Why do we say Shaanti thrice?
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It is believed that ‘trivaara satyam’ – that which is said thrice comes true.
For emphasising a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes oath in the witness stand says, ‘I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.’
We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace.
All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources –
1. Adhidaivika – The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. .
2. Adhibhautika – The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution and crime.
3. Adhyatmika – Problems of our bodies and minds like diseases, anger and frustrations.
We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks, or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written above.
May peace alone prevail. Hence, shaanti is chanted thrice. It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces.
It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around us. It is chanted the softest the last time, as it is addressed to oneself.