This famous mantra has no known Vedic textual origin, yet it has been passed down for hundreds (or thousands) of years, and is widely used by virtually all Hindu paths.

Generally translated as “May all inhabitants of the worlds possess happiness,” the connotation of this mantra is of ultimate peace, blessings and happiness to all beings on every layer of existence. As a daily practice, this mantra works its deepest good for the practitioner by helping to release attachment to the personal fruits or outcomes of their spiritual practice. Giving love freely to others also helps us to more deeply and truly love ourselves. As genuine love and good-will wells up in our hearts, we break through our own self-limiting attitudes and behaviors.

For an embodied practice, try saying this mantra when you get up in the morning. Meditate on the vibration of the mantra as it echoes through your body, and listen to the questions and answers it gives.

Then you can integrate its energy into your day, in your own way. How might your life positively impact another? What could you do to foster your own deep spiritual happiness, and to help spread happiness to the world? How do these acts of selfless service (seva) and surrender increase your connection to the Divine?