Know About Om Sahana Vavatu: Mantra and Meaning
Many people are familiar with the Shanti Mantra “Om Sahana Vavatu,” which is repeated before the start of study classes or any learning endeavour.
The Mantra
Om Sahana Vavatu. Sahanau bhunaktu.
Saha veeryam karavaavahai
Tejasvinaa vadhee tamastu maa vidvishavahai
Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaantih
Meaning
Om, may He protect us both (teacher and the taught).
May He look after us both to enjoy (the fruits of
scriptural study). May we both exert together (to find the
true meaning of the sacred text). May our studies be
fruitful so that we acquire lustre. May we never quarrel
with each other. Om Peace! Peace!! Peace!!!
Word Meaning
Om – Symbol of the Pure Brahman,
Saha – together,
Nau – us both,
Avatu – may he protect,
Bhunaktu – may He look after (the fruits of spiritual study),
Viryam – put in the effort with enthusiasm,
Karvavahai – exert together (to find the true meaning of sacred texts),
Tejasvi – Lustrous,
Adhiram – Study,
Astu – maybe,
Ma – never,
Vidvishavahai – (May we two) quarrel.
Shantih – Peace
Explanatory Notes
When Rishi says that we shouldn’t fight, he is getting at something deeper. When someone learns a little bit, it boosts his ego and makes him want to talk about it. These talks shouldn’t lead to fights; instead, they should show more facets of the Truth, thus creating light instead of heat.
