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Dec 21, 2023 · Om Shanti is a mantra for peace or an invocation to God, usually chanted three times. Learn the origin, meaning and pronunciation of this Sanskrit phrase and how it relates to meditation and yoga.
Dec 31, 2023 · Learn how to chant the Om Shanti Mantra, a powerful invocation for peace and harmony, in your yoga or meditation practice. Discover the meaning, benefits, and ways to use this mantra for inner peace, stress reduction, and spiritual well-being.
Feb 13, 2019 · Om Shanti is a Sanskrit phrase that means peace. Learn how to use it in your meditation practice, or as a greeting or goodbye, and listen to a guided video or MP3.
- 71 min
- Overview
- What is the meaning of “om shanti om”?
- What does “om” mean?
- How to Chant “Om Shanti Om”
- How “Om” Can Benefit Your Life
- Other Common “Om” Terms & Phrases
If you’ve been to a yoga class or watched a few yoga tutorials online, you may notice the instructor starting or ending the practice with the word “om.” What does this word mean, and why are you being asked to say it? In Hindu and Buddhist culture, “om” is a mantra or chant used to invoke peace and energize the body in meditative practices. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about “om” and its most well-known mantras. Plus, we’ll even share how to do an “om shanti om” chant yourself.
“Om shanti om” means “peace in body” or “peace in mind” in Sanskrit.
“Om shanti om” is an ancient Vedic mantra used in meditation and yoga to promote peace and the represent the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
“Shanti” is often repeated 3 times while chanting to represent the state of sleeping, dreaming, and waking.
“Om shanti om” is a Sanskrit phrase that means peace in body or mind.
This chant is often used to open or close yoga or meditative practices. The mantra reminds you that you’re at peace no matter where you are—that your mind, body, and spirit are connected. Many say “om shanti om” before and after starting a yoga flow or meditation to align their energy and remember that peace is their priority.
“Shanti” directly translates to “peace,” while “om” means the “whole world.”
“Om shanti om” can also be chanted as “om shanti, shanti, shanti.”
Traditionally, the word “shanti” is always chanted 3 times after “om” to represent the 3 levels of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and sleeping.
To pronounce “shanti,” draw out the “a” as you would in the word “father,” and press your tongue against your teeth when you make the “t” sound.
“Om” is a representation of your connection to the universe.
In Sanskrit, when combined, the vowels “A” and “U” become “O,” which translates to the sound “Om” or “Aum.” This sound or mantra originates from Hindu and Buddhist teachings and guides the soul through a meditative state. The vocal sound of “om” encompasses the world's energy and is said to help connect the spirit to a higher power.
Depending on who you ask, “om” can represent several different things; however, most meanings reflect the symbolic pairs or triads:
Father, mother, and spiritual teacher
In many Indian scriptures, “om” is referred to as a “supreme power.”
To pronounce “om,” start with an “ah” sound, then slide into an “oh” sound, and end with an “mmm” humming sound. The sound creates a vibration in your throat and on your lips, creating energy.
Sit up straight with your legs crossed.
Take a seat wherever is most comfortable for you (on the floor, in a chair, etc.). Then, crisscross your legs (if you’re able) and roll your shoulders back.
Sitting with an upright, unsupported posture is important because it allows your chant to energize all 7 of your chakras.
Place your palms upright on your knees.
With your back straight, gently put your hands on your knees. Flip your hands over so your palms are facing up. Then, relax your fingers and wrists.
Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes.
In yoga, “om” deepens the mind and body connection.
Some spiritual experts believe that saying “om” while you flow helps you focus your energetic power. There’s no denying that some yoga poses are challenging for the mind and body. Many yogis use the sound “om” to push through difficult poses and remind themselves of their power, allowing them to further their connection with their mind, body, and spirit.
Try adding “om” to your yoga practice by speaking it over yourself while you
or warrior to remind yourself that you can do hard things.
In meditation, “om” helps you connect to your higher self.
Many believe that chanting “om” while you meditate can help you focus on your higher spiritual power. The sound is said to open your heart, crown, and third eye chakras, allowing you to awaken your spiritual power.
Also referred to as the “compassion Buddha mantra,” “om mani padme hum” directly translates to “hail the jewel in the lotus.” This chant focuses on transforming yourself—there's a jewel within you waiting to come out. The mantra reminds you that you can be whoever you want to be in mind, body, and spirit with the right focus.
This chant directly translates to “I honor Shiva” or “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism and is the deity of transformation.
By speaking this mantra, you’re honoring the power and divinity within yourself. Many use “om namah shivaya” in yoga or meditative practices to encourage healing and welcome change.
This article was co-authored by
and by wikiHow staff writer,
Elaine Oyang is a Yoga Therapist and Instructor, Wellness Advocate, and Founder of Elaine Oyang Yoga in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 9 years of experience, Elaine specializes in spinal release yoga, viniyoga, pranayama (yoga breathing practices), meditation, guided relaxation, and Ayurveda. Elaine holds a BS in Biology from Harvey Mudd College. She is certified in Yoga Therapy from the Stress Management Center of Marin. Elaine has received over 1,000 hours of training in yoga therapy and focuses on teaching clients to redirect stress and tensions towards effective self-growth, resilience, and contentment through physical nurturing and inner reflection. She also specializes in treating those with Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, Lupus, Lyme's, anxiety, and depression. This article has been viewed 2,872 times.
Apr 4, 2023 · Om Shanti is a sacred mantra and greeting that means universal peace in Sanskrit. Learn how to pronounce it, what it represents, and how to use it in meditation, affirmation, healing, gratitude, and chakra healing.
Apr 28, 2024 · Learn the meaning and benefits of chanting Om Shanti, a mantra for peace and harmony in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Find out how to pronounce, meditate and use it in yoga practices.
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Om shanti is a Sanskrit mantra that means \"peace\" and is often chanted in yoga and meditation. Learn the history, pronunciation, and significance of this mantra and how it can help you achieve inner peace and harmony.
