“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”
“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”
लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु
You will hear me say this at the end of every class I teach. This blessing is a Sanskrit mantra, which means:
"May all beings everywhere be happy and free"
(and I was taught to add...)
"May the thoughts, words, and actions of our own lives contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all"
Have a closer look at the meaning of each word:
lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now
samastah: all beings sharing that same location
sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering
bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence
antu: may it be so, it must be so
This blessing has been used for many centuries to invoke greater states of compassion and peace. For me, it is an important reminder that we practice for something so much bigger than ourselves. Our yoga practice helps guide us toward right action, healthy choices and a lifestyle guided by compassion and concern for the wellbeing of others. It reminds us to question everything that we do-how we live, how we speak, and even how we think. It reminds us that we are powerful and have a deep effect on every living thing we come into contact with. We matter. We must be the change we seek.
This prayer is not just a mantra to say in yoga class. My daughter Olive says it at bedtime every night. We are not religious family, but we are spiritual, and I wanted to have a prayer to say together at night. It is the perfect way for us both to end our day. I encourage you to memorize it, say it with me in class, and find ways to incorporate it into your daily life.
Join me for a class.
Hope you found this post helpful!
Thanks for being here! I’d love to connect with you. Stay tuned for more posts coming soon!
- Kat
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