Om Namah Shivaya Article

[Guest guest]

Many thanks for shareing this Most Auspicious Knowledge with all our group

members.....Is like the Sun Shining throught again

Dhanyavaad cha Pranams Mitra

DD

In a message dated 3/16/2006 9:45:23 AM Pacific Standard Time, Trikashaivism (AT) onetel (DOT) com writes:

Namaste all,

This is more of the article from my website, www.shivabeads.co.uk, I thought it

might provide some interesting reading material for the group members. Hope you

enjoy!

Om Shanti

Neil

The Panchakshara Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

This mantra can be chanted daily on a Rudraksha mala.

This mantra is said to be the heart of all the Vedas and Tantras. Namah Shivaya

is found, quite literally, in the middle of the Vedas, in the Rudram. In the

Agamas its meaning is elaborated upon. Natchintanai says that, "Namah Shivaya

is in truth both Agama and Veda. Namah Shivaya represents all mantras and

Tantras. Namah Shivaya is our souls, our bodies and possessions. Namah Shivaya

has become our sure protection."

It is difficult to give a clear meaning to the mantra. The easy exposition of it

would be "Om, I bow to Shiva". But this interpretation does not do it justice.

Shiva means Auspicious, so it could be said that the mantra means bowing to the

Auspiciousness. Shiva however should be understood in the fuller context, and

not in the overly simplistic picture that is typically given in books and

websites as a god of destruction. In Shaivism and other Hindu systems, Shiva is

the formless transcendental Being (often called Paramashiva), the Divine source.

This is the source that rests in each and everyone. It is not a god seperate

from yourself, it is the core being of your self. Nothing external or seperate

from you, rather it is your heart of hearts. See the Shiva page for more info.

More important than the literal translated meaning of this mantra is it's sound,

it's vibration. Just as with all mantras the sound of it is more important than

its literal meaning. This mantra is also known five syllabled mantra, for it

consists of five syllables, Na - Ma - Shi - Va - Ya. The start of the mantra,

Om, does constitute as a syllable because it is the Mahabija, the great seed

from which all other mantras and sounds arose. The syllables within the mantra

are said to have a range of meanings and attributes. Satguru Sivaya

Subramuniyaswami writes that

'Na is the Lord's concealing grace, Ma is the world, Shi stands for Siva, Va is

His revealing grace, Ya is the soul.'

He continues,

'The five elements, too, are embodied in this ancient formula for invocation. Na

is earth, Ma is water, Shi is fire, Va is air, and Ya is ether, or akasha. Many

are its meanings.'

Paramahamsa Muktananda also eloquently explains this point and tells of how it

benefits ones mind and spiritual path, he speaks of the nadi's, the channels of

pranas and the purity of mind. Repeating this mantra rids the mind of tamas and

rajas, making it suitable for lofty spiritual experience. Muktanandaji says

Underlying this mantra is a great secret. As we chant the five syllables Namah

Shivaya, the five elements that comprise the body are purified. Each of the

syllables corresponds to one of these elements: the syllable na to the earth

element, the syllable ma to the water element, the syllable shi to the fire

element, the syllable va to the air element, and the syllable ya to the ether

element. Each syllable purifies its corresponding element. As long as the body

and the mind are not completely pure, we cannot fuly benefit from our spiritual

practice. Therefore, we repeat Om Namah Shivaya to help cleanse them.

In Yoga Magazine, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati expounds somewhat on the

vibrational quality of the mantra and its relationship with the main chakras,

he says

"When we repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, for example, we are not becoming a

Shaivite, we are not adoring or worshipping a deity, but we are stimulating the

force of these different chakras. Om is the sound of ajna chakra which is

responsible for clarity, for creativity, for the intuitive faculty of mind. Ya

or Yam is the mantra of anahata, Va or Vam is the mantra of swadhisthana.

Similarly Na, Ma, Sha are different sounds or syllables corresponding to the

different chakras."

