Holy Mantras (in English?)
Sat Sri Akal!
I recently came upon a recording of Tina Turner singing Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu. Here's the link to the video. It's a short mantra of only twelve (12) words, sung in Sanskrit. When I chant this mantra, what language will I use - English? Sanskrit?
There are five factors I consider when choosing what language to use for mantra recitation:
So, it looks like I'll chant Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu in Sanskrit. What's wrong with chanting it in English? In this particular case, nothing. But sometimes the act of translation alters the meaning of the mantra. For me, that isn't an acceptable trade off - simply to make things easy on me. Plus, chanting in the original causes me to focus on each syllable. And that's what I want with my current practice.
I hope taking you through my own thought process will help you decide if you'll chant your next mantra in its original form or in your own native language. If you aren't sure about a translation, need help making that decision, or just want a second opinion, let me know at iLoveMantras@gmail.com
I recently came upon a recording of Tina Turner singing Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu. Here's the link to the video. It's a short mantra of only twelve (12) words, sung in Sanskrit. When I chant this mantra, what language will I use - English? Sanskrit?
सर्वेषां स्वस्तिर्भवतु ।
सर्वेषां शान्तिर्भवतु ।
सर्वेषां पूर्नं भवतु ।
सर्वेषां मड्गलं भवतु ॥
सर्वेषां शान्तिर्भवतु ।
सर्वेषां पूर्नं भवतु ।
सर्वेषां मड्गलं भवतु ॥
Sarveśām Svastir Bhavatu
Sarveśām Shāntir Bhavatu
Sarveśām Pūrnam Bhavatu
Sarveśām Maṇgalam Bhavatu
Sarveśām Shāntir Bhavatu
Sarveśām Pūrnam Bhavatu
Sarveśām Maṇgalam Bhavatu
May there be happiness in all
May there be peace in all
May there be completeness in all
May there be success in all
May there be peace in all
May there be completeness in all
May there be success in all
- Origin, History, and Purpose of the Mantra - The very first thing I do with all mantras is research its origin, history, and purpose. Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu is a universal prayer of peace from the Brhadaranyaka Upanisads. This is a prayer for universal peace. I believe in two-source verification, so I've verified this information from two separate (and unrelated) sources.
- Transliterations and Translations - While transliterations and translations for popular mantras are available on the Internet, they vary from site to site. Because subtle differences can change the meaning of the mantra itself, it's my responsibility to make sure I know the meaning of a mantra in it's original and translated versions. It's also my responsibility to make sure my transliteration is correct - so I'll be chanting the words that correspond to what's written on the page. I do these things even if I plan to recite a mantra in my native language. Again, I have two separate (and unrelated) sources for the translation. Because transliterations are nearly always different, I've chosen to go with what I hear on the recording, as well as a YouTube video.
- My History, Beliefs, and Intentions - In my history and belief system, words have power. I believe the Divine understands the intentions of my words no matter what language I use to express myself. However, I still prefer to chant mantras in the original language. I believe mantras are more powerful that way. Additionally, I know there are sometimes hidden things built into mantras - things that will be lost in translation.
- A Recipe for Success - Some mantras are designed with words in a specific order, forcing the Chantor to chant the mantra a specific way. This can only be accomplished if Chantors chant in the original language. Let me explain a bit: some mantras are designed to cause the Chantor to place their tongue in a specific spot in the mouth; hold the mouth or lips in a certain way to produce a specific sound; string certain sounds together in a specific order or rhythm; or produce breaks at specific points. There are mantras where the number of syllables per line are designed to carry magical power. These are just a few of the things I've run into over the course of the past six (6) months. I'm not aware of any "special qualities" of this mantra (as it appears in this song) so I could chant this mantra, in Sanskrit, to any melody I wanted. Or I could go with English.
- The Great Language Barrier - A clear and concise recording of the mantra or a transliteration I can work with is helpful if I want to chant the mantra in its original language. However, those aren't always available. For me, I need a clear (non-muddied) recording. Period. If I have that, and the transliteration for note taking, I can manage figuring it out. In our example, Tina Turner does an awesome job pronouncing the words of this short mantra. A transliteration is available as well.
So, it looks like I'll chant Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu in Sanskrit. What's wrong with chanting it in English? In this particular case, nothing. But sometimes the act of translation alters the meaning of the mantra. For me, that isn't an acceptable trade off - simply to make things easy on me. Plus, chanting in the original causes me to focus on each syllable. And that's what I want with my current practice.
I hope taking you through my own thought process will help you decide if you'll chant your next mantra in its original form or in your own native language. If you aren't sure about a translation, need help making that decision, or just want a second opinion, let me know at iLoveMantras@gmail.com
I enjoyed this blog tremendously. I'm always struck by the power of the mantras and chants in their original languages. I won't chant something whose meaning I don't know, but given the opportunity I just love the originals. Thanks for walking us through this.
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