Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
OM SHANTI – A Sound, A Vibration, A Call to Peace
Let’s begin with the sound that starts and ends so much of our practice.
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
We chant this daily, often automatically, but what does it really mean, and why do we do it?
Let’s break it down:
ॐ (Om): The primordial sound, the vibration of the universe itself. It is said to be the sound of creation, preservation, and dissolution—all in one. It is not a word, but rather a cosmic frequency that includes everything.
शान्तिः (Shanti): Literally means peace, but not just the peace of a quiet room or a day off work. This is deep, abiding peace—inner stillness, freedom from disturbance, equanimity no matter the external conditions.
So, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti means:
“May there be peace, peace, peace.”
Why chant Shanti three times?
According to the Vedic tradition, we chant Shanti three times to invite peace into three realms:
1. Adhibhautika – Peace in the external world: Nature, other beings, events outside our control.
2. Adhidaivika – Peace from the divine or cosmic forces: the unseen, karmic, or spiritual influences that affect us.
3. Adhyatmika – Peace within ourselves: our body, mind, heart, and soul.
So we’re not just asking for peace, we’re calling it in, manifesting it, and embodying it—through sound, intention, and vibration.
Living Om Shanti
Chanting is powerful—but chanting alone isn’t enough.
Jivamukti Yoga teaches that the goal of yoga is liberation for all beings—not just to feel good after class. So how can we apply Om Shanti to our daily lives?
In conflict – Ask: “Am I contributing to peace, or adding to the noise?”
In consumption – Choose peace in what you buy, eat, watch, listen to. Can you choose kindness over cruelty?
In reaction – Breathe before you respond. Choose space over speed.
In activism – Remember, peace is not passive. It’s active, engaged, aware. We chant Shanti and we live it by showing up for what is right.
Shanti as Resistance
In a world of chaos, consumerism, conflict peace is radical.
To sit still is an act of rebellion.
To choose love over fear is a revolution.
To live Om Shanti is to co-create a world where all beings can be free.
So as we close with Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, feel it not just as a chant, but as a mission.
Let your practice become your peace. Let your peace become your action.
Listen to Om Shanti - Alice Coltrane