Om Saha Navavatu
Om Saha Navavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavavahai
Tejasvi Navadhi Tamastu
Ma Vidvisha vahai
Om Shanti Om
OM Let both of us protect each other
May both of us enjoy our studies together
May we perform with great energy and deep concentration
May we shine with understanding of what we study
May we be free from hostility from lack of understanding
Life, Peace, Om.
OM Divine Source, Supreme Deity
Saha together
Nau both
Avatu may he protect
Bhunaktu be nourished, energized
Viryam energy
Karavavahi work, literally: bring the hands into use
Tejasvi having great energy
Navadi both studying, stimulating the intellect
Tama higher degree
Astu let it be established
Ma not be
Vidvish animosity, enmity
Avahai have or manifest
Shanti peace
This ancient mantra is considered to be a Shanti Mantra, which is a prayer or intention for peace. This one is from the Upanishads, and is a prayer between the student and teacher, and the implication is that it is ultimately between ourselves and our Divine Source. It has been used throughout history as an opening recitation before studying Hindu scriptures and at the beginning of classes at school.
Another Perspective
At the beginning of this mantra, protection and acceptance are petitioned for both the teacher and the taught. This may refer to student and teacher, God and man, or one’s own soul and mind. Eventually ‘both’ merge into ‘one’ and there is no longer a separation between student and teacher, God and self, or mind and soul. When we experience the state of non-duality, or unity, illusions cease to impede the soul’s evolution and consciousness expands without limit.
Next – Gate Gate (Gates of Heaven)
