Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
14 May 2022 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Life is a beautiful journey where we encounter many situations, grow and change eventually. Every people experience their trial in own ways. People have different perspectives and choices on the way to deal with the circumstances they face in their life. Regardless of our choices, we all must navigate ourselves to establish peace and our surroundings for balance. Which is exactly what Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu stands for; a blessing to the world.
A Sanskrit Mantra ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’ which means “May everyone in the whole world be happy”. May my actions and behaviour contribute to others in a way that brings peace and happiness.
What is so great about this chant is that it sheds light on the human awareness and consciousness by reminding us that our relationship with all beings and things should be mutually beneficial if we ourselves desires happiness and liberation from suffering. No any true or lasting happiness comes form causing unhappiness to others. That’s why, if we want every beings to be happy and free, we certainly have to be careful about our each and every actions. By chanting this mantra, we move form a personal self and radiate a prayer of love for the world around us. Also reminds us that life is a beautiful journey with full of blessing for every living beings.
What does Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu mean?
Popularized form Jivamukti yoga (a path to liberation through compassion towards all beings)
Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu represents many things.
Lokah alone can refer to all the universe existing now.Not only limited to our planet earth but also illuminates to all the beings in the universe and outside of our known universe.
Samasta refers to every beings in the whole universe.
Sukhino translates to happiness, joy and free from suffering.
Bhav means the divine mood or state of unified existence whereas Antu means a ending word that represent it must be so/ may it be so.
This mantra is very powerful which represents various meaning that tends to connect us on this planet and beyond. It takes us form the egoic, little self,and its limited world view, and radiates from us global wellbeing.
Now lets get to know deeper about its expanded translations:
- We are all bounded together
We all beings sharing the same planet must care equally for other inhabitants. We do not wish this blessing mantra only for ourselves but recognize we are part of a collective effort in the planet. The sound of Samastah expands us beyond our limited mentality and reminds us we are interconnected to all. We exist in the universe as we are now, in the very same shared moment.
Lokah Samasra Sukhino Bhavantu teaches us to :
- Compassion
Compassion begins to be a part of our being and easily a part of who we are. This mantra requests those who chant it to recognize the harmony in our lives. Although we witness the world through a different perspectives does not mean that those around us do not experience similar events. We all share the same life experiences, of pain and pleasure, loss and enlightenment, love and doubt. By exercising compassion, we feel that we are not alone and how connected we all really are in this together.
- Personal elevation
Sukhino represents free of suffering, finding the happiness and joy in life. We can accomplish this by focusing on ourselves, and letting go of all the negative thoughts and actions. We we centered on finding happiness and joy, we are emitting that energy out to others. It is instructive to be reminded that all people and animals are equally worthy of freedom and happiness. This state of awareness can help us take a first important step of understanding who we really are. No freedom can come from depriving others from their freedom. We must individually do our part to address our limitations and faults.
When we are able to accept we are no longer different than those around us we are more available to accept opportunities without judgement. Negative thoughts, fear, anxiety, stress lowers our vibrations and limit our frequencies. There is no magic in chanting this mantra unless your personal elevation can hold this higher frequencies. If you are still hurtful, critical or judgemental, you are adversely affecting the free will of others.
- Become enlightened
Bhav is the representative of attitude. It`s our state of mind in our current existence. To become enlightened, an essential step is to take responsibility for oneself. We own our karma and desire to act from places of greater love. Enlightenment is the path of awakening consciousness to remember the divine within us. We are also able to accept our true selves and accept love in its purest form.
Bhav says that, we are pure love in a unified existence. We all are bounded together with a love which interweaves the universe. Love and all that it represents, is the most authentic way for humans to present themselves. This mantra and chanting helps to amplify love, gratitude, and acceptance.
- Cosmic influence
This chant “ Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ” is about encompassing the universe as a whole and all the existing universe. This chant has a cosmic affect that enchants blessings to every beings that exists in the universe and beyond. This shows the power of love and influence of the language of love and kindness as it transcends beyond our understanding.
Why we chant ?
Beside its powerful meaning, you may wonder whe we chant it. Well, Chanting is not only limited to the way you start or end the class with. It is something that surrounds universal sound and has life due to its deep influence in our bodies. .
For instance, the power of chanting in Sanskrit is that its deep words and letter has the direct connection and influence on the chakras.
By chanting these rooted words, the vibrations resonate deeply within us. Chakra gets vibrated and activated. The energy channels we are able to tap into a deeper level of transcendence and kindness. Plus, there are various benefits:
- Reduces anxiety
The chanting sound allows the mind to through any sense of overwhelm by deepening the breathe. The specific sound with rhythm calms our mind, balance our breathe and improves our sense of self.
- Strengthens our immunity
During chanting, our breathing patterns help to adjust the rhrythm of our body. Through sound and breathe, our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged and sends message that we are in balance. It calms our mind by letting us know we are not in flight and fight situation. And this communication helps our body build stronger immunity.
- Calms the body and mind
Chanting brings peace to the body and mind. It gives us a sense of peace. It offers us a comfortable place within a spiritual environment. Through chanting we are able to influence our thoughts, reduce tension in our bodies, and brings our body , breathe and mind at ease.