Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu​ (लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु)

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu holds the values of the first and most important of all yoga ethics which is Ahimsa: non-violence, to ourselves, to all others including animals, the planet and all living things. 

The simplest English translation of the mantra is “may all beings everywhere be happy and free.” I learned this mantra many years ago from my teacher Stewart Gilchrist (East London School of Yoga) and I still say it at the end of every yoga class.  Jivamukti founder Sharon Gannon is said to have rekindled this mantra in 80s from her teacher Swami Nirlamananda and in the Jivamukti text, a further explanation is added: “may the thoughts, words, and actions of our lives contribute to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”  It is said that this mantra is thousands of years old, but it is not specifically found in the Vedas, (The Vedas hold the documentation of many other popular mantras. Mantras were often handed down secretly and verbally only.) Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu is thought to be part of a Shanti mantra, a peace mantra.

Yogapedia Explains Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

​Another common translation, attributed to Integral yoga, is: “May the entire universe ever be filled with peace, joy, love and light.” The literal translation of each word from the Sanskrit is as follows:

• Lokah means the world, but it can refer to any world or realm or universe. Its meaning isn’t just limited to our planet earth. Loka is the origin of the word location.

• Samastah means the whole or the entire. In this sentence, it is a descriptor of the word loka or world.

• Sukhino is from the word sukha or sukhin, which means happiness or joy.

• Bhavantu means “may everyone.” This is the verb in the sentence and it is in its imperative form, meaning that its indication is forceful and intense, not to be taken lightly. It functions more as a command than a request.