The Mantra of Peace - Part 2
It's not about a lack of self-confidence, I truly do not possess the gift of song. Not like others. I don't sing like a bird and my voice won't make your whole body melt. So, the first time I grabbed the shruti box and sang "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" I was sooo nervous. I paused and shared what it meant and, asked all to sing along with me. Then something magical happened as we all sang together - a beautiful feeling of peace came through the room.
As we sang, I felt we were supported by the endless wisdom of the ages. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a mantra of power that assists us in our spiritual evolution and acts as a blessing for the world.
With Intention
A mantra is more than a repetition of words. It is a revealed word, a divine sound that has been received or experienced in a state of spiritual absorption. It can also be thought of as a compact prayer.
Mantra of (powerful) Peace
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Translation
Another common translation, attributed to Integral yoga, is: “May the entire universe ever be filled with peace, joy, love and light.”
The literal translation of each word from the Sanskrit is as follows:
Lokah means the world, but it can refer to any world or realm or universe. Its meaning isn’t just limited to our planet earth. Loka is the origin of the word location.
Samastah means the whole or the entire. In this sentence, it is a descriptor of the word loka or world.
Sukhino is from the word sukha or sukhin, which means happiness or joy.
Bhavantu means “may everyone.” This is the verb in the sentence and it is in its imperative form, meaning that its indication is forceful and intense, not to be taken lightly. It functions more as a command than a request.
This mantra flows and has such melodious sounds that it is important that it is pronounced correctly.
The “o” is pronounced like the “o” in the word open. The “a” is open, but short like the “u” in the word upon. The “i” is short and pronounced like the “i” in the word imagine. The “u” is pronounced like “oo” in the word hoot. In the word bhavantu, the “h” next to the “b” makes the sound of an aspirated “b”. This gives the “bha” sound an additional burst of air when you pronounce it. This is important as it changes the meaning and the effect it has on the person chanting and listening to it.
Repeat this mantra over and over until you find that it begins to flow and feel quite natural with the rhythm of your breath.
I invite you to try this mantra right now! It is a catalyst for transformation. I pray that these mantras, these spiritual formulas, help you manifest a successful life beyond your expectations.