The Shanti Mantra “Om Sahana Vavatu” is quite familiar to many people and is chanted at the beginning of study classes or any venture undertaken for learning. The mantra Om Sahana Vavatu. Sahanau bhunaktu. Saha veeryam karavaavahai Tejasvinaa vadhee tamastu maa vidvishavahai Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaantih Meaning Om, may He protect us both (teacher and the taught). May He look after us both to enjoy (the fruits of scriptural study). May we both exert together (to find the true meaning of the sacred text). May our studies be fruitful so that we acquire lustre. May we never quarrel with each other. Om Peace! Peace!! Peace!!! Word Meaning Om – Symbol of the Pure Brahman, Saha – together, Nau – us both, Avatu – may he protect, Bhunaktu – may He look after (the fruits of spiritual study), Viryam – put in effort with enthusiasm, Karvavahai – exert together (to find the true meaning of sacred texts), Tejasvi – Lustrous, Adhiram – study, A