Om Shanti Mantra: Meaning, History & Its Deep Connection With Yoga

Some mantras calm your mind, while others help you awaken something inside that becomes still, as if the noise of life fades and the soul returns to its original rhythm. And yes, the power of the Om Shanti mantra belongs to the second category.

The moment you chant Om shanti shanti shanti, a stillness spreads through the mind and a soft silence fills your heart. It feels like a gentle wave of peace that touches everything inside you. That’s why the Om Shanti mantra has become one of the most widely recited mantras in yoga, meditation, spiritual ceremonies, and even in yoga teacher training courses.

But the meaning of the Om Shanti mantra goes deeper than its surface. It’s not only about the ”peace,” but rather about awakening the peace that is already your nature. 

In a recent article, actress Sonnalli Seygall shared that she practices the “Om Shanti” mantra to cultivate inner peace, clarity of mind and better physical health, according to the Indian Express.

In this guide, we will explore the ancient history of the Om Shanti mantra,

The meaning of the Om Shanti mantra, how it supports Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) students and how to chant it properly and a lot more.

Let’s begin the journey into one of the most peaceful mantras ever discovered.

What Does Om Shanti Really Mean?

To understand this powerful mantra, we can break it down into its two parts- om and Shanti.

1. Om- Universal Sound

Om is often known as the first sound of the universe, the original vibration from which all the creation emerged. It’s not just a sound but a cosmic resonance that underlies everything in existence-the planets, stars, oceans and even our own consciousness. Om is also called the anahata or unstruck sound, meaning it exists beyond the limits of human speech and is felt rather than merely heard.

2. Shanti- The Peace within and Sound

The word Shanti represents a state of harmony and balance that embraces every layer of our being – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.  The word also means being free from disturbance inside ourselves and in the way we relate to the world around us.

This is why this mantra is chanted three times –

• The first shanti brings inner calmness.
• The second shanti brings peace in the surroundings and around you. 
• The third shanti brings cosmic peace- a sense of harmony with the universe.

Together, om shanti becomes a powerful word that gently quiets your mind, eases any stress and reconnects you to the deeper essence of your being.

Structure & Symbolism:

The curves represent the three states of consciousness:

• Lower curve → Waking state
• Middle curve → Dream state
• Upper curve → Deep sleep state

The dot above the curves represents absolute consciousness (the ultimate reality beyond all states).The semicircle below the dot represents maya (illusion), which separates the ordinary mind from ultimate consciousness.

The Ancient History of the Om Shanti Mantra?

Imagine a sound that existed before time, before words- a creation that echoes through every particle of creation. This is the sacred sound of the Om Shanti mantra, one of the oldest spiritual texts ever known to humanity.

No one invented the Om Shanti mantra. The ancient rishis were sitting in deep meditation, immersed in the universe’s cosmic vibration. The rishis realised that vibrations can calm the mind and purify the heart and awaken a sense of inner harmony. 

Through their disciplined practice, they perceived om as the sound of the universe from which all creation -planets, stars, oceans and life itself – emerged. Then the word shanti, meaning peace, was added to create calmness within the self, the surroundings and the cosmos.

For centuries, the mantra was preserved orally and passed down from teacher to disciple in the sacred space of ashrams. Written records came much later and the mantra first appears in sacred texts such as the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda and the Taittiriya Upanishad.

Exploring Different Forms of the Shanti Mantra

Shanti mantras are included in the ritual to bring peace, balance and harmony. Each mantra has its own vibration and is intended for a specific area of practice.

• Shanti Path Mantra– is recited at the beginning or end of spiritual practices, calling upon harmony among the practitioner, the environment, and the universe. Creating a sacred space encourages calmness and focus.
• Yoga Shanti Mantra– is used during yoga practice to regulate the breath, making it steady and smooth, thereby naturally quieting the mind.

By connecting body and mind, these mantras help practitioners feel in tune with their inner selves, making the practice more meaningful.

• Navgrah Shanti Mantra– protects us from the adverse effects of the various energies that dominate our lives. Reciting it can bring you greater stability, self-control and emotional strength. Commonly worn for support and security during a challenging or unknown phase.

Read More: Ujjayi Pranayama: Steps, Benefits & How to Practice

Om Shanti Om

Om Shanti Om is a profound yet straightforward chant often used in meditation and relaxation. It encourages surrender, freedom and softness in the mind, creating a feeling of lightness and ease.

Difference Between the Om Shanti Mantra and the Navgrah Shanti Mantra

While the Navgrah shanti mantra and the Om shanti mantra are high-powered mantras, they serve different purposes and offer other benefits.

• Navgrah refers to the nine celestial planets in Vedic astrology (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu). Navagraha Shanti Mantras are specific chants to meet planetary influences.  This mantra is usually recited under astrological guidance to harmonise cosmic influences.

• Om Shanti is purely yogic and spiritual as its purpose is to bring inner calm, balance and universal peace. It is used in meditation and Yoga practice.

