Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah: The Spiritual Foundation of RSS Philosophy

Part 1: RSS Centenary Sankalp Blog Series

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Introduction

It gives me immense joy to share that yesterday, on the invitation of a friend, I had the opportunity to participate in a senior citizens’ gathering organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—an organization whose foundational mantra is “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all beings be happy). During the session, the Centenary Resolution document was read aloud, and I found myself deeply moved by its spiritual depth and national vision. That moment inspired me to document and reflect on the core elements of this declaration through a dedicated blog series. What you are now reading is the first in that effort.

Held in Bengaluru from March 21–23, 2025, the historic Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha was not merely a centennial celebration—it was a solemn reaffirmation of a vision rooted in ancient wisdom. The declaration, titled “Sankalp on the Occasion of Sangh Centenary”, begins with a profound and far-reaching commitment:
“To build a harmonious and organized Hindu society for world peace and prosperity.”

This is not just an organizational aspiration. It reflects the deep spiritual philosophy that has guided the RSS since its founding in 1925. At the heart of every RSS shakha lies a profound spiritual discipline—daily prayers and concluding mantras—that begin and end each session. These are not ritualistic chants but living affirmations of the organization’s worldview, rooted in universal welfare and cosmic harmony, as echoed in the centenary vision itself.

The Daily Prayer: Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah

The Complete Prayer

The full prayer recited at RSS shakhas goes:

Sanskrit:

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥

Transliteration:

Sarve bhavantu sukhinah sarve santu niramayah
Sarve bhadrani pasyantu ma kashchid dukha bhag bhavet

Translation:

May all beings be happy and prosperous
May all be free from illness and suffering
May all see good and auspicious things
May no one suffer from sorrow or pain

Philosophical Depth

This prayer represents a revolutionary departure from narrow sectarian thinking. Written thousands of years ago in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, it embodies the Vedantic principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). When RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar chose this as the cornerstone of daily practice in 1925, he was making a profound statement about the organization’s universal outlook.

The prayer operates on four distinct levels:

Physical Well-being (Sukhinah): Wishing happiness and prosperity for all
Health and Vitality (Niramayah): Freedom from disease and suffering
Mental Peace (Bhadrani Pasyantu): May all perceive goodness and beauty
Emotional Harmony (Ma Kashchid Dukha Bhag Bhavet): Complete absence of sorrow

This holistic approach to human welfare – encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions – forms the bedrock of RSS philosophy.

The Opening Pranava: Om

Every RSS gathering begins with the sacred syllable “OM” (ॐ), chanted three times. This primordial sound, considered the cosmic vibration from which all creation emerges, serves multiple purposes:

Spiritual Alignment: Connecting individual consciousness with universal consciousness
Mental Focus: Bringing scattered minds into collective attention
Cultural Continuity: Linking contemporary practice with ancient Vedic traditions
Universal Resonance: Acknowledging the divine presence in all existence

The threefold repetition represents the three fundamental aspects of existence: creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), and transformation (Shiva), as well as the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

Samapan Mantra: The Conclusion Prayer

The shakha concludes with the samapan (concluding) prayer, which varies but typically includes:

Shanti Mantra

ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै।
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

Translation:

May we be protected together
May we be nourished together
May we work together with vigor
May our study be illuminating
May we not quarrel with each other
Om Peace, Peace, Peace

This mantra emphasizes collective harmony, mutual support, and collaborative strength – core principles that guide RSS organizational culture.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai

The gathering often concludes with “भारत माता की जय” (Bharat Mata Ki Jai – Victory to Mother India), connecting spiritual practice with patriotic sentiment, but within the universal framework established by the opening prayer.

Philosophical Integration: From Universal to National

The genius of RSS’s spiritual framework lies in its seamless integration of universal consciousness with national dedication. This is not a contradiction but a profound understanding that true patriotism emerges from expanded consciousness, not contracted thinking.

