Shanti Mantra

SHANTI MANTRA

Ohm Saha Naa Vavatu,
Saha Nau Bhunaktu,
Saha Viiryam Karavaa Vahai,
Tejas Vinaa Vadhii Tamastu,
Maa Vid Vishhaa Vahai.
Ohm Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Ohm,
May God protect us.
May God nourish us.
May we acquire the capacity to study and to understand the scriptures.
May our studies be thorough and faithful (so we may become brilliant).
May we never quarrel with or hate each other.
Ohm, peace, peace, peace.

At the beginning of a class, the teacher and students generally recite this peace invocation together.
Both seek the Lord’s blessings for study that is free of obstacles, such as poor memory, or the inability to concentrate or poor health.
They also seek blessings for a conducive relationship, without which communication of any subject matter is difficult.
Therefore, this prayer is important for both the teacher and the student.

Vasudeva Sutam Devam

Prayer to Lord Krishna

Vasudeva Sutam Devam
Kansa Chaanuura Mardanam
Devakii Paramaa Nandam
Krishhnam Vande Jagadh Gurum

I bow to you, Lord Krishna,
the resplendent son of Vasudev,
who killed the great tormentors Kamsa and Chanoora,
who is a source of great joy to Devaki,
and who is indeed a world teacher.

Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Invokation to Lord Ganesh

Vakratunda Mahaakaaya
Suuryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva
Shubha Kaaryeshhu Sarvadaa

O Lord Ganesha,
Who possesses a large body (mahakaya),
A curved trunk (vakratunda),
Who shines with the brilliance of a million suns (surya koti)!
Please make all my work free of obstacles, always.