Shanti Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
शांति मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सह
Saha
Together
नाववतु
Naavavatu
May He protect us both
भुनक्तु
Bhunaktu
May He nourish us
वीर्यं
Veeryam
Strength, vitality
तेजस्वि
Tejasvi
Brilliant, radiant
विद्विषावहै
Vidvishaavahai
May we not hate each other
शान्तिः
Shantih
Peace (said thrice for body, mind, spirit)
पूर्णम्
Purnam
Complete, whole, infinite
अदः
Adah
That (the invisible Brahman)
इदं
Idam
This (the visible world)
उदच्यते
Udachyate
Is produced, emerges
अवशिष्यते
Avashishyate
Remains
असतो
Asato
From untruth/unreality
सद्गमय
Sadgamaya
Lead me to truth/reality
तमसो
Tamaso
From darkness/ignorance
ज्योतिर्गमय
Jyotirgamaya
Lead me to light/knowledge
मृत्योः
Mrityoh
From death
अमृतं
Amritam
Immortality, the deathless
Complete Translation
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.
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.
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.
Origin & History
Source: Taittiriya Upanishad, Isha Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Author: Vedic Rishis
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shanti said three times?▼
The three repetitions address three sources of suffering: Adhidaivika (caused by divine forces like natural disasters), Adhibhautika (caused by other beings), and Adhyatmika (caused by one's own body and mind). Saying Shanti thrice invokes peace from all three.
What does Om Purnamadah mean?▼
It means: That (Brahman/God) is infinite and complete. This (universe) is also infinite and complete. From the infinite, the infinite is born — yet the infinite remains infinite. It reveals that nothing is ever lacking in the universe.
Can anyone chant Shanti Mantras?▼
Yes, absolutely. These are universal prayers for peace that belong to all of humanity. They are recited worldwide in yoga classes, schools, meditation centers and temples by people of all backgrounds.
What is the Asato Ma Sadgamaya mantra from?▼
It is from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28), one of the oldest and most important Upanishads, dating to approximately 700 BCE.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →