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There are many seed mantras, or Bija mantras. The language of the Vedas is based on an earlier, primal language, thought to be the source of these syllables. These are individual syllable sounds that have multiple meanings dependent upon intention and intonation.
The most primal and powerful of all mantras is the syllable “OM”. Most mantras begin with “OM” and many also end with it. “OM’ recurs in many religions, as the Amin in Islam, the Amen in Christianity and Judaism, and to Buddhists, Hindus and Jains as Aum. The “M” sound is made by pressing the lips together so that it vibrates nasally. This vibration then stimulates the pituitary gland, the door of the Ajna chakra. It is a mantra that is used for protection, strength and grace. “OM” means peace, and it is the “unstruck sound”, the universal white noise of the creation.
Other seed mantras are
AIM (pronounced I’m) seed syllable of the guru
HRĪM (Hreem) seed syllable of Shakti, creative female power
KLĪM (Kleem) seed syllable of desire
KRĪM (Kreem) seed syllable of union
SHRĪM (Shreem) seed syllable of delight, sacred to Lakshmi
TRĪM (Treem) seed syllable of fire
STRĪM (Streem) seed syllable of shanti, peace
HLĪM (Hleem) seed syllable of protection.
Also used as bīja mantras are the seed syllables LAM, VAM, YAM, RAM AND HAM, associated with the five elements, and HUM, and PHAT (shield and weapon, respectively). Using a seed mantra can add power and focus to the intention of the mantra. Some mantras are composed of all bija syllables, creating a chant of great intensity.
For example, the ‘Four Great Goddess Mantra’ is composed exclusively of bija mantras, and like the Gayatri, is connected to the elements and the divine.
HRĪM (pronounced as Hreem) is the primary mantra of the Great goddess, and awakens the soul to the force of divine love and truth. It has a sun-like quality that connects to the dawn rising, and allows us to know the truth and recognize the illusion. It is a mantra of the collective consciousness of all worlds and all points in time.
KRĪM (Kreem) is the primary mantra of Kali, the dark goddess of transformation. It has power connected to the lower chakras, and can stimulate the kundalini to purify and transform the body. It is a mantra of great energy, and should be used with care. It carries an atmospheric charge, like a wind that blows the clouds, and is a mantra of the active work of transformation.
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