--> Skip to main content


Meaning of Prayer Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Meaning of the prayer Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu as told by Late Swami Chidananda

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu — May all beings in this universe be happy.
Sarvesham svasti bhavatu — May prosperity and welfare be unto all beings. 
Sarvesham Sarvesham Shantir-bhavatu — May peace be unto all beings.
Sarvesham purnam bhavatu — May plenitude and fullness be unto all beings.
Sarvesham mangalam bhavatu — May auspiciousness and blessedness be unto all beings.
Sarve bhavantu sukhinah— May all be happy.
Sarve Santu niramayah — May all be free from disease, pain and suffering.
Sarve bhadrani pasyantu — May all behold that which is auspicious, pleasant, nothing fearful nor unpleasant. Bhadra is auspicious, blessed, mild, pleasant.
Ma kaschidduhkhabag bhavet—May not sorrow befall on any being.

Thus, this has been an ancient tradition — wishing well, wishing peace, happiness, prosperity, freedom from disease and pain, plenty, fullness, blessedness and auspiciousness to all  animate and inanimate.

Source – From an article titled The Subjective Dimension of Prayer by Late Swami Chidananda

Additional Information:

The prayer "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" is a powerful and ancient Sanskrit mantra that carries the deep intention of universal well-being. It translates to "May all beings everywhere be happy and free." This mantra reflects a wish for the happiness, peace, and freedom of not just humans, but all living beings, encompassing animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. It is an expression of boundless compassion and love for all existence.

Expanded Meaning and Importance:

  • Lokah: Refers to all the worlds or realms of existence, encompassing every being.
  • Samastah: Means "all" or "entire," referring to the totality of existence.
  • Sukhino: Derives from "sukha," which means happiness, joy, or well-being.
  • Bhavantu: Is a verb that means "may it be so" or "may it become."

Together, the mantra is a heartfelt invocation for the well-being and happiness of all beings across the universe. It reflects the essence of selfless love and compassion, which are central themes in many spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Dharmic religions.

Similar Prayers and Mantras:

The other verses you provided align with this spirit of universal benevolence. Here’s a breakdown of these prayers:

  1. Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu:

    • Translation: "May prosperity and welfare be unto all beings."
    • Importance: This prayer is an invocation for the general well-being and good fortune of all beings, encouraging a life of abundance and security.
  2. Sarvesham Shantir-bhavatu:

    • Translation: "May peace be unto all beings."
    • Importance: Peace is a fundamental human need, and this prayer asks for peace at both the individual and collective levels.
  3. Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu:

    • Translation: "May plenitude and fullness be unto all beings."
    • Importance: This prayer desires that everyone experiences a state of completeness and contentment, with nothing lacking.
  4. Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu:

    • Translation: "May auspiciousness and blessedness be unto all beings."
    • Importance: It invokes blessings and positive energies, seeking the divine grace for all.
  5. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah:

    • Translation: "May all be happy."
    • Importance: This is a simple yet profound wish for the happiness of all beings.
  6. Sarve Santu Niramayah:

    • Translation: "May all be free from disease, pain, and suffering."
    • Importance: Health is the foundation of happiness, and this prayer seeks to remove all forms of suffering.
  7. Sarve Bhadrani Pasyantu:

    • Translation: "May all behold that which is auspicious, pleasant, nothing fearful nor unpleasant."
    • Importance: This prayer is about seeing the good in everything, nurturing a positive outlook on life.
  8. Ma Kaschid Duhkhabhag Bhavet:

    • Translation: "May not sorrow befall any being."
    • Importance: It is a compassionate wish to shield all beings from sorrow and hardship.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

These prayers are more than just words; they represent a way of life that values compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of interconnectedness with all life forms. They are often recited during rituals, meditation, or yoga practices to cultivate a mindset of universal love and to remind individuals of their role in contributing to the welfare of all.

Similar Concepts in Other Traditions:

  • Metta Bhavana (Loving-kindness meditation) in Buddhism is a practice where one cultivates unconditional love and kindness towards all beings.
  • The Christian Prayer "Our Father" includes a petition for "peace on Earth," which resonates with the desire for universal well-being.
  • Sufism in Islam often includes prayers that seek the welfare of all creation, expressing similar sentiments.

In summary, these prayers and mantras form a crucial part of spiritual traditions that aim to extend love, peace, and well-being to all forms of life, advocating a universal vision of compassion and unity.