Om Shanti Chant Leads from Inner Peace to Universal Well-Being, Says Jain Youth Acharya Mahendra Rishi
BHILWARA— The traditional Jain chant "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Jineshwar Shanti Karo, Sabhi Jeevon Ko Sukhi Karo" is a spiritual practice that begins with inner peace and expands into a prayer for the happiness and welfare of all living beings, Jain Youth Acharya Mahendra Rishi said during a mass Om Shanti chanting session at Shantibhavan, where he is observing Chaturmas.
Addressing devotees, Mahendra Rishi said the chant is not merely the repetition of words but a profound spiritual practice that should be performed with understanding, faith and devotion. He said the syllable "Om," revered as Pranava in Indian spiritual traditions, combined with the remembrance of peace, guides practitioners inward and helps calm emotional disturbances.
He explained that true peace is not defined by external circumstances but by overcoming inner passions such as anger, pride, deceit and greed. Just as pain subsides after proper treatment, inner peace is experienced when negative emotions are weakened through spiritual discipline, he said.
Speaking about the significance of Lord Shantinath, Mahendra Rishi said the name of the Tirthankara possesses spiritual strength and offers solace to those troubled by worldly suffering, much like a cool breeze from a lotus-filled lake provides relief to a traveler in intense heat. He said sincere remembrance of the divine name helps focus the mind and strengthens the practitioner from within.
He emphasized that the teachings of earlier Jain Acharyas recognize the importance of remembering the names, virtues and praises of the Tirthankaras. The effectiveness of chanting, he said, lies not only in pronunciation but in the devotion and intent behind it. The rhythm of chanting enhances concentration, while collective chanting unites participants in a shared spirit of goodwill.
Mahendra Rishi urged devotees to cultivate forgiveness instead of anger, friendship instead of hatred, contentment instead of greed and humility instead of ego. He said lasting peace begins with self-transformation and disciplined control over one's emotions.
Highlighting the universal message of Jain philosophy, he said the prayer "Jineshwar Shanti Karo, Sabhi Jeevon Ko Sukhi Karo" reflects compassion and goodwill toward all living beings rather than focusing solely on personal happiness. Spiritual practice reaches its true purpose when one's concern extends beyond oneself to the welfare of every living being, he added.
He said the real test of chanting is whether it transforms daily life. If anger, hostility and unrest persist after chanting, practitioners should reflect on their inner state. The true outcome of the Om Shanti chant, he said, should be purity of mind, sweetness in speech, simplicity in conduct and friendship toward all forms of life.
Navratanmal Bhalawat, minister of Shantibhavan, said the mass chanting program was attended by Chaturmas-resident Jain nuns, including Uppravartini Yashodipti Madhukanwarji, Divyajyotiji, Mahasati Suchetaji and Sadhvi Priyadarshanaji, along with office-bearers of Shantibhavan and a large number of devotees.
During the event, monks, nuns and devotees also extended birthday greetings and blessings to newly initiated monk Mahak Rishi.
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