OM Namah Shivayah Mantra by Master Choa Kok Sui
Exploring Om Namah Shivaya: An In-Depth Look at its Sacred Significance, Mantra Meaning, and Traditional Uses for Meditation
I. Unveiling the Potential of Om Namah Shivaya: An Introduction to the Sacred Mantra
A. The Enduring Call of an Ancient Hindu Mantra
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra resonates through millennia as one of Hinduism's most revered and ancient incantations, imbued with profound spiritual significance. It is far more than a mere sequence of syllables; this sacred chant is considered a vibrational key, a sacred tool widely believed to support access to deeper states of consciousness and potentially facilitate profound personal and spiritual transformation through meditation.
This exploration delves into the multifaceted effects attributed to chanting Om Namah Shivaya, drawing upon scriptural wisdom, esoteric traditions, and contemporary understandings to illuminate its reputed ability to positively influence inner and outer realities.
The aim is to investigate specific traditional applications and beliefs surrounding this powerful mantra, including:
- Its reported use in addressing entrenched thought patterns believed to affect the chakras, a key aspect of Om Namah Shivaya chakra meditation.
- Its traditional role in purifying environments of what are considered negative energies through mantra chanting.
- Its perceived function in assisting in the spiritual release of what some traditions term negative entities.
- Its reputed ability to help in neutralizing psychic disturbances, offering spiritual protection.
- Its suggested capacity for helping to reduce internal negativity and promote inner peace.
B. A Glimpse into its Sacred Origins and Mantra History
The historical and scriptural roots of Om Namah Shivaya are deep and widespread, attesting to its foundational importance within Hindu spiritual practices. The mantra's presence is noted in the ancient Vedic texts, including the Rigveda and the Yajurveda. Specifically, the core "Namah Shivaya" appears within the Shri Rudram Chamakam, a powerful hymn dedicated to Rudra (an aspect of Lord Shiva) found in the Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajurveda. This highlights the ancient history of Om Namah Shivaya.
Its significance is further elaborated in Puranic literature, such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Skanda Purana, which describe it as the "seed of all lores" and a "pathway to salvation". The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is also central to Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism that reveres Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being.
The consistent appearance of Om Namah Shivaya across such diverse and ancient scriptures underscores its enduring relevance and deeply recognized spiritual value. This is not a practice of recent origin but a spiritual practice whose profound value has been affirmed and passed down through countless generations.
The mantra's description in the Shiva Purana as the "seed of all lores, easy to utter, and essential for the acquisition of knowledge" suggests a fundamental tool for both spiritual and worldly understanding, highlighting its role as a traditional means of seeking salvation and comprehending the divine essence of Shiva. This widespread and ancient documentation points to a long-standing recognition of its spiritual significance, a testament to its perceived ability to connect the practitioner with fundamental truths and transformative energies through dedicated chanting.
II. The Vibrational Alchemy of Om Namah Shivaya: Mantra Meaning and Components
A. Decoding "Om Namah Shivaya": Translation and Core Spiritual Meaning
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra meaning is commonly translated as "I bow to Shiva," "I honor Lord Shiva," or "adoration to Śiva". However, its spiritual significance is often understood to extend far beyond a simple salutation.
In this context, Shiva represents the Supreme Reality, the ultimate consciousness, or the inner Self that is immanent in all of creation. The act of "bowing" (Namah) thus signifies a profound act of surrender, devotion, and the recognition of this divine presence both within oneself and in the universe at large.
As such, the mantra "captures the essence of devotion, surrender, and the recognition of one's true nature". Some interpretations emphasize the internal aspect, translating it as "I bow to my Inner Self," highlighting the belief that the divine dwells within each individual. This affirmation serves as a powerful reminder of one's intrinsic connection to the universe and its infinite potential, a core aspect of the Om Namah Shivaya spiritual meaning.
B. The Panchakshara: Understanding the Five Syllables Meaning (Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya)
The core of the mantra, "Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya," is known as the Panchakshara Mantra, meaning "five-syllable" mantra. Each of these five syllables carries deep spiritual meaning and is associated with the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas), which are considered the fundamental building blocks of the cosmos and the human body. These correspondences are crucial to understanding the mantra's purported effects on the chakras and the concept of purification of consciousness, often explored in Panchakshara mantra meditation.
The syllables and their traditional associations are as follows:
- Na: Represents the Earth element (Prithvi Tattva). It is linked to qualities of grounding, stability, and humility. Energetically, it is often associated with the Root Chakra (Muladhara).
