The Om Shanti Mantra
One of the most recognizable and common Sanskrit mantras in yogic tradition is the Om Shanti mantra. Customarily, it is incorporated at the end of religious prayers and teachings during which the word ‘Om’ is followed by three repetitions of ‘Shanti.’ This signifies peace and harmony in three areas of our being: within, without and all around.
Mantras themselves are sounds and vibrations that invoke spiritual healing powers, release divine cosmic energy and elevate the self into a higher state of consciousness. Mantras in Sanskrit are particularly potent because the phonetics and sound patterns of this ancient language encompass mystical energies that directly correspond to the nadis, or subtle nerve channels of a person’s astral body.
The Meaning of Om Shanti
OM
Om is the eternal vibration or the sound of all creation that resonates through every atom of the body. It is also known as the sound of the universe.
SHANTHI
Shanti means ‘peace.’ It is a beautiful Sanskrit word that embodies the concept of bliss and calmness in ourselves and in the world around us.
When Shanti is chanted the first time, it invites peace within our bodies and calls for the dissolution of physical tension, ailments, discomfort and pain.
The second time, it purges any negative feelings and destructive elements from our mind, spirit, aura and nature of being.
And the final recitation of Shanti calls for peace in the world around us, protection from harm and favour during unforeseen circumstances.
“Om Shānti Shānti Shānti” is thus translated as:
“Om, Peace in me, Peace in nature, Peace in the universe.”
Purpose and Technique
Mantras, when recited with feeling and attention, become stronger with each repetition and saturate the essence of their meaning into the subconscious mind, eventually manifesting into reality. This is why they are so powerful.
As the Om Shanti mantra is typically delivered at the end of a prayer, teaching or yogic practice, it seals the efforts made and serves as a concluding reminder to remain in this sublime state of peace in our day-to-day lives.
When you chant this mantra, be mindful of the connotations each time you recite the word, ‘Shanti.’ The first time, willfully invite peace into your body; the second time, consciously feel peace in your mind and spirit; and the third time, deliberately set the intention for peace in the world around you. It’s important to use the correct pronunciation so that sound and thought can converge together, allowing the experience of higher consciousness and divine manifestation.
Remember that peace and harmony in the world grows by planting seeds of peace and harmony in each individual person, starting with ourselves. The inner calm that we foster in our own body, mind and spirit directly affects humanity as a whole.
Amazing article and advice thanks
I’ve just started yoga recently so will be looking out for your posts
Great! Happy practicing!
Great information. I was actually looking for something like this. All your recommendations will be utilized. Thank you for this post.
You’re welcome Lakesha 🙂
Hi Andrea, I love this post as it is so full of good intention. I often do the OM chant when I meditate and it is the one thing that always grounds me every time, no matter I how wired I may be. Yes, you can literally feel the power and connection of that chant when you use it and it really helps deepen your meditation.
Mantras and chants absolutely deepen your meditation. Glad to have you stop by, Stefanie!