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April 28, 2005

Sounds Of The Chakras

Bija Mantras

Within each human being lies the power to affect change through the

power of a chant, the spoken words, or even a gentle whisper. The

body's chakras or energy centers, so closely intertwined with their

corresponding regions of the body, can be represented in sound, which

parallels the energy pattern of the chakras and is symbolic of their

essences. These unique sounds are the bija, or seed, mantras. The

mantras are the one-syllable seed sounds that, when said aloud,

activate the energy of the chakras in order to purify and balance the

mind and body. When you speak the bija mantras, you resonate with the

energy of the associated chakra, helping you focus upon your own

instinctive awareness of your body and its needs.

OM is the most renowned and expansive of the bija mantras. It is the

mantra of assent and the form of creation, causing energy to surge

upward and outward.

KRIM (pronounced as 'kreem') stimulates and transforms the lower

chakras, awakening and purifying the body.

SHRIM (pronounced 'shreem') is associated with the head and third eye

and, while promoting health, can be used to flood the senses with

delight and beauty.

HRIM (pronounced 'hreem') holds creativity and healing powers.

Speaking it has the power to awaken and purify the heart.

HUM (pronounced 'hoom') destroys negativity and inspires vitality

throughout the body.

In traditional Hatha Yoga, the seven cleansing bija mantras associated

with the chakras are:

LAM for the earth chakra (1)

VAM for the water chakra (2)

RAM for the fire chakra (3)

YAM for the heart chakra (4)

HAM for the throat chakra (5)

AUM for the third eye (6)

AH for the crown chakra (7)

But the seed mantras, which are vessels of a self-generating power,

are by no means truly rigid. The meaning of each seed mantra can be

subtly changed through their intonation and the intention of those who

speak them. When you chant the bija mantras, either one at a time or

in sequences most often beginning with OM, your mind will be gradually

become attuned to the mantras' finer frequencies until the source

energy is reached and the mantra becomes the seed of spiritual energy

of the chakras.