Saha Nau Avatu — Shanti Patha

This Shanti Patha — peace invocation — is recited at the beginning of learning in the Taittiriya Upanishad tradition. It is a prayer from teacher and student together, asking to be protected, nourished, and energised as a unit.

'May our learning be radiant' — tejasvee is a beautiful word. It doesn't just mean 'good' or 'complete.' It means luminous, full of inner fire. This is the aspiration: not just knowledge acquired, but wisdom that shines.

The triple Shanti at the end — Shantih Shantih Shantih — is traditionally said to address the three sources of disturbance: Adhidaivika (from cosmic forces), Adhibhautika (from the external world), and Adhyatmika (from within oneself). Three-fold peace for all three.

The Saha Nau Avatu mantra is the Shanti Patha (peace invocation) of the Taittiriya Upanishad, which belongs to the Krishna Yajurveda. Shanti Pathas are recited before the study of each Upanishad to create the right inner environment for learning.

Different Upanishads have different Shanti Pathas. The Isha Upanishad begins with 'Om purnamadah' (completeness). The Kena Upanishad begins with 'Om aapyaayantu' (may all our faculties be nourished). Each Shanti Patha carries the flavour of the teaching that follows.