Vedic Mantra · Universal Truth / Brahman
शांति मंत्र — असतो मा सद्गमय
Shanti Mantra
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
असतो मा सद्गमय तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Transliteration
Asato Ma Sadgamaya Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Meaning
Lead me from untruth to truth. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Last updated: 20 April 2026 · Traditional Vedic mantra
Benefits of Shanti Mantra
- ·The most profound prayer in the Vedic tradition — from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
- ·Awakens the spiritual aspiration to transcend illusion and ignorance
- ·Removes spiritual confusion and guides the seeker toward truth
- ·The three prayers address body, mind, and spirit simultaneously
- ·Creates a powerful intention-setting practice for spiritual evolution
- ·Used in yoga and meditation traditions worldwide as an opening invocation
How to Chant
- 1.At the beginning of any meditation, yoga, or spiritual practice
- 2.Chant slowly, with deep meaning — pause after each line to absorb its meaning
- 3.Can be sung as a prayer before sleep, asking for guidance
- 4.No restrictions — this is a universal human prayer
- 5.Close your eyes and feel each prayer as a genuine request to the divine
- 6.Visualize moving from shadow to light with each line
Best Time
Beginning of any spiritual practice. Morning upon waking. Before sleep.
Recommended Count
3 times minimum. Can be repeated 21 or 108 times as a meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What does "lead me from darkness to light" mean in this mantra?
The three transitions — untruth to truth (sat), darkness to light (jyoti), death to immortality (amrita) — are not physical but spiritual. "Darkness" refers to ignorance (avidya) — not knowing one's true nature as eternal consciousness. "Light" is Jnana (wisdom) — the direct recognition of the Self. This is one of the most psychologically rich mantras in the entire Sanskrit tradition.