My grandmother will be completing her 100 years in February 2014. I cannot say that she is in the pink of her health but definitely she is pretty good for the years that she has walked on this planet. Probably she has studied till 5th standard and rest all of her education has been a self acquired venture. An avid reader even today, there is one thing about her that holds me in complete awe of her. You make her sit in front of a ‘havan kund’ and she will recite all the mantras with great accuracy. Even with a failing memory on her side her rendition of the mantras is impeccable.
What are Mantras?
Scientists of the modern day tell us that sound is a form of energy but seers of the ancient times knew this fact since times immemorial. When a mantra is chanted it produces vibrations that invoke positive energies that play an instrumental role in expanding the mind and transformation of self. Positive energies in the environment promote peace and a feeling of well being. Rendition of a mantra with understanding increases the value derived from it but even if one repeats them without understanding they have an effect on our psychic field. Every mantra works on a particular field.
The Shanti Paath – The Peace Mantra
All children in our family have grown up listening to my grandmother chanting the mantras during a ‘havan’. When I use the word family I refer to big extended family of more than 60 members. Irrespective of our age all members of the family know the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ by heart. In addition to it I have picked up a handful more and my favorite one is the ‘Shanti Paath’. Let us look at the ‘Shanti Paath’ in more detail.
The word ‘Shanti’ in Sanskrit language means ‘Peace’ and ‘Paath’ refers to the ‘direction in which one is moving’. The Shanti Paath is a universal prayer for peace. Rendition of the mantra immediately calms the mind and helps surpass one’s ego. Mantras as we know are prayers or chants comprising of sounds, words and syllables.
The Shanti Paath has two meanings. One meaning that is attached to the mantra is for peace and prosperity. The second meaning is the psychic one wherein we are considered as bodies that are on a spiritual journey and influenced by vibrations around us. Chanting of mantras results in influencing and awakening of the psychic mind. Irrespective of the meaning that you attach to it, its repetition has a calming effect. The ‘Shanti Paath’ is usually recited at the beginning and the end of a religious ceremony. It can also be repeated at any time and any place.
The Shanti Paath – A Universal Prayer
The ‘Shanti Paath’ is a universal prayer where we ask for peace for all. There are different Shanti Mantras that are recited at different points of time. One of the Shanti Paath that is often recited is reproduced below.
Shanti Paath (In Sanskrit)
The Shanti Path Mantra in Sanskrit
Om Dyau Shanthi Rantariksha Gwam Shanthi,
Prithaivi Shanthi Rapah Shanthi,
Roshadhayah Shanthi,
Vanas Patayah Shanthi,
VishveDevah Shanthi,
Brahma Shanthi,
Sarvagwam Shanthi,
Shanthi Reva Shanthi Sa Ma Shanthi Redhi.
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi.
The meaning of the Shanti Path Mantra translated into English
Unto The Heaven Be Peace,
Unto The Sky And The Earth Be Peace.
Peace Be Unto The Water,
Unto The Herbs And Trees Be Peace.
Unto All The Gods Be Peace,
Unto Brahma And Unto All Be Peace.
And May We Realize That Peace.
Om Peace Peace Peace.
On reading the mantra it is clear that it is a universal prayer for peace. When we recite the mantra we pray for peace on all – the universe, space, earth, water, vegetation, people, even God and last of all onto self. We pray for strengthening of peace, goodness and happiness
Read and re-read the mantra for peace, prosperity and happiness.