The Vedantic Foundation

The prayers draw from core Vedantic principles:

Advaita (Non-duality): Recognition that the same consciousness pervades all beings
Karma Yoga: Action performed as service to the divine in all
Dharma: Living in accordance with cosmic principles
Seva: Service as the highest form of spiritual practice

From Dr. Hedgewar’s Vision to Centenary Declaration

The pamphlet honors the founding vision: “परम पूजनीय डॉक्टर केशव बलिराम हेडगेवार ने सन् 1925 में राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ का कार्य प्रारम्भ किया। संघकार्य का बीजारोपण करते हुए डॉ. साहब ने दैनिक शाखा के रूप में व्यक्ति निर्माण की एक अनूठी कार्यपद्धति विकसित की” (The most revered Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar started the work of RSS in 1925. While sowing the seeds of Sangh work, Dr. Saheb developed a unique methodology of character building in the form of daily shakha).

This “अनूठी कार्यपद्धति” (unique methodology) was revolutionary because it placed the universal welfare prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” at the center of daily practice. Dr. Hedgewar understood that true character building begins with expanding one’s circle of concern from self to cosmos.

The Guru Golwalkar Legacy

The pamphlet acknowledges “द्वितीय सरसंघचालक पूजनीय श्री गुरु जी (माधव सदाशिव गोलवलकर) के दूरदर्शी नेतृत्व में राष्ट्रजीवन के विविध क्षेत्रों में शाश्वत चिंतन के प्रकाश में कालसुसंगत युगानुकूल रचना के निर्माण की प्रक्रिया प्रारम्भ हुई” (Under the visionary leadership of the second Sarsanghchalak revered Shri Guru Ji, the process of creating contemporary, age-appropriate structures in various fields of national life began in the light of eternal thinking).

This “शाश्वत चिंतन” (eternal thinking) refers precisely to the timeless spiritual principles embedded in the daily prayers, applied to contemporary challenges.

The Shakha as Spiritual Laboratory

The daily shakha serves as more than a meeting; it’s a spiritual laboratory where these principles are lived and internalized:

Morning Practice

Prarthana (Prayer): Beginning with universal welfare intention
Surya Namaskar: Physical practice connecting body with cosmic rhythms
Yogasana: Integrating physical health with spiritual discipline
Games and Exercises: Building character through cooperative activity

Evening Reflection

Bauddhik (Intellectual Discussion): Connecting philosophy with practical life
Stories and Examples: Illustrating dharmic principles through narratives
Samapan: Concluding with gratitude and renewed commitment

Impact on Character Formation

Regular recitation of these prayers creates specific psychological and spiritual effects:

Individual Transformation

Expanded Identity: Moving from ego-centered to cosmos-centered thinking
Emotional Resilience: Finding strength in universal connection
Ethical Clarity: Actions guided by dharmic principles
Service Orientation: Natural inclination toward social welfare

Collective Culture

Shared Values: Common spiritual foundation creating organizational unity
Mutual Respect: Seeing the divine in all fellow workers
Collaborative Spirit: Working together as spiritual practice
Long-term Vision: Actions motivated by eternal principles rather than temporary gains

Addressing Common Misconceptions

“Hindu” vs Universal

Critics sometimes question how an organization with “Hindu” in its identity can claim universal outlook. The RSS understanding of “Hindu” refers to the civilizational and cultural identity of the Indian subcontinent, which has historically embraced diverse spiritual paths while maintaining certain common philosophical foundations. The daily prayers demonstrate this inclusive approach.

Spirituality vs Politics

The integration of spiritual practice with organizational activity is often misunderstood. For RSS, politics (in the broad sense of societal organization) is a field for implementing dharmic principles, not an end in itself. The prayers provide the ethical framework for all activities.

Ancient vs Modern

Some question the relevance of ancient Sanskrit prayers in modern times. RSS demonstrates that timeless spiritual principles, when properly understood and applied, become more relevant as human consciousness evolves, not less.

The Centenary Declaration and Spiritual Vision

The 2025 Bengaluru declaration powerfully connects this prayer philosophy with contemporary action. The pamphlet states: “अनत काल से ही हिन्दू समाज एक प्रदीर्घ और अविस्मरणीय यात्रा में संलग्न रहा है, जिसका उद्देश्य मानव कल्याण और विश्व कल्याण है” (Since time immemorial, Hindu society has been engaged in a long and memorable journey whose purpose is human welfare and world welfare).

