The Meaning of ‘Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukino Bhavantu’

लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु)

“May All Beings, In All Worlds, Be happy and Free” is a common translation for the ancient Sanskrit mantra ‘Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukino Bhavantu.’  The exact wording of this translation has gained widespread popularity through a wonderful Kirtan song that brings a harmonious tone and rhythm to the mantra. However there are other ways to chant this peace mantra in Sanskrit and we can go deeper into the mantras meaning by breaking down the etymology of the mantra or sloka.

Why we chant ‘Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukino Bhavantu.’ 

In our yoga practice we are working towards cultivating and exploring inner peace.  Even though we are working on our own individual growth we are not engaged in a selfish self-serving practice. The practice of Yoga is a practice of vibration and the vibration of your practice is felt throughout existence. One of the very clear messages of yoga is to use your Yogic study and practice to serve the greater good of the universe. As you progress down the yogic spiritual path open your energy and the energy that is created from your practice to send goodwill out into the world.

Translation of ‘Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukino Bhavantu’ 

Etymology and pronunciation are both extremely important when studying spiritual scriptures in Sanskrit. Sanskrit words can have complex meanings and it is helpful to get back to the root of many words to build a better understanding of their meaning. Pronunciating correctly will not only help to understand the root of a word but will also bring the practitioner into a deeper understanding of the meaning through the vibratory practice of speech.

“May All Beings, In All Worlds, Be Happy and Free”

Lokāḥ – Realm, Worlds, Plane, Universe

Samastāḥ – Whole, the entire path of the Cosmos

Sukino – Free from suffering (from the root word Sukha – easeful, comfortable)

Bhavantu – May Everyone, All Beings

Here is another translation that pulls from the terminology commonly found in Yogic studies:

“May all beings, In all Worlds, Be free from suffering. 

And May the suffering, Of all beings, Cease to rise again.”