Subramuniyaswami again offers some elucidation on the mantra's relationship with

the chakras, and other matters such as prana and the astral. The sage says that

"When "Aum Namah Sivaya" is repeated, we go through the chakras, Na Ma Si Va Ya

Aum. The Aum is in the head chakra. Within Namah Sivaya is each of the

elements--earth, water, fire, air and ether--which in the mind are transmuted

into all-pervasive consciousness, and that is also transmuted into the great

chakra way above the head at the end of the Aum. In just the breath, the space

of time between the next repetition of "Aum Namah Sivaya Aum Namah Sivaya Aum

Namah Sivaya," the pranas, having reached Parashiva, fall back into the

spiritual, mental, astral and physical worlds, blessing them all with new

energy, new life and new understanding. "Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum,

Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum" is the constant process of life. It is the

essence of life itself.

It is really only in the repeating of this mantra, whether aloud or mentally,

that a true taste of what it is can be had.

How to Repeat the Panchakshara Mantra

 

Paramahamsa Muktananda suggests that we should ideally repeat the mantra

silently (Manasika - mental repetition) and at the same speed at which you

talk. It is also possible to coordinate it with your breath, repeating once

when you inhale and then once when you exhale. Muktananda says that if you do

it in this fashion the mantra will saturate your mind, circulate round your

body and permeate your blood cells with its vibration. He even suggests that

the walls of the room in which you daily sit to repeat it will become infused

with it. On this matter he tells of his own account, he says

In my ashram in India there used to be a special room where I lived for a long

time and where I meditated and repeated the mantra . Eventually I moved into

other quarters, and the room was kept locked. Several years ago, a government

official came to the ashram. He told me, "I have heard many people say that if

anyone stays in your ashram, he can get into meditation very easily." I took

him to the room, showed him inside, and told him to sit for meditation. "What

mantra should I repeat?" he asked. "If you hear a mantra in this room, repeat

that," I told him. When he came out, he said, "I heard Om Namah Shivaya coming

from the walls! The entire room was repeating it!" Mantra is a living force. If

you repeat it one-pointedly for a long time, it will permeate your whole

environment.

Since truly ancient times many of India's greatest sages and illuminated ones

(both men and women) have praised this mantra and the practice of japa in

general. A further insight as to why this mantra is so special is given by

Swami Subramuniyaswami, who says that it

"is such a precious mantra because it is the closest sound that one can make to

emulate the sounds rushing out of the Self into the mind. Chanting it is

profound because it is a sound channel which you can follow to get close to the

Self of your self [i.e. Shiva, your own Divine Essence or Higher Self]"

The sage Upamanyu explained its secret in that it nullifies the need for special

rituals, particular times or external needs, the sage said:

"If this mantra vibrates continually in your heart, then you have no need to

perform austerities, to meditate, or to practice yoga. To repeat this mantra

you need no rituals or ceremonies, nor must you repeat it at an auspicious time

or in a particular place."

Also put forth is the fact that this mantra is open to all. Paramahamsa

Muktananda tells that this mantra is not bound by rules and regulations, he

expounds,

"This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or

old, rich or poor, and no matter what state a person is in, it will purify him.

The sages said, "This mantra is mysterious. Repeat it, repeat it, repeat it."

 

This mantra is said to be the mantra that will take those who earnestly practice

it across the ocean of samsara, to the shores of realization. The great woman

saint of Kashmir, Lalla or Lal Ded, chanted this mantra and wrote of it With

right knowledge, open your ears and hear

how the trees sway to Om Namah Shivaya,

how the wind says Om Namah Shivaya as it blows,

how water flows with the sound Namah Shivaya.

The entire universe is singing the name of Shiva.

Pay a little attention!

If given the chance the mantra will offer so much in return for the effort given

to it. In modern life finding the time for such practices can be difficult. But

if time can be found for activities such as tv, socializing, etc. then if we

are sincere we can find 10 minutes on most days to do japa and repeat the

mantra. Once given the opportunity to let it's worth shine through in

experience, the practitioner sees that the benefits derived, such as stress,

anxiety and negativity disappearing while peace and serenity increase, are

worth more than gold. Siva Yogaswami encouraging those who are receptive said

inspiringly:

"Wear rudraksha beads, repeat the Panchakshara, let your heart grow soft and

melt. Chant the letters five, and in love you will discover Siva's will. Chant

so that impurities, anxieties and doubts are destroyed."

www.shivabeads.co.uk

To send an email to:

 

Rudraksha beads

 

Visit your group "" on the web.

