Mantras are of central importance in many spiritual practices. Although they were introduced to the Western world through yoga, they originate from Asia. In northern India, you will often hear a “Ram, Ram” – which is a greeting – but also a mantra. Mantras are used to focus the mind, find inner peace and establish a deeper connection to the spiritual world. One of the most powerful and most frequently used mantras is “Om Namah Shivaya”. You are more likely to hear it in the south of India, where I am also writing this post for you right now. Every second person here says “Om Namah Shivaya” to me. And it seems to come from every direction. Sometimes it sounds good – sometimes it’s too loud. Because there are little boxes that emit mantras. They hang in many households, stores and often even in the rickshaws here. There is a Shiva temple in the temple town of Tirivannamalai and Mount Arunachala, which is considered sacred, it is seen as a manifestation of Shiva. That is why Om Namah Shivaya has such an important meaning here.

In this blog article, I have summarized the meaning and effect of this mantra for you.

Text of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya

The text of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is of deep spiritual meaning and carries a powerful energetic vibration. The five syllables of the mantra combine to form a sonorous unity that captures the essence of spiritual truth.

The script “ॐ नमः शिवाय” is written in Devanagari script, which is used in both Hindi and Sanskrit. It is a common script used in many North Indian languages, including Hindi, as well as in classical Indian languages such as Sanskrit. Therefore, this mantra can be written in Devanagari script in both Sanskrit and Hindi.

What does “Om Namah Shivaya” mean?

“Om Namah Shivaya” is a Sanskrit mantra that comes from the Hindu tradition. It is made up of five syllables: “Om”, “Na”, “Mah”, “Shi”, “Va” and “Ya”. Each letter of the Devanagari script is a syllable has a profound meaning:

1. om

It is the most sacred of all mantras and represents universal consciousness. Om is the sound of the universe and symbolizes unity, existence and the divine.

2. namah

This syllable means “I bow down to” or “I honor”. By repeating “Namah”, we express our reverence and devotion.

3. shivaya

It refers to Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. Shiva symbolizes destruction and transformation, but also purity, compassion and love. Adding “Shivaya” to the mantra invokes Shiva’s energy and grace.

Put together, “Om Namah Shivaya” means something like: “I bow to the divine” or “I bow to Shiva, the pure consciousness”.

The effect of “Om Namah Shivaya”

The effect of this mantra is multifaceted and can have various spiritual, mental and emotional benefits:

1. calming the mind

Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” helps to calm the mind and free it from disturbing thoughts. The repetition of the mantra draws attention away from external distractions and promotes inner stillness and concentration.

2. increase of consciousness

By repeating this mantra, we can become more aware of our spiritual nature and establish a deeper connection to the divine. It reminds us that we are more than just our physical existence and that we are part of a greater whole.

3. transformation and healing

Shiva is often associated with transformation and healing. Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” can help to release old patterns and negative energies and make space for personal growth and healing.

4. strengthening devotion – which also means joy

By bowing to the divine again and again, we strengthen our devotion and our trust in a higher power. This devotion can help us to overcome difficult times and support us on our spiritual path. Devotion shines from the face as joy.

How to chant “Om Namah Shivaya”

Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” can be practiced in different ways. You can recite it quietly to yourself, chant it out loud or practice it in a group with others. The repetition of the mantra can be done with a special counting aid such as a japa mala (a prayer chain) to keep track of the number of repetitions.

It is important to practice chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” with mindfulness and devotion. Allow the mantra to penetrate deep into your heart and feel the vibrations and energy it generates. Allow yourself to fully surrender to the practice and experience the transformative power of this powerful mantra.

In today’s hectic world, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” can be a valuable way to find calm, clarity and spiritual connection. Whether you are facing difficult times or simply striving for inner peace, this mantra offers a powerful and accessible practice to support you on your spiritual journey or simply be an expression of your devotion and joy.

Let’s chant together at the retreat – find out more here.

Om Namah Shivaya ringtones: a modern application of the mantra

In a world characterized by technology and constant connectivity, many people are looking for ways to integrate their spiritual practice into their hectic daily lives. A modern application of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” can be found in the form of ringtones. These special ringtones based on the mantra offer a unique way to integrate the power and beauty of this spiritual expression into everyday life.

Listening to the “Om Namah Shivaya” ringtone can create a moment of stillness and spiritual connection in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it sounds when receiving a call or serves as a reminder of a regular spiritual practice, this ringtone can help calm the mind, center attention and create an atmosphere of calm and reflection.

In addition, listening to this ringtone regularly can be a subtle reminder of the deeper meaning and transformative power of the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra. It invites you to keep reminding yourself of the spiritual journey and to connect with the divine, even in the small moments of everyday life.

Although the idea of using a spiritual mantra as a ringtone may seem unconventional to some, it demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of spiritual practices in today’s world. The use of “Om Namah Shivaya” ringtones is an example of how timeless wisdom can merge with modern technology to support the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.

You can download the ringtones here

• Prokeraia
• Zedge
• Ringchill

Where is the origin of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya?

The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” has its origins in the Hindu tradition and is closely associated with the god Shiva. Shiva is one of the most important deities in Hinduism and is regarded as the destroyer and renewer of the universe. He also symbolizes purity, compassion and spiritual enlightenment.

