Om Shanti Shanti Shanti: Unveiling the Power of the Peace Mantra

Shanti, meaning “peace”, is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.

Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, everyone without exception desires peace in his/her life.

However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles.

The ancient Indian traditions describe life in samsaara as being inseparable from dukkha — the dissatisfaction, suffering, uncertainty and agitation that arise from living in a constantly changing world. We cannot control everything that happens around us. What we can cultivate is the inner steadiness with which we meet what happens.

This is why we invoke shanti. The prayer is not simply a request that nothing difficult ever happen. It is also a prayer for the removal or lessening of the obstacles that disturb our peace, and for the inner clarity and strength to remain peaceful even when difficulties arise.

To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such prayers end by chanting shanti thrice.

It is believed that trivaram satyam – that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says, “I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”.

We chant shanti thrice to emphasize our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources.

Aadhidaivika: The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.

Aadhyaatmika: We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimized from the three sources written about above.

May there be peace in the world around us.
May there be peace in our relationships and circumstances.
May there be peace within ourselves.

It is traditionally chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces; softer the second time, directed toward our immediate surroundings and those around us; and softest the last time, as it is addressed inwardly to oneself.

May peace alone prevail.

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