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Namaste all,

This is more of the article from my website, www.shivabeads.co.uk, I thought it

might provide some interesting reading material for the group members. Hope you

enjoy!

Om Shanti

Neil

 

The Panchakshara Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

 

This mantra can be chanted daily on a Rudraksha mala.

This mantra is said to be the heart of all the Vedas and Tantras. Namah Shivaya

is found, quite literally, in the middle of the Vedas, in the Rudram. In the

Agamas its meaning is elaborated upon. Natchintanai says that, "Namah Shivaya

is in truth both Agama and Veda. Namah Shivaya represents all mantras and

Tantras. Namah Shivaya is our souls, our bodies and possessions. Namah Shivaya

has become our sure protection."

It is difficult to give a clear meaning to the mantra. The easy exposition of it

would be "Om, I bow to Shiva". But this interpretation does not do it justice.

Shiva means Auspicious, so it could be said that the mantra means bowing to the

Auspiciousness. Shiva however should be understood in the fuller context, and

not in the overly simplistic picture that is typically given in books and

websites as a god of destruction. In Shaivism and other Hindu systems, Shiva is

the formless transcendental Being (often called Paramashiva), the Divine source.

This is the source that rests in each and everyone. It is not a god seperate

from yourself, it is the core being of your self. Nothing external or seperate

from you, rather it is your heart of hearts. See the Shiva page for more info.

More important than the literal translated meaning of this mantra is it's sound,

it's vibration. Just as with all mantras the sound of it is more important than

its literal meaning. This mantra is also known five syllabled mantra, for it

consists of five syllables, Na - Ma - Shi - Va - Ya. The start of the mantra,

Om, does constitute as a syllable because it is the Mahabija, the great seed

from which all other mantras and sounds arose. The syllables within the mantra

are said to have a range of meanings and attributes. Satguru Sivaya

Subramuniyaswami writes that

'Na is the Lord's concealing grace, Ma is the world, Shi stands for Siva, Va is

His revealing grace, Ya is the soul.'

He continues,

'The five elements, too, are embodied in this ancient formula for invocation. Na

is earth, Ma is water, Shi is fire, Va is air, and Ya is ether, or akasha. Many

are its meanings.'

Paramahamsa Muktananda also eloquently explains this point and tells of how it

benefits ones mind and spiritual path, he speaks of the nadi's, the channels of

pranas and the purity of mind. Repeating this mantra rids the mind of tamas and

rajas, making it suitable for lofty spiritual experience. Muktanandaji says

Underlying this mantra is a great secret. As we chant the five syllables Namah

Shivaya, the five elements that comprise the body are purified. Each of the

syllables corresponds to one of these elements: the syllable na to the earth

element, the syllable ma to the water element, the syllable shi to the fire

element, the syllable va to the air element, and the syllable ya to the ether

element. Each syllable purifies its corresponding element. As long as the body

and the mind are not completely pure, we cannot fuly benefit from our spiritual

practice. Therefore, we repeat Om Namah Shivaya to help cleanse them.

In Yoga Magazine, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati expounds somewhat on the

vibrational quality of the mantra and its relationship with the main chakras,

he says

"When we repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, for example, we are not becoming a

Shaivite, we are not adoring or worshipping a deity, but we are stimulating the

force of these different chakras. Om is the sound of ajna chakra which is

responsible for clarity, for creativity, for the intuitive faculty of mind. Ya

or Yam is the mantra of anahata, Va or Vam is the mantra of swadhisthana.

Similarly Na, Ma, Sha are different sounds or syllables corresponding to the

different chakras."

