Mantra Yoga and Shakti Bija Mantras

Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound

‘Shakti Mantras’ are used to worship Shakti and project various types of cosmic energies or Shaktis.

Om is the foremost Shakti bija or seed mantras. There are 8 primary bija mantras, with Aim, Hrim, Klim, Krim, Shrim, Trim, and Strim, as per the Mantra Yoga Samhita. Many such Shakti Mantras are often used in bija mantras, especially to the Goddess.

Shakti Bija Mantras are the most important Mantras used for meditation, healing, worship of deities, or energizing Prana. They carry the great forces or Shaktis of Nature including the energies of Fire and Water, the Sun and Moon, electricity and magnetism, not just as outer factors but as inner potentials of Divine Light and Energy. They project different  aspects of pranic force and inner radiance for body, mind and consciousness. They propel, resonate, and hold the Kundalini Shakti in certain specific ways.

Here are the main energies/Shaktis of the Shakti Mantras:

Prime Shakti Mantras and Energetics

Shakti mantras are related to the primary forms of the Goddess and are traditionally used in her worship. Each of the major goddesses has special Shakti Mantras through which we can gain their blessings. Shakti Mantras are used in Tantric Yoga, where they are combined in different ways to create different outcomes. They have an immense capacity for transformation that extends to the deepest layers of our Prana and consciousness.

Many Shakti Mantras contain the vowel–I, the vibratory ee-sound, which is the main primal sound of Shakti. This i-sound is pronounced ee, for example, Hrim as Hreem.

Many contain the consonant R, which is the seed of fire, heaven, light, order, and dharma and has an energizing and stimulating effect. Some contain the consonant L, which is the seed of water, earth, joy, and bliss and has a stabilizing and calming effect. Many begin with the letter H, which indicates Prana, the Sun, and light, or the letters S or Sh, which indicate the Moon, water, and the mind. Some, like Aum or Aim, have only vowels.

How to Use Shakti Bija Mantras

Shakti mantras can create, sustain, or dissolve various forms, patterns, and forces within us. They have affinities with certain locations in the body or chakras – like Hrim /Hreem and the heart – but also have a broader effect to promote some kinds of forces, like Hrim as solar energy that can be applied on many levels.

The application of Shakti Mantras depends upon the goals that we are using them for (dharma, artha, kama, moksha), the gunas we are energizing them with (sattva, rajas, tamas), or their application through Yoga, Vedic astrology, and Ayurveda. In this manner, the same Shakti Mantra may be used in many different applications.

For example, at an external level, the Mantra Shrim / Shreem connects us to the abundance of our dharma and artha, our career and financial gains, and the fulfillment of our desires/kama. For Yoga practitioners, it bestows devotion to the guru and deity. In Ayurveda, it promotes growth, healing, and nourishment. In Vedic astrology, it is the Moon’s Mantra.

When used with pure or sattvic intentions, Shrim has a nourishing and harmonizing force. If the intention is rajasic, it promotes external achievement and development. At an outer Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity) level, Shrim can bestow the abundance of the material world, while at an inner Lakshmi level, it grants the abundance of the spiritual life, which is devotion, bliss, and the beauty of perception.

Description of Shakti Mantras

Om and Aum

Om is the prime Mantra of the Purusha, the Cosmic Being, the Atman or higher Self. It attunes us to our true nature and higher reality. Om is the sound of Ishvara, the cosmic lord, the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe, who is also the inner guru and prime teacher of Yoga.

Om has 3 parts generally, as A, U and M, with A referring to creation, the waking state and Brahma, the creator; U as sustenance, the dream state and Vishnu the preserver; and M as dissolution, the deep sleep state and Shiva the transformer. More specifically, Om relates to Shiva, the cosmic masculine force.

Om opens and clears the mind for meditation. It causes an ascension and expansion of our energy. It promotes the higher Prana and inner light and leads us to the formless realm. It pulls the sound current up the spine, through the chakras, and out the top of the head. Om also means ‘yes’ and is the sound of assent. It enables us to harmonize with the forces of the universe externally and with our own nature internally.

Aum has the same general effects as Om but has a greater force and Prana, especially for drawing our energy upwards. Oæ extended becomes Aum, which has greater power to expand and pervade, allowing the Divine consciousness to permeate all things.

In relation to Ayurvedic medicine, Om helps harmonize the Prana, body, mind, and senses with the higher Self, Atman, or Divine presence within. It connects us with the cosmic healing Prana. In Vedic astrology, Om is the sound of the Sun and of the higher light behind all the planets and stars.

Relative to other mantras, Om is often used to begin them. It clears the mind for other mantras to work, opens us up to the higher consciousness, and brings a deeper prana into the Mantra. Without first chanting Om, other Mantras may not be effective.

Aim

After Om, Aim (pronounced ‘aym’) is the most common bija mantra. Aim is Om’s feminine counterpart and often follows Om in various chants. Om and Aim are the two main compound vowel mantras, A plus U making Om (and Aum) and A plus I making Aim. Together, they comprehend all sounds.

