Hindu Faith Resources

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah

This is one of the most widely quoted Hindu prayers for the well-being of all people:

Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu
Mā kaścid duḥkha bhāg bhavet

May all be happy.
May all be free from illness.
May all see what is good.
May no one suffer.

(This prayer expresses compassion for all humanity and is often used in interfaith gatherings.)

Hindu Faith Resources

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Perhaps the most familiar Hindu prayer for peace is simply:

Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ

Om. Peace, peace, peace.

The three repetitions of “Shanti” are traditionally understood in various ways, including as a prayer for peace from:

• Internal disturbances (mind, body, emotions)

• External disturbances (other people and the environment)

• Divine or cosmic disturbances (forces beyond human control)

Hindu Faith Resources

Asato Mā Sad Gamaya

From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

Asato mā sad gamaya
Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya
Mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya

Lead me from the unreal to the real.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from death to immortality.

This prayer is frequently used as a prayer for spiritual peace and guidance.

Hindu Faith Resources

Peace Invocation from the Yajur Veda

Dyauḥ śāntir antarīkṣaṃ śāntiḥ
Pṛthivī śāntir āpaḥ śāntiḥ
Oṣadhayaḥ śāntiḥ…

May there be peace in the heavens.
Peace in the sky.
Peace upon the earth.
Peace in the waters.
Peace among the plants…
May peace be everywhere.

This beautiful prayer envisions harmony throughout all creation.

Hindu Faith Resources

Hindu prayer themes resonate with many other religious traditions that pray for peace, though they arise from Hindu theological and philosophical perspectives. These prayers emphasize:

• Inner tranquility

• Compassion toward all beings

• Harmony with nature

• Universal well-being

• Spiritual wisdom and liberation

Hindu Faith Resources

Asato Mā Sad Gamaya

From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

Asato mā sad gamaya
Tamaso mā jyotir gamaya
Mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya

Lead me from the unreal to the real.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from death to immortality.

This prayer is frequently used as a prayer for spiritual peace and guidance.

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