Inner peace (Shanti) is the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice in Hindu philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that peace comes not from external circumstances but from mastery of the mind. These shlokas reveal the path to lasting tranquility, through equanimity, detachment, and union with the divine.
01
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः।
Om shantih shantih shantih
✦
Om peace, peace, peace. This ancient invocation calls for peace on three levels, physical, mental, and spiritual.
The yogi whose mind is peaceful, whose passions are calmed, who is free from sin and established in Brahman, such a one attains the highest bliss.
Bhagavad Gita 6.27
03
समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु तिष्ठन्तं परमेश्वरम्।
Samam sarveshu bhuteshu tishthantam parameshvaram
✦
One who sees the Supreme Lord dwelling equally in all beings attains true peace. Equanimity is the foundation of inner peace.
Bhagavad Gita 13.27
04
नास्ति बुद्धिरयुक्तस्य न चायुक्तस्य भावना। न चाभावयतः शान्तिरशान्तस्य कुतः सुखम्॥
Nasti buddhir ayuktasya na chayuktasya bhavana, na chabhavayatah shantir ashantasya kutah sukham
✦
There is no wisdom for the uncontrolled, no meditation for the undisciplined, and no peace for the restless. Without peace, how can there be happiness?