3 Meditations for Group Healing

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness,” said spiritual teacher and activist Thich Nhat Hanh. There is no us, no them, no me, no we. Our powerful energy is flowing, all together. Yet the illusion of separateness is so strong among humans; we can’t even recognize how interconnected our needs are, both physical and emotional. This separateness is especially acute in America today, and the recent hate-fueled acts of mail bombings and the synagogue shooting, plus a contentious election, haven’t exactly smoothed things over. For this week’s Healthy Habit, we use the power of mantra for group transformation. Here are three mantras to try.

Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha

This mantra gives salutations to the being of the Celestial Healer. In Hinduism, this is represented by Shree Dhanvantari, the patron saint of ayurvedic medicine. The mantra also covers a less literally medical concept, as a path to healing and wellbeing in a spiritual sense. There’s a beautiful version by Deva Premal and Miten here.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha

Tibetan Buddhism calls upon a deity called Green Tara, who offers protection, comfort and deliverance to all suffering beings. Her watchful presence means she is always ready to arrive and provide liberation, both from external factors but also from internal causes of suffering such as fear, anger, pride, ignorance and self-delusion. Find 108 repetitions of the Green Tara Manta here.

AUM Lokah Samastah Sukhinoh Bhavantu

Sharon Gannon, of Jivamukti Yoga, wrote of this mantra in relation to yoga and vegetarianism, noting that each of our individual actions affects the whole. She translated it as: “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to the happiness to that freedom for all.” Spiritual leader Amma used this mantra for her 100 Million Mantras for Peace Project in 2015, suggesting that everyone envision white petals of peace falls upon all beings while working through this mantra. Find an art-filled rendition of this mantra here.