The roots of the mantra can be traced back to the ancient Vedic scriptures, especially the Vedas and the Upanishads, which are a rich source of Hindu spiritual wisdom. “Om Namah Shivaya” is mentioned in many Hindu texts, such as the Puranas, and has become a central part of Hindu practice over time.

However, the exact history of the mantra’s origin is not clearly established, as it has evolved and changed over the centuries. It is often believed to have been passed down by spiritual teachers and sages throughout history and used in different forms and contexts.

Today, the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is recited and chanted by millions of people around the world, regardless of their religious affiliation. It has become a universal expression of devotion, respect and reverence towards the Divine and is considered by many to be a powerful source of spiritual strength and inspiration.

What is the connection between Om Namah Shivaya and yoga?

The connection between “Om Namah Shivaya” and yoga is deeply rooted in Hindu spirituality and the yogic tradition. This connection manifests itself on several levels:

1. spiritual meaning

Yoga, especially in its original philosophical manifestation, strives to unite body, mind and soul and to experience individual oneness with the divine. The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is a homage to Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism, who is also regarded as the god of yoga. Shiva is often regarded as the original yogi who embodied the essence of yoga and passed on his teachings to humanity.

2 Sound and vibration

Sound plays an important role in yogic practice as it is used to calm the mind and promote spiritual states of consciousness. The repeated chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” creates a powerful vibration that focuses the mind and can lead to a state of inner stillness and meditation. This practice of mantra chanting is often practiced as part of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion.

3 Yogic texts and tradition

Overall, “Om Namah Shivaya” can be said to have a deep connection to yoga, as it is not only a powerful spiritual mantra, but also embodies a practice of devotion and spiritual growth that closely harmonizes with the principles and goals of yoga.

How does a spiritual seeker traditionally find their mantra?

Traditionally, a spiritual seeker often finds their mantra through a process of initiation, study and guidance from a spiritual teacher or guru. Here are some traditional ways in which a mantra can be found:

1. guru-parampara (teacher-disciple tradition)

In many spiritual traditions, a mantra is traditionally transmitted from a qualified spiritual teacher to his disciple. The guru, who has deep spiritual insight and experience, chooses a mantra that suits the individual spiritual progress and needs of the disciple. This act of initiation is often considered a sacred act and marks the beginning of a close spiritual relationship between guru and disciple.

2. guidance through texts and traditions

A spiritual seeker can also discover his or her mantra through the study of sacred texts and traditions. Many spiritual texts, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Tantra scriptures, contain a variety of mantras and describe their meaning and application. By studying these texts and immersing themselves in spiritual practices and traditions, a seeker can find a mantra that speaks to them and supports them on their spiritual journey.

3. personal revelation and intuition

4. initiation into spiritual practices

In some traditions, mantras are given as part of initiation into certain spiritual practices. For example, a mantra may be given as part of initiation into a particular meditation technique or yoga practice to support and accelerate the spiritual progress of the student.

Regardless of the method by which a mantra is found, it is important that it has personal meaning and relevance to the seeker and provides support and guidance on their spiritual journey.

Where does the chanting of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” play a role in Madhukar Enlighten Life?

At Madhukar Enlighten Life, the chanting of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” plays a role again and again, but is not of central importance. The mantra is primarily a means of deepening the spiritual connection and creating an atmosphere of devotion and peace.

We sing in Satsang

“Om Namah Shivaya” is sometimes chanted during Satsang at Madhukar Enlighten Life. Satsang is an opportunity for spiritual communion and shared practice, where chanting the mantra serves to calm the mind, open the heart and connect deeply to spiritual truth. You can find the current dates here.

We sometimes meet just to chant mantras – especially in the silent retreat

In special events such as the silent retreat at Madhukar Enlighten Life, chanting mantras, including “Om Namah Shivaya”, can be a can be a joyful part. We also chant a mantra dedicated to Shiva during the Pradakshina. These silent retreats provide an opportunity to retreat from the outer hustle and bustle, immerse yourself in silence and have a deeper spiritual experience through chanting mantras.

When we prepare prasad together, we chant mantras

Even in the kitchen while preparing prasad, a spiritual dish, we chant mantras. Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” while preparing can help to sanctify the practice, purify the energy and create an atmosphere of devotion and gratitude.

Overall, chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” at Madhukar Enlighten Life is not so much a spiritual practice, but rather an expression of communal devotion and an expression of joy. It serves to connect the community, open the heart and experience the presence of the divine in every moment.

What does Sri Ramana Maharshi say about reciting mantras?

“Apart from the Enquiry (Self-Enquiry), there are no suitable means to quiet the mind.” If one tries to control the mind by other means, the mind is only apparently controlled, but it will break out again.” (p. 51, Collected Works, Ramana Maharshi)

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References

Ramana Maharshi, Collected Works, Sri Ramanaasramam, Tiruvannamalai, India, 2019

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Hi, I am Shivani

blogger and podcaster at Madhukar Enlighten Life. I have known Madhukar since 2004 and do what I can to ensure that his effective message of happiness is reaching many people.