In plain words
Certain bad habits must be put away. Attachment, hatred and the like must be rooted out. Among sannyāsis themselves no differences of opinion of any kind must arise. Only when we have such a whole feeling do we become fit to uplift true humanity. This is what the Veda says: “Sahanāvavatu sahanau bhunaktu sahavīryaṃ karavāvahai …” Why was this mantra given? What is its inner meaning?
Let us move together, let us grow together; let us move together, let us grow together; together let us grow in wealth and friendship, strength and virtue; together let us make the knowledge we have gained shine; together let us live as friends, in plenty; saying Śānti, Śānti, Śānti, let us worship Śānti; chanting Om, Om, Om, let us sing the Oṃkāra.
This is the meaning of the śloka “Sahanāvavatu, sahanaubhunaktu”. We must all grow together. We must move together. We must light the lamp of the wisdom we have gained. On the path of that light we must gain the strength to clear the obstacles and go forward. Let us live together as friends, without strife. We must live without strife. Only then do we have Śānti. That is the Śānti chant: ‘Śānti, Śānti, Śānti’. If there is no Śānti within us, what then are we saying Śānti for? Even this Śānti must be said calmly. It is not that you lack such holy feelings. It is not that I am telling you in particular. But it is our duty to remove the faults in us and take in the good.