Aum Shanti

The Shanti Mantra
The Shanti Mantra is a peace prayer. Shanti is the Sanskrit
word for peace. This Sanskrit prayer originates from the Yajur Veda. The Vedas are the most ancient and revered Hindu
Scriptures. Below is the Shanti Mantra in italics and the English translation
below it.
 
Aum saha naavavatu, saha nau bhunaktu, Aum,
may He protect us, may He be pleased with us,

saha viryang karavaavahai,
may we work together with vigour,

tejasvina vadhiitamastu,
May our studies illumine us,

maa vidvishaavahaii,
may we have no contention or hostility between us.

Aum shaanti, shaanti, shaantihi. Aum,
peace, peace, peace.

The Shanti Mantra is used before the start of any formal or informal meetings, group prayer sessions or study and also to end such gatherings. It is a mantra that seeks from God mental clarity and for harmony to prevail so wisdom is gained from any discussion or study. Families can chant the Shanti Mantra together before prayers or anytime the family gathers together for appointed discussions. Parents can teach children to chant this mantra before beginning their study. If you are with a multi-religious group, for instance in school or at a formal meeting in the workplace, you can chant the Shanti Mantra silently before the classes or the meeting begins. You can also chant this mantra to clear the mind before you begin any activity that requires a clear head, for instance, before driving a vehicle.

Aum saha naa-va-vatu,    saha nau bhu-naktu, 
The verses above are chanted with the first breath

saha viir-yang    kara-va-vahai,
The next breath is this verse

tejas-vina vadhii-tamastu,   ma vid-vishaa-vahai,
The next breath are these verses

Aum shaanti, shaanti, shaanti-hii.
On the final breath.