Om is the unmanifest or expansive aspect of primal sound, while Aim is the manifest or directed form. Om clears the mental field, and Aim helps focus the mind and heart in a certain manner. As Om is the supreme Purusha or cosmic masculine force, Aim is Adya Shakti, the supreme Shakti or cosmic feminine force. It’s why we find Aim in many different Mantras to the Goddess or Divine Mother.

Aim is the seed mantra of Sarasvati, the Goddess of knowledge and speech and the consort of Lord Brahma. Hence, Aim helps us in learning, art, expression, and communication. It is good for promoting learning and education.

Aim is also the Guru’s Mantra and helps us access all higher knowledge. It has the power to invoke wisdom and understanding. It indicates willpower, motivation, and direction. It orients us toward whatever we seek. It boosts concentration and awakens Buddhi, our higher intelligence. Aim is often used to direct our intention or awareness to the deity.

In Ayurveda, Aim strengthens the vocal chords and voice. It opens the lungs and clears the senses. Astrologically, Aim is linked to Mercury and, to some extent, the Moon. Both these planets rule speech and expression.

Hrim

After Om and Aim, Hrim (pronounced ‘hreem’) is perhaps the most commonly used bija Mantra. It is composed of the sound-Ha, which indicates Prana, light, and space, with the sound-Ra, which indicates light, fire, and dharma, and the sound-Ã, which indicates focus, energy, and motivation.

Hrim is the prime Mantra of the Goddess in all of her three main powers of creation, preservation and destruction. So, it is the main Shakti Mantra, with a more specific application than Aim. It is said to be the Shakti bija and to be equivalent to Oæ for the Goddess. More specifically, it relates to Parvati or Shakti, the consort of Shiva.

Hrim is a Mantra of magical force, empowerment, and captivation. It can be used relative to any object or deity whose presence we wish to access at the level of the heart. It gives joy, ecstasy, and bliss.

Hrim is a Mantra for the heart (Hridaya in Sanskrit) on all levels - the spiritual heart, the heart chakra, the emotional heart, or the heart as a physical organ. It energizes the heart, provides warmth, and enables deep feeling and deep thought.

In Ayurveda, Hrim is used to counter heart disease of all types. It helps in longevity and rejuvenation and promotes the pranic and functional aspect of the heart and also the power of circulation of the blood, the lungs, and the nervous system. Generally, it has Pitta (fiery) energy but some Vata (air) energy, too, stimulating the higher pranas and emotions. In Vedic astrology, Hrim relates to the Sun and promotes solar energy, charisma, and expression.

Shrim

Shrim (pronounced ‘shreem’) is one of the most commonly used mantras. It is perhaps the most benefic of all sounds, drawing to us all that is good, helpful and promoting of positive growth and development. Shrim is the seed mantra of Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and abundance, and the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver deity, and brings Lakshmi’s many blessings.

Shrim is the Mantra of faith, devotion, refuge, and surrender. People use it to take refuge in or express devotion to any deity, helping us gain its grace. Shrim relates to the heart in its feeling aspect, whereas Hrim relates to the pranic or functional aspect of the heart.

Shri means ‘splendor’ in Sanskrit, like the beautiful light of the Moon. Shrim is often used along with Hrim. Hrim is solar, while Shrim is lunar. In Vedic astrology, Shrim relates to the Moon and promotes a kind of lunar energy, Soma and beauty overall. But it is also used for other benefic planets like Venus and Jupiter and promotes their positive energies.

In Ayurveda, Shrim is mainly a Kapha (watery and earthy) Mantra for improving health, fertility, happiness, love, and serenity of mind. It is very important for women’s health and brings proper function and circulation to the female reproductive system. Shrim calms the mind and emotions, enabling us to surrender to Divine grace and take refuge in the higher powers.

Krim

Krim (pronounced ‘kreem’) is the first and most important of the consonant Mantras. Such Mantras start with a hard consonant instead of a vowel or sibilant. Krim begins with Ka, the first of the Sanskrit consonants that signifies manifest Prana and the initial phase of energy. It adds the Ra-sound or seed of fire to this.

Krim relates to Vidyut Shakti or the basic electrical energy behind all things in the universe – the Kriya Shakti or power of action on all levels. Krim governs all manifestation including time, space and action (causation).

Krim is the seed Mantra of Kali, the Goddess of time and transformation. She is the consort of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer/Transformer. Through it, we triggers Kali’s power within us. It energizes things to the highest level, which is to raise their level of vibration to the point where we can return to the source.

Krim is a Mantra of yoga, work, and transformative energy. It is the Yoga bija, the ‘seed syllable of Yoga practice’. Its inner application is to awaken the Kundalini Shakti and merge our outer nature into the higher Self. Krim stimulates higher Prana and higher perception, promoting the yogic process of pratyahara (internalization of mind) and giving more power to meditation, concentration, and Samadhi.

