Sham No Mitrah Sham Varunah — Benefits & How to Chant
शं नो मित्रः शं वरुणः
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Sham No Mitrah Sham Varunah
Invokes peace and the blessing (sham) of the great Vedic deities
A revered Shanti Patha to begin scriptural study and spiritual practice
Blesses and protects both the seeker and the teacher
Affirms the vow to speak only truth (Satya) and cosmic order (Rta)
Recognises Vayu and Brahman as the directly perceptible Reality
Settles body, mind and surroundings into threefold peace
How to Chant Sham No Mitrah Sham Varunah
Instructions
Chant this Shanti Patha at the beginning of Vedic or Upanishadic study, with reverence for both the deities invoked and the teacher. Begin with 'Om' and end with 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,' the three repetitions praying for peace in the body, the mind, and the outer world. Recite calmly and clearly, holding the resolve to speak truth that the mantra declares.
Spiritual Significance
For countless generations this invocation has begun the study of the Upanishads, and teachers say that where it is sincerely recited, the mind grows calm and the meaning of the scripture opens of its own accord. By blessing 'both me and the teacher,' it is held to weave a protective grace around the entire act of learning, so that sacred knowledge is received and transmitted in peace.
Origin & History
Source: Taittiriya Upanishad (Shiksha Valli), Krishna Yajurveda
Author: Vedic tradition (Taittiriya Shakha)
This Shanti Patha opens the Shiksha Valli, the first section of the Taittiriya Upanishad of the Krishna Yajurveda. Before imparting the sacred knowledge, the student invokes peace from Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, Indra, Brihaspati and the wide-striding Vishnu, then turns to Vayu and Brahman as the directly perceptible Reality, vowing to uphold truth. It is one of the most beloved and frequently recited of all the Vedic peace invocations.