- Ma: Symbolizes the Water element (Jal Tattva or Ap Tattva). This syllable signifies fluidity, emotional release, and purification. It is commonly connected to the Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana).
- Shi: Stands for the Fire element (Agni Tattva). "Shi" indicates transformation, the fire that consumes illusions, and invigoration. This syllable is generally linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura).
- Va: Represents the Air element (Vayu Tattva). It reminds practitioners of prana (life force) and breath, symbolizing movement and lightness. The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is typically associated with this syllable.
- Ya: Symbolizes the Ether or Space element (Akasha Tattva). This syllable suggests boundless existence, infinite potential, and divine connection. It is often connected to the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha).
When these five sacred syllables are chanted with intention, they are believed to form a mantra of immense potency, guiding practitioners towards heightened awareness and inner peace. The specific vibrations of each syllable are thought to resonate with their corresponding elements and chakras, and some believe this helps to purify, balance, and activate these subtle energy centers. This intricate system of correspondences is fundamental to the mantra's perceived ability to support the release of old thought forms and energetic blockages. The meaning of Na Ma Shi Va Ya is deeply tied to these elemental and chakra associations.
| Syllable | Element (Tattva) | Associated Chakra (Primary View) | Key Qualities/Functions (Related to Panchakshara Mantra Meaning) |
| Na | Earth (Prithvi) | Root (Muladhara) | Grounding, stability, humility, origins |
| Ma | Water (Jal/Ap) | Sacral (Swadhisthana) | Fluidity, emotional release, purification, creativity |
| Shi | Fire (Agni) | Solar Plexus (Manipura) | Transformation, destruction of illusion, willpower, digestion |
| Va | Air (Vayu) | Heart (Anahata) | Life force, breath, movement, love, compassion |
| Ya | Ether/Space (Akasha) | Throat (Vishuddha) | Boundlessness, divine connection, expression, truth |
Data derived from traditional sources.
C. The Primordial Sound "Om": Its Universal Significance in the Mantra
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra typically begins with "Om" (AUM), revered as the primordial sound, the fundamental vibration from which the entire universe is believed to emanate. The Om sound meaning represents absolute reality, the source of creation, and the sustaining cosmic vibration.
Esoteric traditions break down "Om" into three constituent sounds: "A," "U," and "M," associated with:
- The three states of consciousness—waking (A), dreaming (U), and deep sleep (M).
- The three levels of existence: gross, subtle, and causal.
The silence following "Om" represents Turiya, pure consciousness. Some traditions link "Om" to the Ajna chakra (third eye).
Including "Om" transforms "Namah Shivaya" into a Shadakshara (six-syllable) mantra. "Om" acts as a conduit, believed to amplify the mantra's potential spiritual effects and support the alignment of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. This highlights the importance of the Om sound in meditation and the chanting of Om Namah Shivaya.
III. Clearing the Inner Landscape: Om Namah Shivaya for Releasing Old Thought Forms and Calcified Ideas
A. The Nature of "Calcified Ideas" and Mental Conditioning (Samskaras) Addressed by Chanting
"Calcified ideas" are ingrained beliefs and habitual thought patterns. In yogic philosophy, these relate to samskaras (subconscious imprints influencing thoughts and behaviors).
Mantra chanting, specifically Om Namah Shivaya, is considered by some traditions a powerful tool for working with samskaras, supporting mental deconditioning and progress towards spiritual liberation.
B. Om Namah Shivaya and Chakra Cleansing for Mental Well-being
Spiritual traditions posit that chakras store energetic imprints. Blockages can impede prana flow, reinforcing "calcified ideas."
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is believed by many to play a significant role in chakra cleansing and harmonization, potentially facilitating mental well-being. Each syllable of the Panchakshara mantra corresponds to elements and chakras. Vibrations are thought to resonate, purify, and dissolve limiting beliefs. "Each syllable has a cleansing effect...vibrations...are believed to activate and harmonize the body's chakras." This chakra alignment is intended to promote well-being and release emotional patterns. This makes Om Namah Shivaya a notable chakra cleansing mantra.
C. The Mantra as a Vibrational Tool for Working With the Mind
The perceived influence of mantras like Om Namah Shivaya in deconditioning the mind lies in their vibrational nature. Repetitive japa chanting creates sound vibrations believed to permeate mental and energetic fields, counteracting and releasing negative thought patterns.
The concept of "proto-thoughts" suggests mantras are primal sound vibrations. Chanting connects the conscious mind with these potent forces, which is thought by some to purify, harmonize, and liberate trapped energy, potentially replacing fragmented thinking with a unified field. This process may influence samskaras, allowing new ways of being. The benefits of Om Namah Shivaya chanting include this potential for mental re-patterning.
