The Five Root Mantras
Exploring the profound world of mantras, this article delves into five primary mantras—OM AIM HREEM SHREEM KLEEM—that hold significant meanings and applications in deeper Yoga Sadhanas. Individually and in combination, these mantras interconnect our minds, prana (life force), and speech, leading to the deepest levels of creativity and transcendence. Let’s uncover the essence and connections of these root mantras.
Root Mantras for Deeper Practice
OM
OM is the supreme mantra symbolizing the divine Self and transcendental reality in Vedantic philosophy. It is the foundation for all other mantras, the Sanskrit alphabet, and the Vedas. Primarily associated with the Sahasrara (thousand-petal lotus) and Ajna Chakra (third eye), OM embodies the essence of Shiva Mahadev, Brahma, and Vishnu. It is described in the Yoga Sutras as giving transcendental power and meaning to all other mantras.
AIM
The mantra AIM holds the creative power of speech, related to the Vishuddha (throat chakra) and Saraswati. AIM brings all mantras into vocal form, promoting higher intelligence, articulation, art, and knowledge.
HRIM (pronounced HREEM)
HRIM is the mantra of the heart’s solar energy, connecting both the physical and spiritual heart (Hridaya). It is the primary mantra of the Goddess, particularly Shakti as Shiva’s consort, drawing all mantras into the heart chakra (Anahata) and the spiritual heart. HRIM is considered the primal sound of the Goddess, energizing all her mantras.
SHRIM (pronounced SHREEM)
SHRIM represents the lunar aspect of the heart, focusing on receptivity, devotion, and the divine feminine energy of Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. It brings health, harmony, prosperity, and alignment with universal beneficial forces. SHRIM enhances beauty, receptivity, and devotion.
KLIM (pronounced KLEEM)
KLIM is the root mantra of the heart, embodying love, bliss, attraction, and the fulfillment of true desires. It connects and attracts the deepest aspirations of the heart.
Mantras and the Divine Mother
These five root mantras draw consciousness into the heart, cultivating its energy. They are revered mantras linked to the Goddess, used in combinations such as OM AIM HRIM SHRIM KLIM, or simply HRIM, SHRIM, KLIM for accessing the benevolent powers of the Mother of the Universe. Often used with the Sri Yantra and its Panchadashi Mantra, these combinations provide profound spiritual benefits.
Mantras and the Five Pranas
OM AIM HREEM SHREEM KLEEM connect at multiple cosmic levels, interlinked with the five Vayus (life forces) on physical, mental, and transcendental planes. Speech (Vak) and prana naturally go together, directing and expanding energy across dimensions. These five Shakti Mantras harmonize and unify our pranas, connecting them to their subtle counterparts throughout the universe.
- PRANA: Root prana linked to OM, carrying cosmic energy.
- UDANA: Governs the throat chakra, linked to AIM, facilitating deep intelligent communication.
- VYANA: Expands through the heart, linked to HREEM, representing solar energy.
- SAMANA: Brings balance and harmony to the heart, linked to SHRIM, the harmonizing lunar energy.
- APANA: Governs earth and water energies, linked to KLEEM, fostering love, creativity, and grounding.
Discover the incredible potential of these root mantras in your practice, as they help harmonize our five pranas and connect us to the universal energy.
