Mantra
नमो ब्रह्मणे नमो अस्त्वग्नये नमः पृथिव्यै नम ओषधीभ्यः ।
नमो वाचे नमो वाचस्पतये नमो विष्णवे बृहते करोमि।।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Namo Brahmaṇe Namo Astvagnaye Namaḥ Pṛthivyai Nama Oṣadhībhyah.
Namo Vāce Namo Vācaspataye Namo Viṣṇave Bṛhate Karomi.
Introduction
This Shanti Mantra, found in the second chapter of the Taittiriya Aranyaka, holds significance within the practice of Brahma Yajna. Brahma Yajna entails the daily study of a portion of the Vedas, safeguarding the Vedic tradition and honoring the wisdom passed down by the Rishis. Reciting these mantras daily preserves their teachings and acknowledges our indebtedness to the ancient sages.
Acharya Sayana refers to this mantra as the Paridhaniya Rk. Chanted at the conclusion of Brahma Yajna, it symbolizes the closing invocation. By saluting the seven divinities mentioned in it, practitioners believe they complete the sacred ritual, ensuring the continuity and reverence of Vedic knowledge.
Rishi, Devata, and Chhandas are not available for this mantra.
Meaning
नमो ब्रह्मणे नमो अस्त्वग्नये नमः पृथिव्यै नम ओषधीभ्यः ।
नमो वाचे नमो वाचस्पतये नमो विष्णवे बृहते करोमि।।
Word Meaning
- नमः – salutation
- ब्रह्मणे – to Brahman (to the Vedas or to Prajapati)
- नमः – Salutation
- अस्तु – shall be
- अग्नये – to
- Agni, नमः – Salutation,
- पृथिव्यै – to Earth,
- नमः – Salutation,
- ओषधीभ्यः – to the plants/herbs,
- नमः – salutation,
- वाचे – to speech,
- नमः – salutation,
- वाचस्पत्ये – to the Lord of Speech,
- नमः –salutation,
- विष्णवे – to Vishnu,
- बृहते – the all-pervasive,
- करोमि – I do
Namo Brahmaṇe Namo Astvagnaye Namaḥ Pṛthivyai Nama Oṣadhībhyah.
Namo Vāce Namo Vācaspataye Namo Viṣṇave Bṛhate Karomi.
The mantra begins with salutations to various divine entities, including Brahman (representing the Vedas or the creator Prajapati), Agni (the fire deity), Earth, plants/herbs, Speech, Lord of Speech (Brihaspati), and Vishnu (the all-pervasive). Each salutation expresses reverence and acknowledgment of the divine presence in various forms and aspects of creation.
Explanation
The mantra, with its salutations to seven divinities, signifies the culmination of Brahma Yajna, the daily practice of studying a portion of the Vedas. In this context, it encapsulates the essence of the Vedic mindset, reflecting a reverential attitude and embodying the ideals represented by each deity. Through these salutations, we express gratitude to the Rishis and uphold the sacred tradition of preserving Vedic wisdom.
Brahman, symbolizing the Vedas, is revered as the reservoir of wisdom within Vedic culture and civilization. Its salutation underscores the importance of reverence and respect towards this profound source of knowledge. Yet, salutation is only complete with earnest learning and understanding of its meaning. Through this pursuit, individuals, known as Brahmanas, ascend towards a state of Brahminhood, as Swami Vivekananda advocates. This aspiration reflects a commitment to material and spiritual growth, embodying the essence of Vedic ideals.
Agni, revered as the presiding deity of Earth in the Vedas, holds a central role in Vedic life and culture. From the rituals marking life’s significant transitions, such as Vivaha Agni and Antyeshti, to its symbolic representation as Purohita, the great benefactor, Agni’s significance is profound.
In the Vedic culture, life begins (Vivaha agni) and ends (Antyeshti) with Agni. The very first Rigvedic mantra salutes Agni as Purohita, the great benefactor. As Pavaka, the purifier, Agni cleanses and sanctifies, reflecting its role in guiding individuals towards higher states of consciousness.
Harnessing the fire was a pivotal moment in human civilization, which enabled the graduation of humans from being hunter-gatherers to settlers. In the Vedas, Agni is also considered a source of inspiration – the guide to higher states of mind; that connects humanity with divinity. Through its multifaceted symbolism, Agni emerges as a lifelong companion for those embracing the Vedic way of life, offering guidance and purification along the spiritual journey.
Prithivi, revered as divine in the Vedas, elicits salutations for being our nurturing mother and Sky above as our father. The Vedic tradition’s reverence for the Earth inspires an eco-friendly lifestyle, echoing the harmonious relationship fostered by ancient sages. In today’s global context, facing looming environmental crises due to global warming and climate change, this reverence serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet.
Oshadhi, symbolizing herbs and plants, is revered in Vedic wisdom as a source of sustenance and healing. Acknowledging their divine essence, the Vedas emphasize the reciprocal relationship between humanity and nature. By nurturing and preserving these life-sustaining resources, humanity fulfills its duty to contribute to the flourishing of all life forms.
Vaak, or cultured speech, is extolled in Vedic teachings as a unique faculty of human beings. Right speech is the manifestation of thought with Viveka. A person’s speech embodies the essence of an individual’s existence and contribution to the world. The Vedic ideal underscores the importance of cultivating speech imbued with wisdom and integrity, highlighting the transformative power of mindful communication in shaping human interactions and societal harmony.
Vacaspati, also known as Brihaspati, is revered as the preceptor of the Gods and the presiding deity of intellect, mind, and speech. Brihaspati embodies the ideal of refined wisdom manifesting as cultured speech, symbolizing the intellect’s cultivation through diligent inquiry, humility, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Vishnu, derived from the root “vish” (vish – vyaptau), meaning to pervade, symbolizes the all-pervasive Pure Consciousness, the Ultimate Reality in Vedic thought. According to the Vedas and Upanishads, life’s culmination lies in realizing oneself as this Pure Consciousness, transcending bodily limitations, and recognizing its boundless nature—Satyam, Jnanam, and Anantam (endless).
This profound vision, uniting humanity and dissolving conflicts and distinctions, offers the path to eternal blissful existence—an ultimate destination envisioned by the rishis through this mantra.
Conclusion
Indeed, this mantra encapsulates the essence of the Vedic way of life, embodying seven profound ideals and goals. As universal principles, these values extend beyond any specific group and offer timeless guidance to all humanity.
Embracing these ideals—such as reverence for wisdom, devotion to noble principles, and the pursuit of self-realization—can enrich and uplift individuals and societies, fostering harmony, well-being, and spiritual fulfillment for all. Thus, this mantra is a timeless beacon, guiding humanity toward higher understanding, virtue, and unity.