Subramuniyaswami again offers some elucidation on the mantra's relationship with

the chakras, and other matters such as prana and the astral. The sage says that

"When "Aum Namah Sivaya" is repeated, we go through the chakras, Na Ma Si Va Ya

Aum. The Aum is in the head chakra. Within Namah Sivaya is each of the

elements--earth, water, fire, air and ether--which in the mind are transmuted

into all-pervasive consciousness, and that is also transmuted into the great

chakra way above the head at the end of the Aum. In just the breath, the space

of time between the next repetition of "Aum Namah Sivaya Aum Namah Sivaya Aum

Namah Sivaya," the pranas, having reached Parashiva, fall back into the

spiritual, mental, astral and physical worlds, blessing them all with new

energy, new life and new understanding. "Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum,

Namah Sivaya Aum, Namah Sivaya Aum" is the constant process of life. It is the

essence of life itself.

It is really only in the repeating of this mantra, whether aloud or mentally,

that a true taste of what it is can be had.

 

How to Repeat the Panchakshara Mantra

Paramahamsa Muktananda suggests that we should ideally repeat the mantra

silently (Manasika - mental repetition) and at the same speed at which you

talk. It is also possible to coordinate it with your breath, repeating once

when you inhale and then once when you exhale. Muktananda says that if you do

it in this fashion the mantra will saturate your mind, circulate round your

body and permeate your blood cells with its vibration. He even suggests that

the walls of the room in which you daily sit to repeat it will become infused

with it. On this matter he tells of his own account, he says

In my ashram in India there used to be a special room where I lived for a long

time and where I meditated and repeated the mantra . Eventually I moved into

other quarters, and the room was kept locked. Several years ago, a government

official came to the ashram. He told me, "I have heard many people say that if

anyone stays in your ashram, he can get into meditation very easily." I took

him to the room, showed him inside, and told him to sit for meditation. "What

mantra should I repeat?" he asked. "If you hear a mantra in this room, repeat

that," I told him. When he came out, he said, "I heard Om Namah Shivaya coming

from the walls! The entire room was repeating it!" Mantra is a living force. If

you repeat it one-pointedly for a long time, it will permeate your whole

environment.

Since truly ancient times many of India's greatest sages and illuminated ones

(both men and women) have praised this mantra and the practice of japa in

general. A further insight as to why this mantra is so special is given by

Swami Subramuniyaswami, who says that it

"is such a precious mantra because it is the closest sound that one can make to

emulate the sounds rushing out of the Self into the mind. Chanting it is

profound because it is a sound channel which you can follow to get close to the

Self of your self [i.e. Shiva, your own Divine Essence or Higher Self]"

The sage Upamanyu explained its secret in that it nullifies the need for special

rituals, particular times or external needs, the sage said:

"If this mantra vibrates continually in your heart, then you have no need to

perform austerities, to meditate, or to practice yoga. To repeat this mantra

you need no rituals or ceremonies, nor must you repeat it at an auspicious time

or in a particular place."

Also put forth is the fact that this mantra is open to all. Paramahamsa

Muktananda tells that this mantra is not bound by rules and regulations, he

expounds,

"This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or

old, rich or poor, and no matter what state a person is in, it will purify him.

The sages said, "This mantra is mysterious. Repeat it, repeat it, repeat it."

This mantra is said to be the mantra that will take those who earnestly practice

it across the ocean of samsara, to the shores of realization. The great woman

saint of Kashmir, Lalla or Lal Ded, chanted this mantra and wrote of it

With right knowledge, open your ears and hear how the trees sway to Om Namah

Shivaya, how the wind says Om Namah Shivaya as it blows, how water flows with

the sound Namah Shivaya. The entire universe is singing the name of Shiva. Pay

a little attention!

If given the chance the mantra will offer so much in return for the effort given

to it. In modern life finding the time for such practices can be difficult. But

if time can be found for activities such as tv, socializing, etc. then if we

are sincere we can find 10 minutes on most days to do japa and repeat the

mantra. Once given the opportunity to let it's worth shine through in

experience, the practitioner sees that the benefits derived, such as stress,

anxiety and negativity disappearing while peace and serenity increase, are

worth more than gold. Siva Yogaswami encouraging those who are receptive said

inspiringly:

"Wear rudraksha beads, repeat the Panchakshara, let your heart grow soft and

melt. Chant the letters five, and in love you will discover Siva's will. Chant

so that impurities, anxieties and doubts are destroyed."

 

 

www.shivabeads.co.uk