Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Meaning — Line by Line

लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु

Every verse and every word explained in English & Hindi

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Meaning — Line by Line

Every verse of Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu with its English meaning. Tap any word to hear it, or ▶ to recite the verse.

Verse 1#

ॐ लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु। लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु। लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु॥

Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

MeaningMay all beings in all the worlds be happy and free. Om, peace, peace, peace.

Verse 2#

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

MeaningIt is a prayer of universal goodwill — asking not for oneself alone, but for the happiness and freedom of every living being, everywhere.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

लोकाः

Lokah

The worlds — all realms and all beings within them

समस्ताः

Samastah

All, in their entirety, without exception

सुखिनः

Sukhinah

Happy, content, at ease

भवन्तु

Bhavantu

May they become / let them be

शान्तिः

Shanti

Peace — invoked thrice, for body, mind and spirit

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Sanskrit prayer of universal goodwill (loka-kshema), echoing Vedic and Puranic well-wishing

Author: Ancient tradition

Period: Ancient

This benediction distils the Hindu ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the whole world is one family — into a single line. Instead of asking for personal gain, the one who prays seeks the happiness and freedom of every being in every realm. Carried far beyond India by the global yoga movement, it has become one of the most widely recited Sanskrit prayers on earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu mean?▼

'May all beings everywhere be happy and free.' It is a prayer of universal well-being in which you wish happiness and liberation for the whole of creation, not only for yourself.

When is it chanted?▼

It is most often chanted at the end of yoga classes and meditation sittings, dedicating the practice to the welfare of all beings. It can also be recited any time as a simple blessing.

How many times should it be repeated?▼

Traditionally three times, followed by 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti'. The threefold repetition reinforces the intention across body, mind and spirit.

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