This is the Sanskrit prayer…
Asato maa satgamaya
Tamaso maa jyotir gamaya
Mrityor maa amritam gamaya
Sarveshaam swastir bhavatu
Sarveshaam shantir bhavatu
Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu
Sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Sanskrit is pronounced completely phonetically so don’t let the language daunt you….simply pronounce what you see.
The opening lines are from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28)
The closing lines in bigger type font are the lines of the healing Mantra, also known as Mrityunjaya. It is called The Great Death Conquering Mantra, and is from the Rig Veda. This is a very powerful prayer used for healing and protection.
This is the English translation of the whole Shanti Path ~
Lead us from the unreal to the Real
From darkness to Light
From death to Immortality
May there be auspiciousness in all
May there be peace in all
May there be completeness in all
May there be success in all
May All Beings Know Happiness!
We Meditate on the Three-eyed One (Shiva)
Who is fragrant and who nourishes.
May we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality,
As easily as the cucumber is severed from bondage to the vine.
OM peace, peace, peace.
Here is my dear Swami Pragyamurti introducing the practice of Shanti Path…
It is a chant we use in my tradition at the end of practices.
”Shanti Path has two meanings. One is as a mantra for peace and prosperity, which is traditionally said at the end of every yogic or spiritual session to infuse the body and mind with positive feelings and vibrations. This is the main purpose of the Shanti Path. It also helps to remind the psychic personality, the personality which is influenced by vibrations, of a spiritual aim.”
~ Swami Niranjanananda.
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