OM NAMAH SHIVAYA

The chant Om Namah Shivaya is a love song, to us. A love song we sing to our own deepest inner nature. In this song we recognize that we are the source, like a hologram, a piece of God that also represents the whole. In the Siddha yoga lineage (from which this chant comes) it is considered to be the king of all mantras. The intelligent field of conscious energy of which the universe is made and concentrates into the dense form we know of as matter, is represented by the god Shiva. Shiva is the totality.

Since the ancient Siddhas did not have the language and metaphors of modern physics, they represented the unified field of energy of the cosmos through the metaphors they could grasp, metaphors which allowed them to experience this vast field of conscious energy of which we are an interconnected part of. Their metaphor was the god, Shiva. Through deep meditation they experienced the universe as Shiva, and themselves as Shiva. Shiva was said to dwell in the heart and be the size of a thumb and be the whole universe! When we chant this mantra, we are allowing the sound vibration tune into our true self, which is a manifestation of the universal energy field condensed into the unique and precious mystery of ourselves. The sound vibration of the mantra is said to be a very pure expression of our deepest nature.

The mantra is said to be the five syllable mantra, na ma si va ya. In exploring the manifestations of the absolute the number five comes up. Five toes, fingers, senses, elements, acts etc. Shiva is said to have five actions, to create, to maintain, to destroy, to conceal, and to gracefully reveal. This mantra purifies our actions and behaviours tuning them to the pure actions of Shiva, of the source. Our five senses of smelling, tasting, seeing, feeling, and hearing are also purified and refined. The different syllables of the chant are said to purify the five elements of our being and the chakras, or centres of subtle energies. The five elements are not literal elements like those of the periodic table, but fundamental ways that we and the world are structured. The solidity of earth, the liquidity of water, the fieriness of fire, the gaseous and invisible nature of air, and lastly ether or the quality of space. The alchemical process of chanting refines and purifies these elements or aspects of our being.

Om is said to be the heart of Lord Shiva. Om resonates in the head in the sixth chakra, located in the´ centre of the forehead. It is also referred to as the third eye centre. The emotional issues associated with it focus on the right to see. The sixth chakra is also the place of the guru (the one who sheds light on the darkness, another manifestation of our own deep nature) So the first part of the chant keys us into seeing the absolute on very refined levels.

Na ma si va ya. Na represents earth, ma water, si fire, va air, and ya ether. The na drops into the first chakra, the foundation place which embodies earthiness and solidity and has a lot to do with survival issues on an emotional level, the right to belong and to have. It is found at the base of the spine between the anus and genitals. The ma rises to the second chakra, represented by the water element and issues around sexuality on an emotional level, the right to feel and to desire. It is located a little below the navel. The si rises to the third chakra or jeweled city and is located in the solar plexus. The element is fire and emotional issues centre around themes of personal power, the right to act and stand in one’s power. The va rises a little further to the fourth chakra or heart centre. The element is air. This chakra is the first to move beyond the lower three densities of the animal soul and allows an opening to love, the right to love and be loved. The ya resonate in the fifth chakra or throat centre and is associated with the ether and space. It often deals with issues around expression, the right to speak and be heard.

The five elements related to the mantra Om Namah Shivaya are the Pancha Mahabhutas: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space), each represented by one of the five syllables of the mantra. The mantra's syllables are Na (Earth), Ma (Water), Shi (Fire), Va (Air), and Ya (Ether/Space). Chanting this mantra is believed to purify and balance these five elements within the body and the surrounding environment.

Here is a breakdown of each syllable and its corresponding element:

Na

- Earth (Prithvi): Represents the solidity and grounding nature of the earth element.

Ma

- Water (Apas): Associated with the fluidity and nourishing aspects of water.

Shi

- Fire (Agni): Linked to the transformative and energetic qualities of fire.

Va

- Air (Vayu): Represents the life-giving breath and invisible nature of air or wind.

Ya

- Ether/Space (Akasha): Signifies the void, sky, or space that contains all other elements.

The Energetic Field of Om Namah Shivaya - Science and Nonduality (SAND).

The "energetic field" of "Om Namah Shivaya" is the subtle energy created by the sacred mantra, which is understood to promote positive energy, inner peace, and spiritual growth by connecting the individual to divine consciousness. This energetic field helps dissolve negative energy, balance the body's chakras (energy centres), and bring clarity and focus to the mind, ultimately leading to a sense of harmony and spiritual awakening.
 

How it Works

• Invoking Shiva's Energy:

The mantra is an invocation of Lord Shiva, a deity associated with transformation, destruction of negativity, and cosmic consciousness, infusing the chanter's environment with his purifying energy. 

• Chakra Alignment:

Chanting the mantra helps to balance and open the body's energy centres, or chakras, particularly the throat and heart chakras, leading to better emotional health and balance.

• Clearing Negativity:

The energetic field acts as a shield against negative influences and removes negativity from the mind and surroundings, fostering a protective quality. 

• Universal Connection:

By aligning with the universal vibration, the energetic field fosters a deeper connection to the higher self and universal consciousness, enhancing spiritual growth. 

Benefits of the Energetic Field

• Inner Peace and Calm:

The rhythmic and focused chanting calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes a state of inner peace and mental clarity. 

• Spiritual Growth:

The mantra encourages self-acceptance, boosts self-confidence, and opens the path for spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of one's true nature. 

• Protection from Negativity:

A strong energetic field created by the mantra can protect against negative influences and the "evil eye". 

• Mental Clarity:

The practice brings mental clarity and purpose, helps dissolve the ego, and fosters a more stable and peaceful state of mind.