This declaration directly echoes the “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” philosophy – the journey toward universal welfare that begins in daily prayer and extends to global action.

The Five Goals Through Spiritual Lens

The centenary goals, as outlined in the pamphlet, must be understood through this spiritual framework:

Shakha Vistar (शाखा विस्तार): The pamphlet emphasizes “दैनिक शाखा द्वारा अर्जित संस्कारों से समाज का अटूट विश्वास और स्नेह प्राप्त किया” (gained society’s unbreakable trust and affection through values acquired from daily shakha). Expansion means spreading centers where “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” is lived daily.
Gunatmak Sudhar (गुणात्मक सुधार): Quality improvement rooted in the pamphlet’s call for “संस्कारों से समाज का अटूट विश्वास” – deepening the spiritual foundation that creates unshakeable social trust.
Satjan Shakti (सज्जन शक्ति): The declaration honors “पूज्य संत और समाज की सज्जन शक्ति जिनका आशीर्वाद और सहयोग हर परिस्थिति में हमारा संबल बना” (revered saints and society’s noble forces whose blessings and cooperation have been our strength in every circumstance). This reflects the prayer’s vision of recognizing divinity in noble souls.
Samajik Parivartan (सामाजिक परिवर्तन): The pamphlet envisions “समरसता युक्त आचरण, पर्यावरणपूरक जीवनशैली पर आधारित मूल्याधिष्ठित परिवार” (harmonious conduct, value-based families founded on environment-friendly lifestyle) – directly implementing the prayer’s vision of universal well-being.
Panch Parivartan (पंच परिवर्तन): The declaration’s ultimate goal of “भौतिक समृद्धि एवं आध्यात्मिकता से परिपूर्ण समर्थ राष्ट्रजीवन” (capable national life filled with material prosperity and spirituality) represents the five-fold transformation from individual prayer to cosmic harmony.

Prayer as Revolutionary Vision

The centenary declaration concludes with a powerful call: “अखिल भारतीय प्रतिनिधि सभा सभी स्वयंसेवकों से आह्वान करती है कि सज्जन शक्ति के नेतृत्व में सम्पूर्ण समाज को साथ लेकर विश्व के सम्मुख उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करने वाला समरस और संगठित भारत का चित्र खड़ा करने हेतु कटिबद्ध हों” (The All India Representative Assembly calls upon all swayamsevaks to be committed to creating a harmonious and organized India that presents an example to the world by taking entire society along under the leadership of noble forces).

This is not merely an organizational directive but the logical culmination of daily prayer practice. When millions of individuals begin each day with “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” – may all beings be happy – they are being prepared for this exact mission: creating an exemplary society for world welfare.

In a world increasingly divided by narrow identities and competing interests, the RSS centenary declaration represents a quiet revolution rooted in daily spiritual practice. It suggests that true strength – whether individual, organizational, or national – emerges not from opposition to others but from alignment with cosmic harmony, as expressed in the ancient prayer.

The pamphlet’s vision of “विश्व शांति और समृद्धि के लिए समरस और संगठित हिन्दू समाज” is thus not a political slogan but a spiritual commitment, renewed daily in millions of shakhas through the prayer that begins each gathering. This is not passive spirituality but dynamic dharma – the understanding that one’s highest self-interest is served by working for universal welfare.

As RSS enters its second century, the centenary declaration reaffirms that this ancient prayer continues to offer a timeless vision: a world where organized spiritual communities serve as catalysts for universal peace and prosperity. The prayer that begins each shakha is thus not just a ritualistic opening but a daily recommitment to the highest human possibility – the transformation of self and society through expanded consciousness and selfless service.

In the next part of this series, we will explore how this spiritual vision took concrete form in Dr. Hedgewar’s founding of RSS in 1925 and the historical context that shaped the organization’s unique approach to character building through daily practice.