D. Insights from Specific Spiritual Schools: Yoga Prana Vidya (YPV) on Mantra Benefits
Yoga Prana Vidya (YPV) uses OM chanting (foundational to Om Namah Shivaya) to address "calcified ideas." YPV's "Erase Technique" and OM chanting are believed to help "tune up to higher vibrations and drop all diseased, dirty, grosser energies, unpleasant thoughts and emotions." (Note: "diseased energies" is not medically recognized; this isn't a substitute for medical treatment.)
YPV links purification via OM chanting to expanded auras and developed chakras, essential for discernment. This implies overcoming limiting beliefs requires an energetic shift, for which mantras like Om Namah Shivaya are seen as catalysts.
IV. Radiating Purity: Om Namah Shivaya for Environmental and Personal Energy Cleansing
A. Understanding Negative Energies and Their Impact (And How Mantras Can Help)
Spiritually, "negative energies" are influences causing distress and draining vitality. They can arise internally (negative self-talk) or externally (negative interactions, "psychic attacks"). Chanting Om Namah Shivaya is often sought for negative energy cleansing.
B. Purifying Your Space: Using the Mantra to Cleanse a House and Neighborhood
A significant application of Om Namah Shivaya is its reported capacity to help purify physical spaces of perceived negative energies. The mantra's vibrations are believed to positively alter environmental energy.
Pranic Healing identifies the "Om Namah Shivaya Om Mantra" for "Purifying a room of negative energies." The Art of Living states chanting Om Namah Shivaya is believed to "clear the environment." This environmental purification is linked to the mantra's reputed ability to harmonize the five elements. The potent vibrations are believed to influence and dispel dense energies, potentially restoring energetic harmony. This makes it a known mantra for home purification.
C. The Journey to Light: How the Mantra Aids in Releasing Negative Entities
Om Namah Shivaya is also claimed by some to assist in releasing "negative entities." Grand Master Choa Kok Sui taught the "Om Namah Shivaya Om Mantra" facilitates "Releasing negative entities so they can merge with the Light."
Esoteric mechanisms proposed include:
- Vibrational Incompatibility: High vibrations repel lower-vibration entities.
- Divine Intervention and Purification: Invoking Lord Shiva's energy is believed to purify the entity.
- Energetic Shielding and Transmutation: The mantra is said to create a protective shield.
This reflects a compassionate worldview, where Shiva's energy offers transformation.
V. Shield of Sound: Om Namah Shivaya for Spiritual Protection Against Psychic Attacks
A. Defining Psychic Attacks in Spiritual Contexts (And the Need for Spiritual Protection)
A "psychic attack" is the projection of harmful psychic energy. Indicators include unexplained fatigue, ailments, nightmares, or pervasive unease. Many seek spiritual protection mantras to counter such influences.
B. Om Namah Shivaya as a Neutralizer of Negative Energies from Others
Om Namah Shivaya is cited (e.g., Pranic Healing: "Anti-psychic attack: Neutralize negative energies") as a tool for energetic self-defense. The mechanism is thought to involve a spiritual shield of positive energy deflecting negative influences like the "evil eye." Its spiritual significance is believed to offer protection from negativity.
C. Strengthening Your Auric Field through Mantra Chanting
The perceived protective efficacy of Om Namah Shivaya is also linked to its believed capacity to strengthen and purify the practitioner's auric field. Regular chanting is believed to generate vibrations that may cleanse and fortify this field, making one less susceptible to harmful energies. This is a key aspect of how Om Namah Shivaya spiritual protection is understood.
VI. Cultivating Inner Harmony: Om Namah Shivaya for Disintegrating Negative Thoughts and Stress Reduction
A. The Mantra's Role in Calming the Mind and Achieving Stress Reduction
One widely reported benefit of chanting Om Namah Shivaya is its potential profound calming effect and reputed ability to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Rhythmic repetition anchors the mind, potentially fostering deep relaxation and inner peace. "Om" is noted for its reported soothing effect on the brain. (These are subjective experiences, not medical guarantees.)
It's described as an "excellent stress-buster." A study on elderly women chanting Om Namah Shivaya reported significant decreases in depression, anxiety, and stress scores, suggesting potential for stress reduction through mantra meditation.
B. Purifying the Soul: Working Towards Transcending Negative Emotional Patterns with Mantra Meditation
Om Namah Shivaya is regarded by many as a powerful agent for inner purification, potentially helping individuals work towards transcending negative emotional patterns. Regular mantra meditation is believed by adherents to help cleanse mind, body, and soul.