In Ayurveda, Krim combines Vata (wind, electrical) energy Mantra with Pitta (fire). It has an electrical force and stimulates all the Pranas and Agnis (biological fires), as well as the circulatory and nervous systems. In Vedic astrology, Krim is related mainly to the planet Mars, the planet of work and effort.

Klim

Klim (pronounced ‘kleem’) is the watery, softer, or more feminine aspect of Krim. As Krim is electrical or projective, Klim has a magnetic quality that attracts things to us.

Klim carries Akarshana Shakti (power of attraction). It relates to Krishna, who grants bliss (Ananda) as a deity, and to Sundari, the Goddess of love and beauty. Klim is the seed Mantra of desire (Kama Bija) and enables us to achieve our true wishes in life. Klim can be used relative to any god or Goddess we would like to connect with to fulfill our wishes. It is the Mantra of love and devotion, and it boosts the love energy in our hearts. Hence, it is a very safe and beneficial Mantra that is also widely used.

In Ayurveda, Klim is mostly a Kapha (water)-promoting Mantra and is good for the reproductive system, plasma, and skin. It promotes Kledaka Kapha (the digestive fluids of the stomach), enhancing our capacity for nourishment. Most importantly, it is specific for Tarpaka Kapha, the Soma of the brain that boosts well-being, soothes the nerves and calms the heart.

Strim and Trim

Strim (pronounced ‘streem’) has the Sa-sound of stability, the Ta-sound, which gives extension, and the Ã-vowel that provides energy, direction, and motivation. It is connected to root meanings like stand, spread, take a step, rise, or traverse from one level to another. It promotes an expansion and spreading of energy that can follow a horizontal expansion, a vertical ascent, or a spiral movement.

Strim is the Shanti bija or the ‘seed syllable of peace’ and carries the Shakti of Sat or Pure being. Stri in Sanskrit also denotes a woman. Strim provides the power of the Divine Feminine (Stri-Shakti) to nourish, give birth, protect, and guide. It is like Shrim in sound qualities but has a more stabilizing effect.

Strim is the seed Mantra of the Hindu Goddess Tara (not the Buddhist deity). Tara is associated with Durga, who is often called Durga-Tara, a protective and fiery form. She is the high priestess and signifies the inner knowledge and the insight of the guru, especially the power of the Word. Tara controls divine weapons, especially the Trishula or trident of Shiva.

In Vedic astrology, Tara is the wife or feminine form of Brihaspati/Jupiter. She is the great star goddess linked to the star Aldeberan (the star Rohini), the bright red star of the constellation Taurus. Brihaspati/Jupiter is the high priest or guru of the Gods, and Tara is the high priestess of the heavens. Strim attunes us to the benefic powers of the stars and Nakshatras and grants astrological knowledge.

In Ayurveda, Strim is important as a healing and empowering Mantra for women, and can help in childbirth and promote women’s health. It strengthens the heart, reproductive system, bones, and circulatory system.

Trim (pronounced ‘treem’) is another version of the Tara Mantra, but more specifically, a Mantra of fire or Tejas. Sans the Sa-sound, it has more of an energy of crossing over and ascending. Tri relates to the number 3 in Sanskrit and the bridging of dualities. It is also the seed Mantra of the Trishula, the trident of Shiva and his most powerful weapon.

Trim is good for overcoming difficulties and inimical forces. It is the sound of Tejas, or the subtle essence of Pitta, which relates to valor, daring, and fearlessness.

Hum

Hum (pronounced ‘hoom’) is an important Sanskrit Mantra, like Om, Aim and Hrim. It is the Pranava or primal sound of Shiva.

Hum (short vowel as in put) is the main Fire or Agni Mantra and helps enkindle fire in all of its forms, including the digestive fire, Pranic fire, and the fire of consciousness. It refers to a gaseous type of fire and with lightning and to the power of Prana and the breath. Hum is a weapon and protection Mantra as well. It can destroy negativity with its lightning fire. It is the Mantra Shiva uses to project the fire from his third eye that can destroy all negativity.

Hum with a long vowel sound means something similar, but it has a more feminine and Shakti quality. It relates to fierce forms of the Goddess like Kali, Chandi and Chhinnamasta. It has the power to cut off and indicates the sword. Hum has a soft potential, too. It is the Dhenu bija, the ‘seed sound of the Mother cow’, calling its calf back to it.

In Ayurveda, Hum increases Tejas and Pitta. It sets all our fiery energies in motion, from the digestive fire to the fire of the mind. It boosts the immune system, especially against active pathogenic attacks. Being a harsh Mantra, one should use it with care, though.

In Vedic astrology, Hum relates to fiery planets like Mars, Sun, or Ketu and tends to increase their fiery properties. It can bring Ketu’s higher perceptive power, which greatly aids Yoga, astrological research, and spiritual healing.

Shakti Mantras should be empowered by Shakti gurus and by the power of practice. There are various aids in meditation, ritual and attunement with the forces of nature and the subtle body, as well as a long term practice. Such seed Mantras may need a properly guided recitation of 108,000 times.

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