How to Chant the Om Shanti Mantra Correctly

• Choose a calm spot. Now sit in posture, Vajrasana, keeping your spine straight.
• Let your shoulders rest softly and place your hands on your Knees or in a mudra that feels comfortable for you.
• Before we guide you on how to chant, take a few moments to simply breathe with attention.
• To chant A-U-M correctly, start with the sound ” ah ”while opening your mouth a bit.
• Then move into the sound ooh keeping your lips rounded.
• Finally, close your lips to produce ”mmm ”letting the vibration connect in your head. Each sound flows naturally into the next, creating a vibration throughout the body.
• Now chant Shanti, shanti, shanti. Repeat it three times, letting each word flow smoothly. 
• Once you finish chatting, allow a few moments of complete silence. This quiet time helps the vibrations keep your mind open and serene. 

Common Misconceptions About Om Shanti 

OM Shanthi (Om shanti) – Although one of the most famous mantras around the world, many beginners still get confused about how to say it and what it means! Here are some myths you can safely bust:

1. It’s only a Hindu chant. → Actually universal

Om Shanti is derived from Hindu and yogic practices dating back thousands of years, but its core meaning—peace and balance —is something all human beings can agree upon. Today, people from various nationalities, cultures and religions benefit from using this mantra to calm the mind and find refuge. You don’t have to subscribe to a particular philosophy to reap its vibration.

2. You have to be religious to recite it. → Not true

To chant Om Shanti is as much religious as spiritual. It’s a method for relaxation, emotional release and meditation. You can use it just to centre yourself, reduce stress and create a peaceful environment — without any spiritual commitment.

3. Mantras are effective only in a perfect Sanskrit accent. → Vibration is the only thing that matters

As with any pronunciation, especially traditional ones, the beauty of a mantra lies in its vibrational power.  Even if your accent or rhythm is not perfect, your sound waves calm the nervous system, balance the breath and directly affect our energy. The mantra is just a tool — your practice is what gives it meaning.

Om Shanti & Chakras: How the Mantra Aligns Your Energy

Chanting Om Shanti creates a flowing, constant vibration that allows the chakras to open and calm the entire energy system. This Holy name Aum vibrates with the Ajna Chakra; its ‘Aum’ sound directly leads up to the space between both eyebrows. This awakens intuition, sharpens inner awareness and brings a sense of mental clarity. As the mantra leads into Shanti, the gentle cooling sound cools the Heart Chakra (Anahata), melting away stored emotional tensions and bringing peace, compassion, and emotional harmony.

And these combined vibrations don’t just sit there in the pelvic floor—they travel up through the spine, along the Sushumna Nadi, gently stimulating each of our energy centres as they go. This leads to a subtle, gentle sound healing, with the body receiving more lightness and the mind becoming quieter, allowing the chakras to shift towards harmony and balance. In this easy song, they come into contact with themselves and feel a grounded sense of inner peace.

Read More: Yoga: Its Origin, History, and Development Through the Ages

Mantra Chanting Mistakes to Avoid

Chanting mantras like om shanti has a calming effect, but beginners often make mistakes, which can reduce its effectiveness. So being aware of these mistakes can help you get the most from your practice-

• Chanting too fast– When you try to rush through the mantra, it prevents the sound from fully connecting in your body. So remember to take your time and let every syllable flow naturally, allowing the vibration to settle in your energy centres.
• Straining your throat– Pushing your voice too hard can also cause tension around your throat and chest. Gentle chanting produces a deeper vibration that nurtures both your mind and body.
• Chanting with a disturbed mind– When your thoughts are disconnected, then chanting om shanti can feel mechanical rather than giving you peace. To get the most benefit, focus on the vibration of each syllable and try to connect with the mantra’s meaning- balance. Let the sound flow through your body and guide your awareness along your spine and energy centres.

The Power of Collective Chanting- Group vs Solo Benefits

Chanting Om shanti alone[solo chanting] can deeply help you connect with your inner self and align your energy. However, chanting in a group [Group chanting], like during yoga teacher training, a yoga retreat, or a meditation circle, brings a unique energy that is hard to recreate alone.

• Why group chanting feels stronger– In group chanting, multiple voices combine and their vibrations blend. This method of chanting creates a sense of unity and connection, making it more potent than solo chanting.
• Science behind sound resonance in groups– While chanting alone mainly nourishes your mind and body, chanting in a group creates a powerful harmonic effect. This collective vibration can give repetitive brain signals to soothe the nervous system and uplift your soul.
• Emotional safety and surrender– Chanting in a group creates a supportive environment where you can let go of self-judgement. Especially for the beginners, feel more comfortable and encouraged to relax into the mantra, which helps release emotions and deepen meditation. While chanting alone allows for personal reflection, group chanting adds the benefit of shared energy and collective support, making it easier to surrender to the practice entirely.

