शान्ति, शान्ति, शान्ति
Śānti, Śānti, Śānti
Peace, Peace, Peace
Quite often Peace is described as the opposite of War. Whether we are talking about a war between countries, populations, on drugs or with neighbors. Ultimately what happens as a result of war is destruction. This destruction can be done to the earth, infrastructure, relationships, human and animal lives and ultimately how we view the world and our future in it.
There is also the war that constantly wages in our mind and our bodies. Trying to fight against sickness, illness, lack of flexibility or health. Trying to fight against negative thinking, jealousy, anger, being impatient or even forgetful.
Yoga shouldn’t be destructive. Although some yoga practices are encouraging us to get rid of negativities such as doubt, fear and separateness. The state of Yoga is achieved through an appreciation and even a harnessing of creation.
Really the opposite of War isn’t Peace, its Creation. Peace comes through creative endeavors. When life feels complete and whole, we feel at peace. Some interpretations of yoga would say that our natural state is one that is at peace, it’s our inherent nature and therefore anything that pulls us out of or away from peace is leading us into destruction. Instead of the battle between war and peace we can reframe it to balance between creation and destruction. When we pursue more creative endeavors not only does our life become more peaceful but those around us share in the atmosphere of feeling supported, motivated, inspired and cared for.
Being able to see the un-ease in others can help identify where peace is present and where it is missing. A peaceful person, one who is in harmony with the world (and living their life’s purpose) is not immune to anger, frustration and sadness. However, they know how to handle their emotions and have practices and techniques to help guide themselves and others. This is where the idea of a peaceful yogi meditating is often depicted in pictures and statues.
In Sāṃkhya philosophy, Tāpatraya refers to the three sources of suffering (Tāpa) that plague individuals. These are:
Adhyatmika Tāpa: This category encompasses all forms of suffering that arise from within the individual, such as physical ailments (like diseases), mental distress (like anxiety or depression), and emotional turmoil. It essentially covers anything that causes pain or discomfort within one’s own being.
Adhibhautika Tāpa: This refers to suffering inflicted by external factors, primarily other living beings. This could include conflicts with others, attacks from animals, or any other form of harm caused by external forces.
Adhidaivika Tāpa: This category encompasses suffering caused by forces beyond the control of both the individual and other beings. This includes natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or famines, as well as misfortunes attributed to fate or divine intervention.
Nobody is immune to these three Tāpa. However, we can use our yoga practices to understand where dis-ease and destruction are coming from and how to best respond with peace and equanimity.
In almost every class we chant Śānti which is the Sanskrit word for peace. Chanting Śānti three times is each directed to one of these Tāpa. There are always going to be destructive forces moving through the world that can have an effect on us. Being able to accept and acknowledge the power of the earth and its potentially destructive forces can hopefully guide us away from fear but towards understanding and respect. When we look closer at many natural disasters, we can see there are many that happen as a direct result of human interaction and intervention. While not all natural disasters can be contributed to humanity there are definitely some that can be responded to in ways of positivity rather than greed, manipulation and further destruction.
Being able to identify our own attitudes, preferences and shortcomings is where the yoga practices can help with developing peace through our interactions with others. When we are in conflict with others it is usually due to our own wants and needs not being met or being diminished by others. We all like to be right but sometimes the real question is do we want to be right or do we want to be at peace? Engaging in respectful communication has a greater chance of leading to positive outcomes and diminishing others based on their appearance, preferences and decisions usually doesn’t spread the message of loving kindness.
Some of the most common Sanskrit mantras can be categorized as being Śānti mantras. These are mantras that not only promote peace but they are also guiding us on what it means to be inclusive and unconditional. It is easy to want peace and happiness to our family and friends. It’s more challenging to want peace for those who disagree with us or we feel have wronged us in some way.
It’s even harder to wish for peace and happiness when we think it comes at our own expense. Like if we are passionate about a specific social or political issue but we feel we cannot donate our time or money otherwise we will be without and essentially not at peace as we will feel conflicted. Or if we say we love animals and hate to see them hurt or suffering yet are happy for someone else to do the destruction so we can eat them then it is a constant war between creating a happy and healthy life or one that contributes to torture and destruction.
While yoga shouldn’t be destructive it also shouldn’t be divisive – the very meaning of the word yoga is to join or connect. To promote connection and create (and foster) positivity in the world incorporating Śānti mantras in your yoga practice will definitely help. While positive words and kind thoughts can only take us so far, at least we can build an internal framework that is for creation rather than against it. One that is for loving kindness and one that is against hate and anger. It might seem small and trivial but reciting Śānti mantras can be more powerful and helpful that the ability to stand on your head. Or at least know that when you chant Śānti three times you are projecting peace into at least three areas of reality.
– Doug Whittaker