The Essence of the Universe

The classic mantra ‘Om’ is a sacred syllable that embraces the essence of the Universe. When you chant the ‘Om’ as part of the “Om Namah Shivaya” you give salutations to Shiva, or the power of the universe to destroy darkness. You can give this mantra any time you like, or as part of your formal meditation practice. You may like this mantra as a chakra meditation for healing.

If you are devotional, the form or pronunciation may not be as important to you as the feeling or bhakti. You might experience the energy of mantra in its purest form and enter a trance-like state, feeling yourself in the presence of a great loving person. To the devout practitioner, this can be the Lord himself, guiding you in the practice and in your life.

You can learn more from Thomas Ashley-Farrand who is considered one of the West’s foremost authorities on Vedic and Buddhist Sanskrit mantras. His most definitive work is currently out of print, but at the time of this writing is still available used. You might still be able to get it here: The ancient power of sanskrit mantra and ceremony: A “how-to” book on mantras and their uses in spiritual disciplines and ceremonies, (my affiliation link).

Ashley-Farrand gives specific teaching on this and other mantras. In Vol. I he says of the Om Namah Shivaya,

This mantra has no approximate translation. The sounds related directly to the principles which govern each of the first six chakras on the spine…Earth, water, fire, air, ether. Notice that this does not refer to the chakras themselves which have a different set of seed sounds, but rather the principles which govern those chakras in their place.

A very rough, non-literal translation could be something like, ‘Om and salutations to that which I am capable of becoming.’

This mantra will start one out on the path of subtle development of spiritual attainments. It is the beginning on the path of Siddha Yoga, or the Yoga of Perfection of the Divine Vehicle.

Ashley-Farrand also provides excellent training on the correct pronunciation of Sanskrit mantras in his CD audio book, Mantra: Sacred Words of Power (my affiliation link).

For now, you can simply open and balance your chakras with this healing mantra music by Vyanah.  Chant this for inner peace, and to strengthen your spiritual resolve. Chant it to contribute to the world’s peace.

Om Namah Shivaya.