One Word Mantras

The Power of Sanskrit Seed Mantras

Some linguists believe that Sanskrit is closely related to onomatopoeia, the making of words aligned with the sound associated with what is named (cuckoo, sizzle, snap, splash). This is especially true of the bija mantras. The bija mantras are Sanskrit syllables that are said to correspond to specific meanings or aspects of creation and existence.

Language as a Vibrational Science
Sanskrit is an energetic language, meaning that its power comes directly from vibration energy rather than from social usage. Other sacred languages such as ancient Hebrew have the same connection to the building blocks of creation. Many languages have beneficial or spiritual aspects. For example, English is said to derive from an angelic tongue. The name England comes from “Engel land” or the land of the angels. In esoteric literature, the “angels” are the “angles of God.”

Sanskrit and Energy Flow
The use of Sanskrit corresponds closely with the meridian system and the flow of energy through the physical body as well as the energetic system of the body. The bija seed syllables are some of the most important building blocks for mantras. Mantras are worded formulas with specific impacts on the body, mind and consciousness.

AIM: Creation through the Divine Feminine

AIM (ieem) is the feminine counterpart of the bija mantra OM. The “AI” in AIM is pronounced “eye.” AIM is a manifest form of OM, that which is created and seen versus that which is purely in consciousness. AIM is the supreme shakti or feminine force known as Adi Shakti. AIM appears in many mantras to the goddesses and the Divine Mother.

Seed Syllable of the Goddess Saraswati
AIM is the seed mantra of Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, art, and speech. A seed mantra is the basic essence God’s consciousness personified in one or more deities. Saraswati is revered in Hinduism, Jainism and some Buddhist sects. Her name means “one who leads to the essence of self-knowledge.” She has many beautiful names to acknowledge her many aspects. A few of these are the following:

Saraswati Mata: Mother of Water and Lakes
Bilvani Mata: Mother of the Woods
Chandrika Mata: Mother of the Moon
Hamsini Mata: Mother Who Rides the Swan
Kadambari Mata: Mother of the Kadamba Flowers
Malini Mata: Fragrant Mother
Saradha Mata: Mother of the Harvest

Mantra for Knowledge and Understanding
AIM is also a general mantra for a higher knowledge and understanding. This can take the form of a guru or our own higher intelligence. AIM can help to orient us, motivate us and increase our will power to succeed.

Healing Power for the Voice
In terms of physical healing, AIM strengthens the voice and vocal chords. Astrologically, AIM is related primarily to the moon and secondarily to the planet Mercury. An example of a mantra utilizing AIM is “OM AIM Saraswatyai Namaha.”

ANG: Crown Chakra One Word Mantra

There are multiple seed sounds attributed to the crown chakra. Some believe the crown is not a single chakra, but a cluster of chakras. The seed sounds are AH, ANG, and AUM. The crown chakra is the seat of enlightenment, known in Sanskrit as the Sahasrara chakra. Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled.”

Role of the Crown Chakra
According to Eastern traditions, the crown chakra is related to god-consciousness (samadhi) and the transforming powers of the divine. The crown can be viewed as the father, or spirit energy, drawing the mother, or earth energy, from the lower chakras upward.

AUM (OM): The Essential One Word Mantra

The Sanskrit word OM is familiar to most people as the quintessential mantra. OM is the fundamental mantra connecting us to higher reality and the highest aspect of our own beings. OM is believed to be a sound of the whole cosmic manifestation.

Sound of the Universal Hum
OM is the sound of the universe, the sound from which all other sounds are formed. OM represents past, present and future. OM is a seed or building block of creation. OM is the mantra of assent, much like saying “amen” at the end of a prayer. OM affirms the intention of the mantra.

Four Parts of AUM
OM can be viewed as having four parts: A-U-M followed by the sound of silence. The A (ahhh) represents the beginning, the connection to the physical world. The U (oooh) signifies the maintaining of the physical universe. The M (mmmm) is the transformative energy of the universe and the realm of thoughts and feelings. As noted, the fourth sound is the silence that follows the AUM. This is pure consciousness and knowingness.

AUM and the Hindu Trinity
OM represents both the manifest and unmanifest. In the form of AUM, this seed syllable is similar to the trinity of God in many other traditions. In that sense, the A represents Brahma or the Father; the U represents Vishnu, the Son or the preserver; and the M represents dissolution, the Holy Spirit or Shiva. OM is commonly associated solely with the latter (Shiva) as the cosmic masculine force.

OM for Clearing the Mind
OM is often included at the beginning of a mantra or chant to clear the mind for meditation. OM is said to draw the energy from the bottom of the spine to the top of the head. The energy of OM is one of expansion and ascension.

OM for Healing Negativity
In terms of healing, OM brings prana into the subconscious mind. OM is the sound of the sun and sheds light on addictive tendencies and negative emotions, bringing them to light for healing and transmutation. One of the simplest OM mantras is “OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” meaning “OM, Peace, Peace, Peace.”

