Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti is a powerful Vedic mantra or sacred sound with healing vibrations that call for cosmic peace. It is chanted aloud at the start of a meditation to relax and still the mind and body. It is chanted aloud as a peace invocation after all Hindu prayers. It is also used like a greeting or parting salutation.
In Hinduism there is a concept of Trivaram Satyam that which is said thrice comes true. Therefore, Shanti is said three times to emphasize one’s intense desire of commitment to peace.
There are seven contexts when Om Shanti is used.
- Peace at the level of the body, mind and consciousness (spirit).
- Peace in all three aspects of time: Past, present and future.
- Peace at three levels of our bodies: Physical, subtle and causal.
- Peace at the three planes of existence: Earthly, astral and in-between.
- Peace in all three states of the mind: Awake, sleep and dreaming.
- Peace in three main factors that cause sorrow in life: firstly, natural unknown forces of nature we have no control over, like storms or earthquakes; secondly known factors such as our relationships, pollution, crime and; thirdly sorrow causes by our own mind, actions and emotions.
- Asking oneself for blessing, for immediate family and friends and for the world at large.
The Shanti Mantra is therefore considered to be a chant for universal peace.
How to chant the Shanti Mantra
Sit with your spine straight. Close your eyes and keep your hands with palms facing up in your lap. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Then slowly in a low voice say OM Shanti Shanti Shantihi extending the last Shanti. Continue to sit for a few minutes to experience the calming vibrations in the mind and body.
Aim Hrim Klim