The Shivoham mantra is nested in the sacred whispers of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy attempting to unite one with Lord Shiva. In a sense Lord Shiva encompasses universal consciousness. It has a deep relationship with self-realization and awareness of one's divine-self. The text of the mantra is simple: "Shivoham, Shivoham," literally meaning:
"I am Shiva, I am Shiva."
It becomes slightly extended in the discrete verses taken from the Atma Shatkam (or Nirvana Shatkam) by Adi Shankaracharya:
Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chittani Naham, Na Cha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre; Na Cha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu, Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham.
A Mantra is a word, syllable, or phrase that has mystical properties, a vibration that connects to the universal sacred energetic force. Some of us chant mantra to stay calm, positive and motivated. The act of invoking a Mantra is one among a plethora of methods in spiritual circles leading its practitioner towards Self Realization. The secret and true power of the Mantra is the ability to awaken the self and propel him toward higher consciousness on his spiritual path. The effectiveness of a Mantra lies primarily in the experience and feeling its recitation elicits. The term mantra is commonly taken to be that which awakens the inner shakti so one can reach an undistracted state-from there, effortless shakti will work. A Mantra can also be used by vested spiritual teachers (Gurus) to introduce their disciples (Shishyas). Most of us can think of Mantras like OM, Om Nama Shivaya, and Shivoham recited regularly by sadhakas. In spirituality, each Mantra is associated with some aspect of Shakti, and in actively creating this Shakti comes discovered bliss. The name is attributed to the deity, and being Mantra, positive changes take place in the sadhaka. A certain mantra of interest to the followers of Shiva, especially those adhering to (or connected with) the Trika philosophy (presently referred to as Kashmir Saivism), is shivoham. This mantra is employed by Shaiva Yogis for self-awareness. Upon discerning its meaning, an insight regarding the true value of the Mantra would be warranted. What Shivoham denotes is, literally, "I am Shiva." In simple terms, it suggests "the individual self is, in reality, the same as Shiva" or "there is practically no differentiation at all." That is the state called by Shiva-Sadhakas the state of unity.
The power of this mantra is that it helps to dissolve the ego, which is the source of suffering. We often associate ourselves with our body, mind, emotions and worldly roles that end in attachment, pride, fear, and sadness. Through chanting or meditating this mantra of “Shivoham” the seeker slowly detaches himself from these temporary identities and realizes that there is an eternal self which transcends the transitory experiences of life. This realization brings inner peace, fearlessness, and release from the endless cycle of desire and disappointment. The mantra serves as a self-remembrance which will guide the seeker back to what they are.
On an intellectual level, the mantra "Shivoham" is rooted in Advaita Vedanta, which teaches oneness. According to this teaching, there is no separation between the self and the Absolute. To say "Shivoham" is to acknowledge that Divinity is not something external that has to be attained; it is already within us. Such a realization can change one's entire lifestyle and perception of life. Things that were once a source of misery become easier to handle, as the self is known to be eternal and impervious to pain. Practice of the mantra provides balance and strength.
Practically speaking, the recitation of the mantra "Shivoham" during meditation calms the restless mind and aligns it with a state of being. It serves as a reminder that beyond the relentless change of life, there is a basis of bliss and calm. For those who are on the spiritual path, it serves as a light that pierces the separation of our illusion, and reminds us of our Divine self. Shivoham elevates our consciousness from the ordinary to the sacred, from the limited to the boundless. The power of "Shivoham" is also its awakening of self-realization.
According to Trika philosophy, reality and truth are one and the same as Lord Shiva. It is derived from the chanting and ancient texts of the Hindus and deep teachings from spiritual masters. The mantra is thus closely bound with the rich myth of Lord Shiva and the symbolism it embodies; the god of destruction, renewal, and transcendence, along with Vishnu and Brahma, is the supreme deity in Hinduism that exemplifies those qualities. Other ancient texts described him as the ultimate reality, the one who is responsible for the evolution of this world, and pure consciousness. Thus, the words of this chant, "Shivoham Shivoham," capture the essence of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical tradition that is articulating the unity of the self with the ineffable supreme reality. It is through considering the teachings of spiritual masters and through repeated chanting of this mantra that devotees suppose to accomplish recollection of their divine essence and strive towards enlightenment. It is an oral tradition that has been passed down by the Gurus and their disciples, and it is one of the greatest assets nature has provided for the devotees on their spiritual path. Chanting it in pure devotion connects the devotee with the primordial knowledge and spiritual energies of Lord Shiva that would uplift the awareness, expansion of consciousness, and realization of one's true divine nature.
(Writer: Vivek Koul, owner of this blog)
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