Chants

Ricky leading at Kripalu in 2011

shantipath - shanti mantra - peace chant

Shanti Mantras are invoked in the beginning of some topics. They are supposed to calm the mind of the reciter and environment around him/her. Reciting them is also believed to be removing any obstacles for the task being started.

Listen to the solo chant.  (33 seconds) Houston, TX

sahanavavatu.mp3
File Size:	530 kb
File Type:	mp3

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Listen to the class chant. (2 min) Houston, TX

rickytransahanavavatu.mp3
File Size:	2073 kb
File Type:	mp3

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ॐ सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Om Saha Nau-Avatu |
Saha Nau Bhunaktu |
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |
Tejasvi Naavadhiitamastuu Maa Vidvissaavahai |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Meaning:
1: Om, May God Protect us Both (the Teacher and the Student),
2: May God Nourish us Both,
3: May we Work Together with Vigour,
4: May our Study be Enlightening and not give rise to Hostility,
5: Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.

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Let us together (-saha) be protected (-na vavatu) and let us together be nourished (-bhunaktu).

Let us together join our mental forces in strength (-veeryam) for the benefit of humanity (-karvaa vahai).

Let our efforts at learning be luminous (-tejasvi) and filled with joy, and endowed with the force of purpose (-vadhita mastu).

Let us never (-maa) be poisoned (-vishaa) with the seeds of hatred for anyone. Let there be peace and serenity (-shaantih).

This mantra highlights the nature of the teacher-student relationship that produces ideal results for the student. The transference of mental, spiritual and intellectual energies from the teacher to the student can be achieved through a mutually nourishing relationship which is based on (mutual) respect, joy (of giving and receiving), and absence of malice or negative thoughts.