The Role of Om Shanti Om in Yoga Teacher Training

Om shanti om, one of yoga’s most powerful mantras. It may seem simple to say, but it’s powerful, particularly for students in yoga teacher training [YTT].

• Creating inner calmness and Focus– Yoga teacher training comprises most of the hours spent on practice, teaching and study. The sound of Om Shanti Om attracts positive energy, virtual peace and happiness. This is key to learning and, consequently, to teaching yoga well.
• Preparing you for meditation and asana Practice– Om Shanti Om helps balance your breath and energy, preparing you for meditation and yoga postures. All the aspirants enter the classroom feeling ready to deepen their yoga practice.
• Helps you in reducing tension-Attending a yoga teacher training course can feel challenging at times due to the intensity of physical practice, study and teaching assignments. In these moments, Om Shanti Om works like a reset button, reducing stress, improving emotional clarity, releasing mental tension and guiding trainees back to their natural state of balance. 
• This creates a smoother, more grounded, and more joyful learning experience throughout the training.
• Developing Teaching Presence– Future yoga teachers quickly realise that students don’t just follow instructions—they follow the teacher’s energy. Chanting Om Shanti Om helps trainees cultivate a peaceful aura, a grounded voice, a calm teaching presence and a mindful attitude. These subtle yet powerful qualities shape a teacher who can lead safe, meaningful, and heart-centred classes.

Read More: Activate Your 7 Chakras with Yoga: Poses, Breathwork & Benefits Explained

Om Shanti as a Way of Life

Om Shanti can be a guide about how you live, what guides the way you think, feel and act.

• Respond, Not React– Life comes with challenges, conflicts and we respond right away — often with anger, anxiety or frustration. Om Shanti brings awareness to pausing, breathing and responding with thoughtfulness. This sense of knowing helps you react to life with wisdom rather than being carried along by emotions.
• Let Go of Burdens– You can’t bring emotional baggage or grudges with you, because if you do, they just slow you down. Regular repetition loosens these negative feelings. It promotes forgiveness, acceptance and surrender, inducing peace and growth in return.
• Choose Peace Every Day– Peace is not merely stillness  — it is an active choice. Even in the midst of a whirlwind day or turbulent times, Om Shanti reminds you to remain peaceful, steady and centred. It helps one build the power to handle situations rationally rather than in panic or stress.
• Stay Present– The mind spends much of its time between the past and the future. Om Shanti grounds you in the present moment — the only time and place where real peace can be found. Being present allows you to take full advantage of life and its simple pleasures. 

Applying Om Shanti in our Daily Lives

If you can chant Om Shanti, bring it into your everyday life and see changes or shifts in how you feel and think, which alter your responses to life.  Here’s how to incorporate it into everyday life:

• Morning Meditation – Begin your day with 5–10 minutes of Chanting Om Shanti. This practice, if done in the morning, creates a day of calm and clarity. The vibrations can help awaken a sense of inner peace, relieve morning stress and create clarity when tackling tasks.
• Pre-Yoga Practice– Centre your mind, body and soul in this position before yoga asanas or meditation. The chant helps you control your breath, balance your energy, and generate a sense of readiness. This allows you not only to make your practice physical but also mindful so that you can develop a deeper connection with each pose and every breath.
• Evening Reflection Completion – Close your day with some time chanting Om Shanti, whether it’s to resonate in meditation or to share a moment of silence in mindful awareness. This act helps shed accumulated stress and emotional baggage from the day, making sleep come more easily. As a means of promoting forgiveness, letting go and emotional balance at bedtime.
•  In Teaching and Group Practice– For yoga teachers and teacher trainees, the use of Om Shanti in classes or during training creates a shared sense of peace and serenity. Beginning or concluding with the chant helps align the group’s energy, connection and support.

Conclusion

Om Shanti is also a bridge between the finite and infinite, a thread that connects us with our highest potential self, a thread that merges the human spirit with the cosmic. Every repetition of the Om Shanti mantra is a gentle reminder that peace is not something we acquire from the outside; rather, it is the natural state of our being. 

Every repetition of the Om Shanti mantra is a gentle reminder that peace is not something we acquire from the outside; rather, it is the natural state of our being. 

So take action today itself and you will see the magic slowly unfold in your life and everything around you will change. It requires genuine intention: start by dedicating 5 to 10 minutes each morning to chanting Om Shanti, and let it set the tone for a peaceful, focused day. 

Om shanti to you all !! We hope this vibrational sound fills your heart with peace and gives happiness from within. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Beginners chant om shanti?

Yes! Absolutely, Om Shanti is perfect for everyone, even beginners just focus on sound and intention.

2. Does pronunciation matter while chanting?

Yes, pronunciation matters while you chant because the sounds are believed to create powerful vibrations in the mind and body.

3. How many times should I chant?

Well, here there is no fixed rule about how many times you should chant. However, Beginners can begin with 11–21 repetitions, gradually increasing as comfort grows.

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Last Updated On: 28-11-2025