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.