OṂ LAYE SOMBHODAYETH CHITTAM
Aavartan Dhyana Mantra
Oṃ laye sombhodayeth chittam
vikṣiptam śamayet punaḥ
sakaṣāyam vijāniyāt
Samaprāptam na cālayet
Oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
Stimulate the dull mind Calm down the excited mind Keep repeating the process of stimulation and relaxation till you experience the Bliss After experiencing the Bliss don’t disturb the mind, keep enjoying the Bliss. Om Peace Peace Peace.
History
This mantra is from Tantric and yogic traditions, often cited in Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and meditative practices.
It appears in esoteric texts related to mantra yoga and meditative awakening, where specific bija mantras are used to harmonize the mind and subtle energies.
Traditionally, it is used in meditation for calming and focusing the mind, often during pranayama or dhyāna, to awaken the inner consciousness and facilitate mental clarity and emotional balance.
The mantra is considered part of “Soma invocation” practices, which draw symbolic reference to Soma, the moon, or the elixir of consciousness in Vedic and Tantric symbolism.
Etymology & Meaning
Sanskrit Components:
Oṃ – The primordial sound; universal consciousness; the seed of creation.
Laye – May dissolve, unify, or merge.
Sombhodayeth – Let the mind be illuminated or awakened by Soma (moon/nectar/mental clarity).
Chittam – Mind, consciousness, awareness.
Literal Meaning:
“Oṃ, may the mind be absorbed and awakened by Soma (divine elixir/mental illumination).”
Symbolic Meaning:
Laye indicates dissolution of distractions or ego fluctuations.
Sombhodayeth suggests the awakening or illumination of consciousness.
The mantra aims at purifying and focusing the mind, preparing it for meditation, insight, and inner clarity.
Benefits
a) Spiritual
Facilitates meditative absorption (samadhi).
Awakens subtle consciousness through the symbolic energy of Soma.
Purifies the mind of distractions and aligns it with higher awareness.
b) Psychological
Calms the nervous system and reduces mental agitation.
Enhances focus, concentration, and emotional balance.
Supports mental clarity, mindfulness, and introspection.
c) Practical / Yogic
Used in dhyāna and mantra meditation to stabilize attention.
Helps anchor the mind in present awareness, reducing wandering thoughts.
May be integrated into pranayama or chakra meditation to support energy flow toward the crown or third eye.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Should be chanted or meditated on with focused attention, not mechanically.
Beginners should combine with breath awareness, as intense mental focus may cause slight fatigue if done incorrectly.
Avoid using it without understanding the symbolic meaning, as its subtle purpose is mental absorption and clarity.
Science of the Mantra
a) Neuroscience
Repetition of Oṃ + focused phrase engages vagal stimulation, increasing parasympathetic activity and reducing stress.
The mantra supports alpha and theta brainwave activity, associated with relaxed alertness and meditative states.
Enhances prefrontal cortex activation, improving attention and decision-making.
b) Psychology
Chanting with visualization promotes cognitive control, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
Symbolic use of Soma can trigger positive imagery and calming associations, helping regulate mood and mental clarity.
c) Energy Science (Yoga/Tantra)
“Laye” dissolves mental fluctuations (vrittis), allowing prāṇa to stabilize.
Soma represents cooling, calming energy, often associated with the moon, Ida nadi, or meditative mind.
Helps align subtle body energy (chakras, nadis) toward mental clarity and higher awareness.