Shanti (Peace) Mantra Meditation
Shanti Dhyana
The Shanti Mantras are sacred invocations of peace that traditionally open and close Vedic ceremonies, rituals, and meditation practices. This beginner-level practice takes 12 minutes and is best practised in the evening. Benefits include establishes profound inner peace that transcends external circumstances and calms pitta's mental intensity and reduces chronic inner turbulence.
About This Practice
The Shanti Mantras are sacred invocations of peace that traditionally open and close Vedic ceremonies, rituals, and meditation practices. The most well-known, 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,' invokes peace three times to address the three sources of suffering described in Vedic philosophy: Adhidaivika (cosmic/divine causes), Adhibhautika (environmental/external causes), and Adhyatmika (internal/personal causes). This triple invocation creates a comprehensive field of peace encompassing all dimensions of human experience.
This meditation centers on the extended Shanti Mantra from the Isha Upanishad: 'Om Purnamadah Purnamidam, Purnat Purnamudachyate, Purnasya Purnamadaya, Purnameva Avashishyate, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.' This profound verse declares that wholeness comes from wholeness, and even when wholeness emerges from wholeness, wholeness remains. It is a meditation on the completeness that is your essential nature.
In Ayurvedic psychology, peace (Shanti) represents the highest expression of a Sattvic mind. The Charaka Samhita describes that a mind established in Sattva is naturally free from the disturbances of Rajas (agitation) and Tamas (dullness). The vibration of Shanti directly cultivates this Sattvic quality, acting as a neurological reset that calms Prana Vayu (responsible for mental activity) and soothes Sadhaka Pitta (responsible for emotional processing).
This meditation is particularly beneficial for Pitta types, whose intense mental activity and competitive nature can create chronic inner turbulence. The cooling, surrendering quality of Shanti counterbalances Pitta's fire without diminishing its positive aspects of clarity and determination. For Vata types, the rhythmic, repetitive quality of mantra chanting provides a stabilizing anchor that reduces anxiety and mental scatter.
The practice is ideal for evening meditation when the day's accumulated mental and emotional impressions need to be processed and released before sleep. The Ashtanga Hridayam recommends peaceful practices before sleep to ensure that the night's natural healing processes proceed without interference from unresolved mental agitation.
Benefits
- Establishes profound inner peace that transcends external circumstances
- Calms Pitta's mental intensity and reduces chronic inner turbulence
- Addresses all three sources of suffering simultaneously through the triple peace invocation
- Creates a powerful evening practice for releasing the day's accumulated stress
- Cultivates Sattvic mental quality for clearer perception and wiser choices
- Supports healthy sleep by calming Prana Vayu and Sadhaka Pitta before bed
- Provides a simple yet deeply effective practice accessible to all experience levels
How to Practice
- 1
Sit comfortably in the evening as the day winds down. Light a candle or ghee lamp. Close your eyes and take 5 slow, deep breaths, releasing any tension accumulated throughout the day.
- 2
Begin by chanting 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti' three times slowly. With the first Shanti, release disturbances from cosmic forces. With the second, release environmental stresses. With the third, release inner turmoil.
- 3
Now chant the full Purnam Shanti Mantra: 'Om Purnamadah Purnamidam, Purnat Purnamudachyate, Purnasya Purnamadaya, Purnameva Avashishyate.' Feel the meaning: everything is already whole and complete.
- 4
Close with 'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.' Repeat this entire sequence 3 times, letting each repetition deepen the feeling of peace permeating your body, mind, and surroundings.
- 5
After the final chant, sit in silence. Feel peace as a tangible presence in the room, like warmth from a fire. Let it saturate every cell of your body and every corner of your mind.
- 6
Bring to mind any situations or people that disturbed your peace today. Without analyzing, simply enfold each memory in the Shanti vibration, as if wrapping it in a blanket of peace. Release it.
- 7
Rest in the awareness of wholeness (Purnam). Affirm: 'I am complete. Nothing is lacking. Peace is my nature.' Sit for 3 minutes before gently opening your eyes.
Practice Tips
- Practice this meditation in the same quiet space each evening to build a 'field' of peace that deepens over time
- Burning sandalwood or lavender incense enhances the calming, Sattvic atmosphere for Shanti meditation
- If you wake during the night with anxiety, mentally chant 'Om Shanti' to quickly re-establish peace
- Teaching this mantra to children is a beautiful evening ritual that supports healthy sleep patterns and emotional resilience