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Recognize the infinite, self-sustaining nature of the divine reality

This shlok reveals that both the manifest and unmanifest realities are complete, and the essential nature of everything is undivided fullness.

ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं पूर्णात्पूर्णमुदच्यते।
पूर्णस्य पूर्णमादाय पूर्णमेवावशिष्यते॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

Om Pūrṇamadaḥ Pūrṇamidaṁ Pūrṇāt Pūrṇamudacyate
Pūrṇasya Pūrṇamādāya Pūrṇamevāvaśiṣyate
Om Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ

Om, That is complete; this is complete. From completeness comes completeness. When completeness is taken from completeness, completeness alone remains.
Om, peace, peace, peace.

🕉️ Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

  • Pūrṇam: Means "complete" or "whole." It signifies something that is full, entire, and lacks nothing.

  • Adah: Refers to "that," typically indicating the transcendent, infinite reality or Brahman (the ultimate source).

  • Idam: Means "this," referring to the manifest world, the universe, or all forms of existence we experience.

  • Udacyate: Means "emerges" or "arises," implying that the entire creation, which appears as "this" (idam), emerges from "that" (adah), the infinite completeness of Brahman.

  • Avashishyate: Refers to what "remains" or "is left," meaning even when we take completeness from completeness, what remains is still complete.

This shlok, known as the Pūrṇam Shanti Mantra, is a profound teaching from the
Isha Upanishad. It expresses the infinite, self-sustaining nature of the divine reality. The mantra teaches that everything in existence is complete and whole, emerging from the infinite source, which remains unaffected and undiminished, regardless of what is taken from it.

When to chant this shlok?

  • Chant this shlok in the morning to start the day with a feeling of completeness and peace.

  • It is also ideal before meditation or yoga practice to cultivate a sense of inner wholeness and calm.

  • During moments of stress or dissatisfaction, recite this shlok to reconnect with the sense of fullness and abundance in life.

🧩 Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

Morning Invocation: Start your day by chanting this shlok to cultivate a mindset of completeness and self-sufficiency.

Reflective Pause: When feeling a sense of lack or anxiety, recite this shlok to remind yourself that the source of everything you need lies within.

Bedtime Reflection: Chant the shlok before sleeping to let go of daily worries and embrace a state of inner peace, inviting restful sleep.

🙏 Benefits of daily chanting

  • Inner Peace: Promotes mental and emotional balance, helping one to feel complete and self-sufficient.

  • Spiritual Awareness: Deepens the understanding of non-duality, promoting a sense of connection with all of existence.

  • Healing and Harmony: Invokes peace on all levels, harmonizing the body, mind, and soul.

💡 Good to know…

The concept of Pūrṇam in this mantra has been extensively studied in Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing that the ultimate reality, or Brahman, is beyond time, space, and limitations. This teaching suggests that true contentment and peace come from recognizing our own connection to this inherent completeness.

💭 Take a moment to reflect…

How can recognizing the sense of completeness in yourself transform the way you approach your goals and challenges?

Hari om!

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