Shanti Mantra
शांति मंत्र
Origin & Story
Taittiriya Upanishad, Isha Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad · Vedic Rishis · 800-500 BCE
These three Shanti Mantras come from different Upanishads but are traditionally recited together. 'Saha Naavavatu' opens the Taittiriya Upanishad — a prayer between teacher and student. 'Purnamadah' opens the Isha Upanishad — revealing that infinity minus infinity is still infinity. 'Asato Ma Sadgamaya' is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad — perhaps the most famous prayer in all of Vedic literature, a cry from the human soul for truth, light and immortality.
✦ As told in scripture
In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, these words were spoken during a great fire ritual when the sage sought ultimate truth. The Upanishad records that upon truly understanding 'Asato Ma Sadgamaya', the seeker transcends the cycle of birth and death entirely. Swami Vivekananda recited this mantra at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, and the audience of thousands fell into stunned, reverent silence — a moment that introduced Vedic wisdom to the Western world.
Complete Text with Meaning
ॐ सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Saha Naavavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Naavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Meaning:Om. May He protect us both (teacher and student). May He nourish us both. May we work together with great energy. May our study be brilliant and effective. May we not hate each other. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात् पूर्णमुदच्यते । पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaat Purnamudachyate Purnasya Purnamaadaaya Purnamevaa Vashishyate Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Meaning:Om. That (Brahman) is infinite. This (universe) is infinite. From the infinite, the infinite emerges. Taking the infinite from the infinite, the infinite alone remains. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya Tamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya Mrityormaa Amritam Gamaya Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Meaning:Om. Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Shanti Mantra
Creates deep inner peace and calm in body, mind and spirit
The threefold Shanti removes three types of suffering: Adhidaivika (divine), Adhibhautika (physical), Adhyatmika (spiritual)
Ideal for beginning meditation or study sessions
Purnamadah mantra reveals the infinite nature of reality — dissolves anxiety about lack
Asato Ma removes ignorance and leads to truth and enlightenment
Universally applicable — suitable for anyone regardless of religion or background
How to Chant Shanti Mantra
These three Shanti Mantras are traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of Vedic study or meditation. Sit quietly, close your eyes. Chant each mantra slowly and clearly. The word 'Shantih' is said three times — once for peace from divine causes, once for peace from worldly causes, and once for peace from inner causes. Let each repetition sink deeper into your consciousness.