Affirmations of Faith

Sloka 136

What Is the Holy Namasivaya Mantra?

Namasivaya is among the foremost Vedic mantras. It means "adoration to Siva," and is called the Panchakshara, or "five-letters." Within its celestial sounds and colors resides all of the intuitive knowledge of Saivism.

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How Is Namasivaya Properly Chanted?

The Panchakshara Mantra, Namasivaya, is repeated verbally or mentally, often while counting a mala of rudraksha beads, drawing the mind in upon itself to experience Lord Siva's infinite, all-pervasive presence.

Sloka 138

Is Initiation Necessary to Perform Japa?

The most precious of all Saivite mantras, Namasivaya is freely sung and chanted by one and all. Mantra initiation bestows the permission and power to do japa, regularly repeating Namasivaya 108 times. Without initiation, its repetition has less benefit.

Sloka 139

What Is Saivism's Affirmation of Faith?

The statement "God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality" is a potent affirmation of faith. Said in any of Earth's 3,000 languages, it summarizes the beliefs and doctrines of the Saivite Hindu religion.

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How Is this Affirmation of Faith Used?

When we say the affirmation of faith, we positively assert that God is both manifest and unmanifest, both within the world and beyond it, both personal Divine Love and impersonal Reality.