the aspects or forms of the One Supreme Being, so the various Bija-Aksharas or Bija-Mantras are so many aspects or forms of the Supreme Bija or Mantra, viz., OM. Eventhe letters 'A', 'U' and 'M' do not really give the transcendental or original state of sound. Even this triliteral sound is only an expression or manifestation of the highestprimal Dhvani or vibration. The transcendental sound of OM is heard only by Yoginsand not by the ordinary ear. In the correct pronunciation of OM the sound proceedsfrom the navel, with a deep and harmonious vibration, and gradually manifests itself by stages at the upper part of the nostrils where the Anusvara or the Chandrabinduis sounded.Generally a Bija-Mantra consists of a single letter. Sometimes it constitutes severalsyllables. For example, the Bija-Mantra 'Kam' has a single letter with the Anusvara orthe Chandrabindu which forms termination of all Bija-Mantras. In the Chandrabindu,Nada and Bindu are blended together. Some Bija-Mantras are made up of compoundletters, such as the Mantra 'Hreem'. The Bija-Mantras have a significant innermeaning and often do not convey any meaning on their face. Their meaning issubtle, mystic. The form of the Bija-Mantra is the form of the Devata signified by it. The Bijas of the five Mahabhutas or great elements, i.e., of the Devatas or thepresiding intelligences of the elements, viz., Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, arerespectively Ham, Yam, Ram, Vam and Lam. The meanings of a few Bija-Mantras aregiven here, to serve as examples.OMOM consists of three letters: 'A', 'U' and 'M'. It signifies the three periods of time, thethree states of consciousness, the entire existence. 'A' is the waking state or Viratand Visva. 'U' is the dreaming state of Hiranyagarbha and Taijasa. 'M' is the sleepingstate or Isvara and Prajna. Study the Mandukyopanishad in detail in order tounderstand the meaning of OM.HAUMIn this Mantra, Ha is Siva. Au is Sadasiva. The Nada and Bindu mean that whichdispels sorrow. With this Mantra Lord Siva should be worshipped.DUMHere Da means Durga. U means to protect. Nada means the mother of the universe.Bindu signifies action (worship or prayer). This is the Mantra of Durga.
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