Lesson 9
Mantras for studies
I love the following Mantra and I am amazed at the wisdom of our ancestors.
It is a Mantra to be chanted before one starts one's studies.
But what amazes me is its last line which states that 'May we not (have ego clashes) quarrel with one another. ie students and teachers.
The ancestors and Scriptures said that one has to have certain requisites before becoming a student. One of them is to come with an empty clean vessel.
It is only then that the wisdom of the Scripture will fill one.

and now the mantra:

Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanao Bhunaktu
Sahaveeryam Karvaa vahai
Tejaswee Naava Dheeta Mastu
Ma Vidvishaa vahai
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Loosely translated it means:
I pray that You (God) help me teach.
You (God) help me (student) learn!
May our study be brilliant and may we not misunderstand!(and quarrel due to our ego)
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!

A prayer to Mother Saraswati (Goddess of Learning)
Mantra to be chanted before you begin your studies:
Saraswati namastubhyam
Varde Kaamarupini
Vidyarambham karishyami
Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa
It means:
My humble prostrations unto Thee, O Goddess Saraswati,
You are the fulfiller of all my wishes,
I start my studies, with the request that I achieve perfection in them.