Shanti Mantra: Invoking Peace in Ashtanga Yoga
The Shanti Mantra: Invoking Peace in Ashtanga Yoga
In the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, the Shanti Mantra, specifically the Saha Navavatu chant, is a Vedic chant that is traditionally recited before pranayama practice. This ancient mantra, originating from the Upanishads, invokes protection, harmony, and clarity, creating an auspicious atmosphere for deep breathwork and meditation.
Saha Navavatu: The Vedic Shanti Mantra
Sanskrit
सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Transliteration
Saha nāvavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha vīryaṁ karavāvahai
Tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai
Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Translation
May we be protected together.
May we be nourished together.
May we work together with great energy.
May our studies be enlightening and free from misunderstandings.
Om, peace, peace, peace.
Caroline chanting the Shanti Mantra:
The Role of the Shanti Mantra in Ashtanga Yoga
In Ashtanga Yoga, the breath (pranayama) is considered the bridge between the body and mind. Before engaging in pranayama practice, practitioners traditionally chant the Saha Navavatu mantra to invoke a sense of protection, unity, and inner peace. This mantra ensures that the practice is approached with purity of intention and clarity of mind, free from ego or disharmony.
Why Chant Before Pranayama?
•Creates a Sacred Space: This ancient Vedic chant aligns the practitioner’s energy with the deeper purpose of yoga—self-realization.
•Invokes Protection & Guidance: It seeks divine blessings for a safe and harmonious practice.
•Cultivates a Teacher-Student Connection: Traditionally, it was chanted before studying the Vedas and Upanishads, reinforcing humility and receptivity to learning.
•Calms the Mind & Prepares for Breath Control: The vibration of the chant steadies the mind, setting a focused, meditative tone before pranayama.
The Power of Shanti (Peace) in Yoga
The chant concludes with “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”, invoking peace on three levels:
1.Physical Peace (Ādhibhautika Śānti) – Harmony in the external world, reducing physical disturbances.
2.Mental Peace (Ādhyātmika Śānti) – Freedom from emotional and psychological conflicts.
3.Spiritual Peace (Ādhidaivika Śānti) – Inner tranquility and alignment with the divine.
Integrating the Shanti Mantra Into Your Practice
•Before Pranayama: Recite it to center yourself before practicing controlled breathing.
•At the Start of Practice: Chanting before asana or meditation creates a sacred, mindful space.
•Before Teaching: If you’re a yoga teacher, beginning a class with this Vedic chant fosters a sense of unity and respect.
Learn the Shanti Mantra in Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training
The Shanti Mantra is a fundamental part of traditional yoga practice. If you’d like to deepen your understanding of asana, pranayama, and the philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga, you can learn the Saha Navavatu mantra as part of Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training. Through guided practice and expert instruction, you’ll explore the deeper meaning of this ancient chant and its role in pranayama and yoga philosophy.
Conclusion
The Shanti Mantra is more than just a chant—it is a sacred Vedic invocation of peace, unity, and wisdom. By chanting it before pranayama practice in Ashtanga Yoga, practitioners align themselves with the ancient guru parampara (teacher-student lineage), ensuring that their breathwork is infused with intention, reverence, and clarity.
Let this Vedic mantra be a reminder that yoga is not just about the physical body but also about cultivating harmony within and around us.