The mantra Om Namah Shivaya can be translated as “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is regarded as the manifestation of the Divine and the symbol for the inner Self, so Om Namah Shivaya essentially means: I bow to my Inner Self. Repetition of the mantra, known as japa, holds our mind to this core truth, that God dwells within us – as us. You can also think of the translation as “I am Shiva,” “I bow to God who dwells within me as my innermost Self,” or “I am one within myself.” All of these translations have a very elevating and ennobling influence upon us.
Mantras may possess another valuable quality depending on their origin. They may also carry the potency of the essential vibration. All sound resonates, whether it is spoken aloud or just thought mentally. The mantras that come down to us in time from the awakened sages of a realized lineage are noted for carrying extremely pure vibrations – vibrations that bring about liberation and break up stored samskaras and obstacles. Om Namah Shivaya is such a mantra. This week Meditation Master Mark Griffin will explain the nature of each of the syllables in the mantra, and their correlation with the elements and the chakras. In preparation, here is the Om Namah Shivaya Chakra Chart.
OM arises at the sixth chakra, and is associated with the mind. The mind has no element. It is essentially a formless vortex of light.
NA arises at the root chakra at the base of the spine and is associated with the element of Earth and is yellow in color.
MA arises at the second chakra and is associated with the element of water and is green in color.
SHI arises at the third chakra at the navel and is associated with the element of fire and is red in color.
VA arises at the fourth chakra at the heart and is associated with the element of air and is white in color.
YA arises at the fifth chakra at the throat and is associated with the element of ether and is blue in color.
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