A Mantra is a word, syllable, or phrase that possesses mystical qualities, a reverberation that reaches out to the divine force of energy. 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.
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.
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