Mantra Chanting Therapy – Experience of Sexual Assault

Om Namah Shivaaya” – “Sree Durgaadevyai Namahaa

1. Om Namah Shivaaya

History

• The mantra “Om Namah Shivaaya” is one of the oldest and most revered in Hindu spirituality, originating from the Yajur Veda and the Shiva Purana.
• Known as the Panchakshara Mantra (“five-syllable mantra”: Na–Ma–Shi–Vaa–Ya), it is central to Shaivism, representing Lord Shiva — the eternal consciousness, destroyer of ignorance, and source of transformation.
• Sage Adi Shankaracharya and many yogic traditions describe it as a path to self-realization, symbolizing surrender to the higher Self.

Meaning

• Om – The primordial sound of the universe; represents the infinite consciousness.
• Namah – “I bow” or “I honor.”
• Shivaaya – “To Shiva,” the auspicious one; pure awareness and inner stillness.
• Full Meaning: “I bow to Lord Shiva, the eternal consciousness, the pure Self within all beings.”

Benefits

1. Spiritual Transformation: Awakens inner awareness and connects one to the divine consciousness.
2. Mental Peace: Calms the fluctuations of the mind, reducing anxiety and restlessness.
3. Emotional Balance: Helps dissolve negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and fear.
4. Healing Energy: Promotes vibrational harmony, supporting physical and energetic purification.
5. Chakra Activation: Resonates primarily with the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat), promoting truthfulness, self-expression, and clarity.
6. Self-Realization: Encourages detachment, humility, and surrender to the higher self.

Precautions

• Chant with sincerity, focus, and purity of intention — not mechanically or for material gain.
• Avoid chanting when angry, intoxicated, or in an unclean state.
• Prefer chanting after bathing or during meditation in a clean, calm environment.
• Maintain awareness of breath and vibration during chanting; it is not a loud chant but a meditative vibration.

 2. Sree Durgaadevyai Namahaa

History

• The mantra “Sree Durgaadevyai Namahaa” comes from the Devi Mahatmya (also known as Durga Saptashati or Chandi Path), part of the Markandeya Purana.
• It venerates Goddess Durga, the supreme form of the Divine Mother, representing Shakti (cosmic energy) — the power behind creation, preservation, and destruction.
• This mantra has been recited since ancient times by sages, seekers, and warriors for protection, courage, and spiritual empowerment.

Meaning

• Sree – Denotes auspiciousness, prosperity, and divine grace.
• Durgaa – “The one who removes difficulties” (from ‘Dur’ = difficult, ‘Ga’ = to go beyond).
• Deviyai – To the Goddess, the divine feminine energy.
• Namahaa – “I bow” or “I offer salutations.”
• Full Meaning: “I bow to the Divine Mother Durga, who destroys ignorance, removes obstacles, and blesses her devotees with protection, strength, and wisdom.”

Benefits

1. Protection & Strength: Invokes the Goddess’s energy to protect from negativity, fear, and misfortune.
2. Empowerment & Courage: Instills confidence, resilience, and self-reliance.
3. Emotional Healing: Balances feminine (Shakti) and masculine (Shiva) energies within.
4. Purification: Cleanses the aura and energy channels (nadis), removing emotional toxins.
5. Chakra Activation: Primarily activates the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus) — the center of willpower, confidence, and vitality.
6. Spiritual Upliftment: Deepens devotion (bhakti) and awakens the inner divine feminine power.

Precautions

• Maintain purity of heart and surroundings during chanting.
• Avoid chanting during extreme emotional distress or impurity (e.g., anger, violence, or negativity).
• The mantra is potent; practice grounding (e.g., pranayama, meditation) afterward to stabilize energy.
• Women can chant during all times, but deep ritualistic forms (Tantric sadhanas) may have specific guidelines from tradition.

Combined Chanting (Om Namah Shivaaya – Sree Durgaadevyai Namahaa)

Spiritual Significance

Chanting these two together harmonizes Shiva’s consciousness (awareness) with Durga’s energy (power).

• Shiva represents pure being (Sat), the silent witness.
• Durga represents dynamic energy (Shakti), the cosmic movement.
  Together they reflect the union of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (energy) — the complete balance of creation and liberation.

Yogic Benefits

• Balances Ida and Pingala Nadis (lunar and solar energies).
• Promotes harmony between mind and emotion, intellect and intuition.
• Helps practitioners prepare for deeper meditation or inner silence.
• Strengthens spiritual protection and inner stability.

Practice

• Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening (Sandhya).
• Posture: Sit in a steady meditative pose with spine erect.
• Method:
  1. Begin with 3 deep breaths to center yourself.
  2. Chant slowly with feeling:
     • Om Namah Shivaaya (108 times)
     • Sree Durgaadevyai Namahaa (108 times)
  3. Sit in silence afterward, absorbing the vibration.
• Focus Point: Heart or Ajna (third-eye) center.
• Optional: Light a lamp or incense to enhance sattvic (pure) atmosphere.