Bija

Bija is a Sanskrit term meaning "seed." In Hinduism, yoga, and tantric traditions, bija refers to a seed syllable used as a mantra that encodes a particular energetic principle or deity. Bija mantras are typically short, often monosyllabic sounds, and are believed to energize specific channels or chakras when repeated with focused attention and mindful breath.

Common bija syllables include LAM, VAM, RAM, YAM, and HAM, with OM sometimes used for higher spiritual centers. These syllables are associated with elemental or divine qualities and are taught within teacher–student lineages. They can be chanted aloud, whispered, or repeated mentally and are used in meditation, ritual, and visualization to focus the mind, awaken subtle energies, and stabilize concentration.

Outside of spiritual practice, bija serves as the general meaning of "seed" in Sanskrit and in many Indian languages. In everyday language, bija denotes the seed of a plant and appears in horticultural terms as well as classical literature and philosophy. The word thus spans both esoteric and ordinary usage, reflecting its roots in language and symbolism.

In Buddhist tantric contexts, seed syllables carry a similar function: they are used to evoke particular deities or energies within the practitioner's visualization and meditation practices. Across traditions, bija mantras function as compact symbolic sounds that practitioners employ to access and harmonize internal processes as part of their spiritual paths.