Dear Brothers and Sisters
With Bhagawan’s Grace, we are beginning a new series called Sacred Significance, where we will explore the deeper meaning behind the practices we lovingly follow at our Sri Sathya Sai Centre.
Each short message will highlight why we chant certain mantras, why we perform specific rituals, and how these actions connect us to Swami’s sacred teachings.
The aim of this series is to help us deepen our understanding, strengthen our devotion, and bring more awareness into every sacred act we perform.
Sacred Significance – Understanding Why We Chant Shanti Shanti Shanti 3 Times
The word Shanti is pronounced three times at the end of every prayer, ritual, or offering. Bhagawan explains why:
First Shanti – Peace for the Body
It means that the body should not get heated by feelings of jealousy, hatred, attachments, and the like. Whatever news you receive about any event, you should receive it with calmness and serenity.
Second Shanti – Peace for the Mind
You should not get worked up when someone says something about you which is not true. Simply dismiss it as something which does not concern you. If you get angry or irritated, you are losing your peace of mind! You should say to yourself: ‘Why should I lose my peace of mind just because someone says something about me which is not true?’ Resolve to stick to your truth and be true to your own nature.
Third Shanti – Peace for the Soul
This peace must be realised through love. This world must be brought back on to the rails and it is love and peace alone which can achieve this! Fill your thoughts, actions, emotions with love, truth and peace. There may be people who may hate us, but love them too!
This teaching reminds us that peace is not merely spoken — it must be cultivated in the body, mind, and soul.