oṃ vāṅ me manasi

This Shanti mantra is traditionally chanted before undertaking a study of sacred texts, expressing the deepest aspirations of a sincere seeker of knowledge. It beautifully articulates the relationship between speech and mind, and the commitment to truth. The opening lines "oṃ vāṅ me manasi pratiṣṭhitā, mano me vāci pratiṣṭhitam" acknowledge the intimate connection between speech (vak) and mind (manas). This indicates that true learning happens when our words and thoughts are in perfect harmony - what we speak should be well-established in our understanding, and our understanding should find clear expression through our speech.