Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu
I was thinking about my message for the month of May and this mantra popped into my mind: Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. I think it’s because the English translation of the mantra begins with the word, “May”. "May all beings everywhere be happy and free."
“Man” is mind and “Tra” is vehicle. A mantra is a sacred word we can repeat to affirm something to ourselves and allow that meaning to merge into our subconscious and to bring about a positive pattern or habit. To me, a mantra is a way of praying and this particular mantra has been passed down through generations by way of oral tradition. A more detailed translation is: “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may my thoughts, words, and actions contribute in some way to happiness and freedom for all.”
The Sanskrit breakdown of this peace mantra is as follows:
lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now
samastah: all beings sharing that same location
sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering
bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence
antu: may it be so, it must be so (antu used as an ending here transforms this mantra into a powerful pledge)
When we add the “Lokah” mantra to our yoga practice, we affirm our capacity to create freedom and happiness in the lives of others. Mother Teresa reminded us that “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” For me, praying this mantra is a way to do something small and great because of its power to make available happiness and freedom to every creature, everywhere.
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free." mantra also reminds me of the Buddhist Metta or Loving Kindness Prayer which is so simple, but so profound. This prayer begins by a repeating a blessing for oneself and then, expanding out by sending that blessing to our loved ones, the sick, and eventually to all beings, even our enemies and all creatures. There are many variations of the Metta meditation and you can even make up your own version to suit your intentions.
The CHY family wishes to send you the following blessing:
May you live with ease, may you be happy, may you be free from pain. May your life be filled with happiness, health, and well-being.
Namaste,
Romy & the CHY Family
Here is a one of my favorite versions of this mantra by Deva Premal