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Video Link

राष्ट्रीय स्वयं सेवक संघ के बैगलुरु जहाँ संकल्प पत्र अंगीकार किया गया उसके समापन का संक्षेपण

Educational Video on the Blog

Glossary of Terms

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah: A Sanskrit phrase meaning “May all beings be happy,” taken from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. It is a core prayer recited at RSS shakhas emphasizing universal welfare.
Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha: The highest decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), consisting of elected representatives from across India. The 2025 Bengaluru Sabha marked the centenary of RSS.
संघशताब्दी के उपलक्ष्य में संकल्प: (Sanghashatabdi ke Uplakshya Mein Sankalp) – “Resolution on the Occasion of Sangh Centenary,” a formal RSS declaration document released in 2025.
Shakha: The basic organizational unit of RSS, conducted daily or weekly in local neighborhoods. It involves physical exercises, prayers, and intellectual discussions aimed at character building.
Samapan Mantra: The concluding prayer at the end of a shakha session. It usually includes Vedic mantras invoking peace and collective harmony.
Shanti Mantra: A set of Vedic verses recited to invoke inner and outer peace. Commonly recited at the end of discourses or prayers, it appears in RSS’s daily samapan.
ॐ (Om): The sacred syllable in Hinduism believed to be the primordial sound of the universe. Chanted at the start of RSS activities to invoke spiritual resonance.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: One of the oldest and most important Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. It contains the verse “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” and foundational Vedantic ideas.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: A Sanskrit phrase meaning “The world is one family.” It reflects the universal vision of Hindu philosophy and is echoed in RSS ideology.
Advaita Vedanta: The Hindu philosophical doctrine of non-duality, which asserts that the self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same.
Karma Yoga: A path of spiritual practice through selfless action, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. It inspires RSS’s emphasis on service to society.
Dharma: A complex term referring to righteous duty, ethical living, and alignment with cosmic principles. It forms the philosophical foundation for RSS’s activities.
Seva: Selfless service performed without expectation of reward. In RSS, seva is a spiritual and national duty.
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar: Founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925. He instituted daily shakhas and emphasized spiritual grounding through universal prayers.
Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (Guruji): The second Sarsanghchalak (chief) of RSS, who expanded the organization and introduced philosophical depth to its social engagement.
शाश्वत चिंतन (Shashvat Chintan): “Eternal thinking” – the timeless spiritual and philosophical reflection that guides RSS vision and practice.
Bauddhik: Intellectual discussions held during shakhas to instill values, discuss ideas, and apply spiritual principles to practical life.
Surya Namaskar: A sequence of yoga postures traditionally performed at dawn to honor the Sun. Practiced in RSS shakhas to align physical activity with spiritual discipline.
Yogasana: Physical postures used in yogic practice for health, concentration, and spiritual integration. Included in daily RSS routines.
Sarsanghchalak: The chief or supreme leader of RSS, responsible for guiding its ideological and organizational direction.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai: A patriotic slogan meaning “Victory to Mother India,” symbolizing devotion to the nation as a sacred entity.
Gunatmak Sudhar: Qualitative improvement – a goal in the centenary declaration focused on enhancing spiritual and ethical quality within the organization.
Satjan Shakti: The collective power of noble and virtuous people (सज्जन शक्ति), whose blessings are considered essential for national transformation.
Samajik Parivartan: Social transformation – one of the five goals of RSS’s centenary vision, rooted in dharmic living and harmonious conduct.
Panch Parivartan: The “five transformations” mentioned in the centenary declaration encompassing spiritual and material rejuvenation of the nation.
संस्कार (Sanskars): Cultural and moral values instilled through disciplined practice and ritual; a key aim of RSS’s daily shakha methodology.
Bauddhik Varg: Special training sessions or intellectual study groups within RSS for deepening philosophical and historical understanding.
Samrasata: Harmony or oneness – particularly social harmony among all communities, emphasized in the RSS’s centenary vision.
Spiritual Laboratory: A metaphor used to describe RSS shakhas where universal spiritual values are experimented with, lived, and internalized through daily discipline.
RSS Centenary Declaration: The formal document issued in March 2025 outlining RSS’s goals for its second century, rooted in spiritual, cultural, and national renewal.

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