Extend compassion and kindness to everyone

Om sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ।
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu
Mā kaścid duḥkha-bhāg bhavet।
Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ॥

May all beings be happy,
May all be free from disease.
May all see auspicious things,
May no one suffer from sorrow.
Om, peace, peace, peace.

Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah: This line expresses a universal wish for happiness. Sarve means "all," bhavantu means "may they be," and sukhinaḥ refers to happiness. The prayer emphasizes the well-being of all living beings, extending beyond individual happiness.

• Sarve Santu Nirāmayāḥ: Nirāmaya means "free from disease or affliction." This line is a wish for the physical and mental health of everyone, encouraging compassion and care for all beings.

• Sarve Bhadrāṇi Paśyantu: Bhadrāṇi refers to auspicious or good things. This part of the prayer hopes that all beings experience and witness positive, uplifting experiences in their lives.

• Mā Kaścid Duḥkha-bhāg Bhavet: This is a plea that no one should suffer (duḥkha meaning sorrow or suffering). It reflects empathy and kindness, encouraging the desire for a world where all beings are free from pain.

• Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ: The prayer ends with three invocations of peace. These three levels of śāntiḥ—physical, mental, and spiritual—represent peace within the self, in the world, and in the cosmic realm.

This shlok reflects the essence of universal compassion, wishing for happiness, health, and peace for all beings. It embodies the spirit of selflessness and inclusiveness, emphasizing collective well-being and the desire to alleviate suffering.

Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

• Morning or Evening Practice: Recite this shlok in the morning to set a compassionate and positive intention for the day, or in the evening to reflect on your actions and extend good wishes to all beings.

• During Meditation or Prayer: Use this shlok as part of your meditation or prayer, especially when cultivating compassion. It helps shift the focus from individual concerns to the greater good of all beings.

• Action Step: Try reflecting on this shlok when you encounter someone in need—whether a friend or a stranger. Let it inspire acts of kindness and empathy, making the world a better place, one small action at a time.

Good to know…

This shlok is often recited at the end of rituals, prayers, and gatherings to invoke peace and well-being for all beings. It embodies the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"the world is one family"—a central tenet of Hindu philosophy. The repetition of śāntiḥ three times symbolizes the removal of disturbances at three levels: physical (body), mental (mind), and cosmic (environment). This prayer is widely used not only in spiritual contexts but also in modern settings to promote global peace and harmony.

Take a moment to reflect…

How would your thoughts, actions, and relationships change if you carried this prayer for universal happiness and well-being in your heart every day?

Hari om!

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