What Does “Om Shanti Om” Mean?

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Learn how to say and apply this common yoga and meditation phrase
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If you’ve been to a yoga class or watched a few yoga tutorials online, you may notice the instructor starting or ending the practice with the word “om.” What does this word mean, and why are you being asked to say it? In Hindu and Buddhist culture, “om” is a mantra or chant used to invoke peace and energize the body in meditative practices. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about “om” and its most well-known mantras. Plus, we’ll even share how to do an “om shanti om” chant yourself.

Things You Should Know

  • “Om shanti om” means “peace in body” or “peace in mind” in Sanskrit.
  • “Om shanti om” is an ancient Vedic mantra used in meditation and yoga to promote peace and the represent the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.
  • “Shanti” is often repeated 3 times while chanting to represent the state of sleeping, dreaming, and waking.
Section 1 of 5:

What is the meaning of “om shanti om”?

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  1. This chant is often used to open or close yoga or meditative practices. The mantra reminds you that you’re at peace no matter where you are—that your mind, body, and spirit are connected. Many say “om shanti om” before and after starting a yoga flow or meditation to align their energy and remember that peace is their priority.
    • “Shanti” directly translates to “peace,” while “om” means the “whole world.” [1]
    • “Om shanti om” can also be chanted as “om shanti, shanti, shanti.”
    • Traditionally, the word “shanti” is always chanted 3 times after “om” to represent the 3 levels of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and sleeping.
    • To pronounce “shanti,” draw out the “a” as you would in the word “father,” and press your tongue against your teeth when you make the “t” sound.
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Section 2 of 5:

What does “om” mean?

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  1. In Sanskrit, when combined, the vowels “A” and “U” become “O,” which translates to the sound “Om” or “Aum.” This sound or mantra originates from Hindu and Buddhist teachings and guides the soul through a meditative state. The vocal sound of “om” encompasses the world's energy and is said to help connect the spirit to a higher power. [2]
    • Depending on who you ask, “om” can represent several different things; however, most meanings reflect the symbolic pairs or triads:
      • Praise and prayer
      • Speech, mind, and breath
      • Desire, fear, and anger
      • Father, mother, and spiritual teacher
    • In many Indian scriptures, “om” is referred to as a “supreme power.”
    • To pronounce “om,” start with an “ah” sound, then slide into an “oh” sound, and end with an “mmm” humming sound. The sound creates a vibration in your throat and on your lips, creating energy. [3]
Section 3 of 5:

How to Chant “Om Shanti Om”

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  1. Take a seat wherever is most comfortable for you (on the floor, in a chair, etc.). Then, crisscross your legs (if you’re able) and roll your shoulders back. [4]
    • Sitting with an upright, unsupported posture is important because it allows your chant to energize all 7 of your chakras.
  2. With your back straight, gently put your hands on your knees. Flip your hands over so your palms are facing up. Then, relax your fingers and wrists.
  3. Roll your shoulder back again, close your eyes, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps fully relax your body, preparing you for meditation or prayer.
  4. With your eyes closed and your back straight, speak the mantra over yourself. Use whichever “om shanti” chant resonates with you the most (“om shanti shanti shanti” or “om shanti om”).
    • Focus on the vibrations the sounds create inside your mouth and body. How do they feel within you? Staying mindful will help energize your body and spirit. [5]
  5. The number of times you chant is entirely up to you! Chant for 2, 5, 10, or even 15 minutes. Just remember to breathe deeply between each chant.
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Section 4 of 5:

How “Om” Can Benefit Your Life

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  1. Some spiritual experts believe that saying “om” while you flow helps you focus your energetic power. There’s no denying that some yoga poses are challenging for the mind and body. Many yogis use the sound “om” to push through difficult poses and remind themselves of their power, allowing them to further their connection with their mind, body, and spirit.
    • Try adding “om” to your yoga practice by speaking it over yourself while you do a crow pose or warrior to remind yourself that you can do hard things.
  2. Many believe that chanting “om” while you meditate can help you focus on your higher spiritual power. The sound is said to open your heart, crown, and third eye chakras, allowing you to awaken your spiritual power. [6]
    • Along with this, some say that saying “om” while you meditate helps you push aside unwanted thoughts, allowing you to focus on your breath and the sensations around you.
  3. Studies show that using the mantra “om” can lessen anxiety and stress while promoting positive thoughts. The right amygdala is the part of your brain that evokes negative emotions and feelings. Experts have found that a hyperactive amygdala (which can lead to stress and anxiety) can be eased by a persistent usage of the chant “om.” [7]
    • So, if you’re stressed, close your eyes and take a moment to speak the simple mantra of “om” over yourself until your nerves start to ease and you feel more grounded.
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Section 5 of 5:

Other Common “Om” Terms & Phrases

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  1. Also referred to as the “compassion Buddha mantra,” “om mani padme hum” directly translates to “hail the jewel in the lotus.” This chant focuses on transforming yourself—there's a jewel within you waiting to come out. The mantra reminds you that you can be whoever you want to be in mind, body, and spirit with the right focus. [8]
  2. This chant directly translates to “I honor Shiva” or “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism and is the deity of transformation. [9] By speaking this mantra, you’re honoring the power and divinity within yourself. Many use “om namah shivaya” in yoga or meditative practices to encourage healing and welcome change. [10]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.brettlarkin.com/om-shanti-mantra/
      2. ↑ https://www.brettlarkin.com/om-shanti-mantra/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/eQTenvydZIo?t=30
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/yaWnd6ph11A?t=116
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/yaWnd6ph11A?t=106
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/eQTenvydZIo?t=349
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099099/
      8. ↑ https://www.shambhala.com/snowlion_articles/om-mani-padme-hum-dalai-lama/
      9. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva
      1. ↑ https://www.anahana.com/en/wellbeing-blog/yoga/om-namah-shivaya

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