Shanti Patah – A Peace Prayer
Video by Sandra Schultze – Kia chanting Sahana Vavatu mantra with her students.
“The beauty of this mantra is that it asks us to set any personal agendas aside in order to maintain the sanctitude of the teachings themselves. It ask us to honour our fundamental togetherness.”
SHANTI PATAH – A PEACE PRAYER
This Vedic Mantra from the Katha and Shvetashvara Upanishads is dedicated to the sacred relationship between the teacher and the student. But also the relationship between practitioners. To me, the beauty of this mantra is that it asks us to set any personal agendas aside in order to maintain the sanctitude of the teachings themselves. It asks us to honour our fundamental togetherness.
The invocation of peace Shantih three times at the end of the mantra is a prayer to overcome three levels of suffering. First we wish to overcome suffering caused within our own being, such as negative thinking or worry. Secondly suffering caused by other beings, like a hurtful comment or a dog-bite. The third cause of suffering is said to be created by the Devas, the higher forces or destiny. An earthquake or, perhaps a pandemic… I personally translate the end of this Mantra: May there be Peace within us. May there be peace between us. May there be peace around us. We chant this prayer together at the opening of my classes.
NB: Interpretation by Kia, any mistakes are mine alone!
Do keep in touch, I´d really love to hear from you. With Love, Blessings and Gratitude x kia, Paris 31/3 2020
I’m dedicated to continue to support your practice through this delicate time, creating an inner Shala where we can always meet. I will personally post resources, talks, meditations, practice soundscapes and inspiration as well as any updates on the situation in our Newsletter, in Mysore Yoga Journal, through our website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. We have also just launched a podcast channel for you! This is my gift to you. We remain closer together.