Spiritual Significance of Chanting the Shanti Mantra Three Times
Peace is something everyone longs for, whether it is in our personal lives or the world around us. Peace is our natural state. Peace is not silence. One can remain in silence and yet be not peaceful. We are peaceful when there is no turmoil inside us. And unless we are peaceful, we cannot be happy.
Peace gives clarity of thoughts, stability of mind, detachment, maturity and right understanding. When you expect from others you are on a wanting mode which disturbs peace of mind. Peace also means freedom from anxiety. Doing good to others, dedicating yourself to a higher cause, serving others considering them as your own self gives you an elevated feeling which results in peace of mind.
In Vedic traditions, peace is not just a state of calm but a balance in every aspect of life. Bhagvad Gita clearly states that when there is no peace, there can be no happiness. Vedic teachings highlight the need for harmony within ourselves and in the world around us. Among these teachings, the Shanti Mantra holds a unique place.
Shanti Mantra is the simplest and most universal mantra of peace – “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”
Chanting “Om Shanti” three times is a simple yet powerful practice, which carries deep spiritual meaning. The threefold chanting of “Shanti” is not done for emphasis, but because each chant addresses a different level of suffering and seeks to bring harmony. Understanding this mantra helps us appreciate its timeless power and purpose. Let us understand its deep meaning and power.
The Four Levels of Peace
Vedic teachings present peace as a holistic concept & the chanting of the Shanti Mantra three times can be done in various contexts as follows:
Body, Mind and Soul
The chanting of the peace mantra “Om Shanti” three times represents balance in these three aspects. It calms the body, mind and soul, ensuring peace within.
- The first chant of “Shanti” purifies the body and frees it from sufferings, diseases and discomforts. The body is thus refreshed.
- The second chant frees the mind from its negative emotions, worries and stress, leading to an incomparable sense of peace & calm in the mind.
- The third chant elevates the soul, leading to spiritual growth and harmony. Therefore, chanting the Shanti Mantra three times is essential to establish balance and peace in the Body, Mind and Soul.
Self, Family, Friends and the World
Peace starts with oneself, extends to loved ones and ultimately embraces the entire world. Therefore, the Shanti Mantra typically prays for the peace of all beings in the universe.
Past, Present and Future
The mantra also signifies healing and harmony across time. It is chanted thrice to make the past, present and future peaceful. It brings peace to memories, current challenges and future uncertainties.
Physical, Natural and Spiritual Realm
It also brings calm to the physical, natural and spiritual realms.
Physical Peace (Adibhautika)
Seeks harmony in the material world, addressing disruptions like conflicts and interpersonal challenges. We cannot control these disruptions entirely. Therefore, we pray to God to protect us from them.
Natural Peace (Adidaivika)
Calls for alignment with natural forces, protecting against natural calamities and external disturbances which we cannot control directly. Thus, we seek peace from the Almighty to protect us from disturbances beyond our control.
Spiritual Peace (Adhyatmika)
Focuses on inner tranquility and self-awareness. It seeks peace in our inner self, thoughts and emotions. Ego, lust, jealousy, anger, sorrow and hatred can destroy our peace. Thus, the third chanting of “Shanti” is done, praying to God for peace on the spiritual path or against internal obstacles. This leads to self-contentment, self-knowledge and self-realization.
Chanting the universal mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” provides a Spiritual, Natural and Personal approach towards peace. It reminds us of the need for balance in all aspects of life and peace in our internal, external and natural environments.
Just as it is necessary to take a specific medicine according to the instructions on the label for it to be effective, it is essential to follow the teachings of our Vedic scriptures as instructed for individual as well as Universal peace. Let us embrace the wisdom of the Vedas to promote peace & harmony in the body, mind, soul and beyond by chanting the simplest and most universal mantra of peace.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Jyotsnaa G Bansal is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Dowsing & Switchwords Practitioner.
Disclaimer: Information & the views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding, learning and interpretation.
