Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu (सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः) — Meaning and Explanation

The full shanti mantra is:

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु। मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत्॥

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

This is a prayer for the happiness, health, welfare and peace of all living beings.

The line-by-line meaning is:

• सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः – May all be happy. • सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः – May all be free from illness (healthy). • सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु – May all see (experience) goodness and auspicious things. • मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग् भवेत् – May no one suffer (may none be a part of sorrow). • ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः – Om, peace, peace, peace.

So the whole mantra means: 'May everyone be happy, may everyone be healthy, may everyone experience what is good, and may no one suffer. Om, peace, peace, peace.'

1. Universal well-being: The mantra prays for the happiness and welfare of all, not just of oneself or one's family.
2. Spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam': It reflects the Indian idea that the whole world is one family.
3. Peace and harmony: The closing words 'शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः' pray for peace at three levels — within oneself, in society, and in nature.
4. It is taken from the Upanishads and is widely chanted at the end of prayers, yoga sessions and in schools.
5. It teaches compassion, kindness and the wish for the good of all living beings.

Thus, the mantra is a beautiful expression of love and goodwill for the entire world.