Bija is Sanskrit for “seed.” Bija mantras are simple sounds that have no meaning. However, vibrations caused by their repetition can result in activation of psychophysiological realities. For example, the bija mantras associated with the seven major chakras are as follows:

Chakra..........Bija Mantra
7th......................Silence
6th......................Om
5th......................Ham
4th......................Yam
3rd......................Ram
2nd......................Vam
1st......................Lam


Because this system is quite ancient, and because transliteration from one language to another is not always represented the same way, writings may show slight differences in the above spellings. For example, some authorities use “Lum” or “Lung” for “Lam.”