die. Peace, peace, peace.
Verse 2

ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै। तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

oṃ saha nāv avatu | saha nau bhunaktu | saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai | tejasvi nāv adhītam astu mā vidviṣāvahai | oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||

Plain meaningMay we be protected together, nourished together, and work together with strength. May our study be bright, and may we not quarrel. Peace, peace, peace.
Verse 3

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु। मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत्॥

oṃ sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ | sarve santu nirāmayāḥ | sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu | mā kaścid duḥkha-bhāg bhavet ||

Plain meaningMay all be at ease, may all be free of affliction, may all see what is good, and may no one carry suffering.

About this stotram

Shanti mantras are opening and closing verses. They ask for peace in the one chanting, in those around them and in the wider world. They are short enough to learn by heart and are a natural way to frame any sitting.

How to recite

  1. Read one invocation slowly in transliteration before chanting it.
  2. Chant one line per exhale at a low, even volume.
  3. Pause between the three invocations rather than running them together.
  4. Close with a minute of silence.

Notes

  • These verses are commonly used to open and close practice, study or teaching.
  • Chanting the third invocation alone is a complete practice on a short day.

Practise gently

Shoonyaka offers educational and devotional material, not medical, psychological or religious authority. Recite at a volume and pace that stays comfortable, and stop if the breath shortens or the throat hurts.

Use this in a daily sadhana