Mantras – Seed Sounds
To understand the Mantra you must understand the significance of the sounds you are producing. In the completion of this section on Mantras, I have found a valuable resource in the Thomas Ashley-Farrand book, Mantra Meditation, which breaks down the seed sounds of each mantra with an explanation and contains a CD with the proper pronunciation of the Sanskrit words. Like most Far East languages, there is a subtly to the language of the Mantras. I believe, that mispronunciation is not acceptable in this instance. If you truly wish to benefit from any path in life, then take the time to learn and the care to speak, and the action to manifest. I have provided an alphabetical listing of the seed sounds and elements of Mantras noted on this website, along with their definitions/explanations to assist you in deconstructing the mantras you use in your daily practice. OM preceeds this list, as it is the first mantra, creation.
May it bring further enlightenment to your journey.
OM:
Seed sound for the Ajna (6th) Chakra Starts most major Mantras, from which the principle of the mind directs all that follows it from a place of spirit (the 3rd eye).
BHAGAVATE:
Ones completely integrated divine self that is in the process of manifesting.
CHAMUNDI:
The feminine force.
DATTAYA:
Invocation of the first (guru), to receive enlightenment.
DHANVANTRE:
The celestial healer.
DRAM:
Seed sound for the guru principle, manifesting in a form (usually physical)
EIM:
Seed sound for Saraswati. Presides over knowledge, arts, science and speech.
ESHWARI:
The feminine principle.
GLAUM:
Removes obstacles between the Maladhara (1st) Chakra and the Vishuddha (5th) Chakra – Will of the spoken word.
GUM:
Seed sound for Ganapati, a form of Ganesh. Aids in the removal of obstacles known and unknown.. GURU:
Transcendental principle of enlightenment, spiritual instruction and the Grace of the Absolute Creator that can manifest at any time/place, through any one/thing, non/physical.
HRIM:
Seed sound of esoteric, located two fingers below the Anahata (4th) Chakra.
HUM:
Seed sound which activates the Vishuddha (5th) Chakra.
JAYA:
Victory
KAMADAYA:
That which grants fulfillment of desires.
KLIM:
Seed sound for the principle of attraction. It concentrates and attracts those things that surround it.
LAKSMI:
Feminine Principle
MAHA:
A salutation that means both “great” and “heart-centre”
MANI:
Sends energy to the Manas Chakra, located at the back of the head.
NAMAH-SHIVAYA:
Invoke conscious control over the elements of the Chakras.
NAMAHA:
“I invoke by saluting” The energy that automatically invokes that which precedes it.
NAMO:
“Name of”
PADME:
Sends energy to the Anahata Chakra.
PARAM:
Superior
RAMA:
Ra & Ma, balance the male and female channels of the body.
SARVA:
“Source of”
SHRI:
Invoke power of Lakshmi as the transcendental power of manifestation.
SHRIM:
Seed sound of Lakshmi. Abundance of all kinds.
SRI:
All powerful energy of Sita.
SWAHA:
Traditional end to mantras and prayers. “I salute and by so doing, I automatically invoke her power”
VASUDEVAYA:
The in-dwelling divinity that you are entreating to permeate your mind, personality, ego and being.
VICCHE:
Thought to invoke the principle of victory.
YEI:
Shakti invoking/activating sound
