Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?

The dwarf Vamana (incarnation of lord Vishnu) asked for 3 steps of land from the Asur (demon) king Bali who was the ruler of the entire universe. Hearing his request the king laughed and said, “even though your knowledge is profound your intelligence is of a child. Ask for more, I can gift you anything”. But Vamana was adamant on his request. King Bali agreed and asked him to take the first step. The dwarf now grew to magnanimous proportion and covered the entire earth in one step. The second step covered the whole universe and there was no place left for the third step. The king who was blinded by power and wealth came to his senses. Realizing that God himself was standing in front of him he bowed in total surrender and offered his head for the third step.

The three wishes I want to ask are best explained by the shanti mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”. The 3 Shanti signify the following

1. Peace in the Adibhautic or materialistic realm.

The materialistic realm refers to the world we live in and the actions we perform. These include eating, sleeping etc. In this realm our peace may be disturbed by surrounding factors like other people, environment etc. By way of praying for shanti in this realm we wish for peace in our day to day life and activities.

2. Peace in the adhidaivik or celestial realm

This include forces beyond our control that can affect us like storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires etc. Hence in praying for Shanti in this realm we ask for peace from factors that are beyond our control.

3.Peace in the Adhyatmic or spiritual realm

Mental state of an individual signify the spiritual realm. Emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, ego clashes can disturb our life. Hence when we pray for spiritual Shanti we seek peace on the spiritual path or the inner obstacles.

In addition chanting Shanti 3 times is a prayer for peace on the three levels of consciousness that is waking, dreaming and sleeping.

Also, it invokes peace in the three lokas – earth, heaven and hell. As well as in body, mind and spirit.

Hey genie, these are my 3 magic wishes. Are you up for it?

Image from: https://images.app.goo.gl/jfHK9P4f67A4yVip6