OM and the Third Eye Chakra
The seed sound for the third eye chakra is OM. The sixth chakra is the third eye, the seat of spiritual vision. The third eye is the center of imagination. The word “imagination” itself means the ability to hold an “image” firmly in mind. This is the first step towards bringing that form into manifestation. This practice of visualization is also a proven technique in sports, musical performance, and other endeavors. Thus, strengthening the third eye aids in both intellectual and artistic pursuits.

BRIM: Planetary Mantra for Jupiter

The astrology mantra for Jupiter (Brihaspataye) includes the seed syllable “brim” which connects to the fundamental vibration of the planet Mars. In Vedic astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru (spiritual teacher), Devaguru (teacher of the gods) and Brihaspati (Lord of Light). Jupiter is a planet of work, development, education and higher spiritual insight. Some astrologists view Jupiter as the planet of optimism, success and generosity. Jupiter is immense, mature and benevolent.

BUM: Seed Syllable for the Planet Mercury

The astrology mantra for Mercury (Bhudhaya) includes the seed syllable “bum” which connects to the fundamental vibration of the planet Mars. In Vedic astrology, the planet Mercury is associated with intelligence, logic, speech and friendship. Mercury also governs memory and transportation. Mercury is a messenger, delivering thoughts from one person to another or back and forth between celestial beings.

CAM: Seed Syllable Mantra of the Moon

Mantras to the moon often include the seed syllable CAM which connects to the fundamental vibration of the moon. In the Hindu tradition, the deity ruling over the moon is called Chandra. The name Chandra means “bright and shining” in Sanskrit. The moon in Vedic astrology represents the mind, including thoughts, feelings, and psychology.

The Moon and Religious Holidays
Many religions still use the moon to schedule significant holidays. For example, Easter is celebrated on the first full moon after spring equinox. The Chinese New Year starts following winter solstice and the second new moon. Passover in the Jewish tradition always happens on a full moon. In the Hindu tradition, the Festival of Lights called Diwali happens on the new moon when the sun enters Libra.

DUM: One Word Mantra for Salvation

DUM (duhm) is a mantra of divine salvation: a combination of protection and self-discipline. This is the mantra of Durga, who saves us from difficulties whenever possible. Durga leads a divine army and rides a lion.

DUM for Earthly Fire
This is a powerful fire mantra with a weapon-like effect. DUM is an earthly fire rather than an etheric fire. The martial energy of DUM overcomes opposition and is also a transformative energy to eliminate sorrow and obstacles both within and without. DUM grants self-control. Listen to a Durga Mantra using the seed syllable DUM.

Qualities of DUM
DUM with a long vowel (pronounced doom) is similar but softer and more feminine. This form of DUM also neutralizes negative forces projected against us. DUM is beneficial for tissues in the body and can be used to burn away toxins and also to increase the digestive fire. DUM is a solar energy.

Mantra Using the Seed Syllable DUM
An example of a mantra utilizing DUM is “OM DUM Durgayei Namah,” which is a mantra combining protection and self-discipline. Learn all about Durga and listen to her mantras! Go to the article Durga the Warrior Goddess.

HALIM: One Word Mantra for Protection

HALIM (hleem) is related to hrim. The fiery and stimulating “ra” sound is replaced with the “la.” “La” is a water energy. This brings about a stabilizing and holding effect, often viewed as holding back negativity sent by others. HALIM is thought to bring water, earth and space together.

Halim for Bliss or Destruction
If HALIM is used gently, it is a mantra of bliss (ananda) and ecstasy. Used more forcefully, this seed sound can neutralize negativity. Used harshly, HALIM can destroy. HALIM can stop energy that has already been set in motion. Ideally, HALIM is the seed sound for protection.

One Word Mantra of the Goddess
HALIM relates to the goddess Baglamukhi. This goddess is believed to seal the energy of an individual from negative outside influences, especially negative speech. Bagalamukhi is associated with the color yellow. She is one of the ten wise devis, or feminine forms of God.

One Word Mantra for Stillness
HALIM brings stillness through control of the body, mind, prana and senses. Turned inward, HALIM helps to stop inward chatter and is extremely useful for yoga and meditation. As such, HALIM is a highly beneficial tool to reduce internal agitation.

Mantra Syllables for Abrupt Change
Use HALIM with care—things can be brought to an abrupt halt. Chanting mantras for peace (shanti) to slow things down first is advised. From an astrological standpoint, HALIM is primarily related to Saturn and the north node of the moon (rahu) with a Mars influence. An example of a mantra utilizing HALIM is “OM HALIM Bagalamukhi, Sarva Buddha Bagalamukhi.”

HAM: One Word Mantra for the Throat Chakra

The Sanskrit seed sound for the throat chakra is HAM, pronounced “hum.” The throat chakra symbol has sixteen petals. In the center is a triangle pointing downward and a white circle representing akasha or ether. The throat chakra is connected to creativity and self-expression as well as the actions of speaking and chanting. The throat and thyroid are where emotions, intentions, praise and criticism are expressed.

Role of the Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or the Vishuddha chakra. In Sanskrit, Vishuddha means “especially pure.” The throat chakra is the place where energy is qualified through sound for blessing or bane with every word spoken. Thus, the throat is the place of greatest vulnerability and greatest strength. The throat chakra and thyroid are also connected to creative expression.