A key aspect is its purported ability to help work with the ego. Grand Master Choa Kok Sui listed "Disintegrating negative thoughts & emotions within oneself" as one of the Om Namah Shivaya benefits.
C. Scientific Glimpses: Studies on Mantra Meditation for Emotional Well-being
Research on mantra meditation (including "Om") shows potential benefits:
- Significant stress reduction.
- "Om" chanting associated with enhanced parasympathetic activity.
- Cognitive benefits (MMSE scores in one study).
- Neuroscience: Limbic system deactivation, increased alpha brain waves during "Om" chanting.
Limitations exist (small samples, general focus). However, findings offer a framework for understanding how chanting mantras like Om Namah Shivaya may reduce negative thought intensity.
VII. Embracing the Practice: How to Chant Om Namah Shivaya Effectively
The practice of chanting Om Namah Shivaya (japa) can be approached in diverse ways:
A. Diverse Methods of Japa Chanting
- Vachika Japa (Vocal/Aloud): Audible Om Namah Shivaya chanting.
- Upanshu Japa (Whispered): Low voice/whisper.
- Manasika Japa (Mental): Silent repetition; often most potent.
- Likhita Japa (Writing): Repeatedly writing the mantra.
- Ajapa Japa (Breath-Synchronized): Syncing mantra with breath.
- Singing/Bhajans: Devotional singing (kirtans) of Om Namah Shivaya.
B. Recommended Frequency, Duration, and Timing for Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
- 108 Repetitions: Widely recommended for Om Namah Shivaya japa, often using a mala.
- Timing: Sunrise/sunset ideal, but sincerity allows chanting anytime.
- Duration: For deeper effects (mantra siddhi), longer practice (e.g., 125,000 repetitions, or 108 times daily for 40 days) is advised. Learning how to chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times is a common starting point.
C. The Indispensable Role of Intention, Devotion, and Awareness in Mantra Practice
Efficacy of mantra chanting is enhanced by inner state: focus, feeling, devotion (bhakti), mindful awareness, sincerity, clear intention, faith, and openness are crucial for reaping the benefits of Om Namah Shivaya.
D. Using Recorded Om Namah Shivaya Chants: Efficacy and Considerations
Recorded Om Namah Shivaya chants are common. Efficacy is believed by some to operate through vibrational resonance. Listener's focused engagement is key.
VIII. Perspectives and Considerations on Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
A. The Power of Belief, Intention, and the Placebo Effect in Spiritual Practices like Mantra Meditation
Belief and intention significantly shape experience in mantra meditation. Scientifically, this can intersect with the placebo effect. The "meaning response" can be a potent factor.
B. Navigating Skepticism and Scientific Scrutiny Regarding Mantra Benefits
Esoteric claims about Om Namah Shivaya are not easily verifiable by current science. It's key to distinguish subjective spiritual experience from objective scientific validation. Science increasingly investigates mantra meditation benefits but within its own framework.
IX. Conclusion: The Transformative Journey with the Om Namah Shivaya Mantra
A. Recapitulation of Traditionally Attributed Multifaceted Benefits of Om Namah Shivaya
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra signifies the enduring importance of sacred sound. This exploration highlighted diverse traditional applications and beliefs: addressing "calcified ideas," working with chakras, promoting energetic clarity, and seeking spiritual fortitude. Its reputed capacity to help calm the mind, contribute to stress reduction by chanting, influence negative thoughts, and cultivate inner peace has been attested.
B. The Mantra as a Path to Self-Realization and Spiritual Liberation (Moksha)
Om Namah Shivaya is revered as a profound spiritual path believed to lead towards self-realization and moksha (spiritual liberation). "I bow to Shiva" guides practitioners to their true divine nature. Regular, devoted chanting of this powerful mantra is believed to help purify the mind, potentially paving the way for higher awareness.
C. An Invitation to Personal Exploration of Om Namah Shivaya Meditation
While this exploration synthesized information, the true depth of Om Namah Shivaya meditation unfolds through personal experience. Readers are encouraged to approach chanting with an open mind and sincere intention. Through dedicated engagement, the profound peace and clarity it is said to offer may be realized.
Thanks, Rocky Patel
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this document is intended for educational and spiritual exploration purposes only. The practices and beliefs described are derived from traditional spiritual teachings and esoteric knowledge. Any claims made or reported regarding the effects of chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory body for efficacy in diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease or condition. This information is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Individual experiences and results with spiritual practices vary widely. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. It is strongly recommended to consult with qualified professionals for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.