At times after a session, we will all have our hands in prayer position and listen to our yoga instructor say "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" which translates to "May all beings everywhere be happy and free".
It always seemed a good way to end a class when we were all spaced out and "at another place".
But upon research, I found more to this mantra than just consideration of others who may be less fortunate than ourselves.
The mantra speaks of Ahimsa (literal translation being non-violence), one of the ideals of Hinduism. It refers to respecting all living things and an acceptance that all living things are connected. Although one might think of non-violence as an act, it also refers to verbal and emotional non-violence. Because violence of any type bears its own karmic consequences.
Gandhi, the strongest proponent of ahimsa, said: "Ahimsa, non-violence, comes from strength, and the strength is from God, not man. Ahimsa always comes from within."
LOKAH SAMASTA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute to happiness and freedom for all.
It always seemed a good way to end a class when we were all spaced out and "at another place".
But upon research, I found more to this mantra than just consideration of others who may be less fortunate than ourselves.
The mantra speaks of Ahimsa (literal translation being non-violence), one of the ideals of Hinduism. It refers to respecting all living things and an acceptance that all living things are connected. Although one might think of non-violence as an act, it also refers to verbal and emotional non-violence. Because violence of any type bears its own karmic consequences.
Gandhi, the strongest proponent of ahimsa, said: "Ahimsa, non-violence, comes from strength, and the strength is from God, not man. Ahimsa always comes from within."
LOKAH SAMASTA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute to happiness and freedom for all.
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