In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Om Namah Shivaya, the fundamental mantra of Shiva and its deeper meaning of surrender and transformation.

Mula means root, so this mantra is the foundation, the basis, and the most rooted of the mantras for Shiva, who has many mantras, as does Vishnu. That mantra is Om Namah Shivaya.

Om itself can also be used as a mantra for Shiva because it contains everything. It includes creation, preservation, and destruction. A represents creation, U represents preservation, and M represents destruction. Therefore, although Shiva is often thought of as the god of destruction, in reality he is frequently understood as containing all three aspects together.

Outside Mumbai, in the harbor of Mumbai, there is an island called Elephanta, where there is a sculpture from almost two thousand years ago showing Shiva in his three-faced form, representing creation, preservation, and destruction.

Om Shivaya can be interpreted in many ways, but one thing we can clearly understand is the meaning of Shivaya. Shivaya means “to Shiva,” and Shiva means auspicious. Even though Shiva is the destroyer, even though he brings an end to life, he is auspicious because through destruction he removes limitations. He allows things to begin again and prevents us from becoming permanently trapped in one condition.

Namaha means “I bow down to.” A deeper interpretation of Namaha is na, meaning “not,” and maha, meaning “mine.” Therefore, Namaha can also mean “it is not mine.” It is an acknowledgment that this reality is beyond the individual ego, beyond the idea that “I” possess permanence or complete control.

When we say Om Namah Shivaya, we are recognizing something beyond our limited identity. We are bowing before that which is transcendent, awakened, and connected with the Supreme Reality.

Many people also interpret the five syllables of Namah Shivaya as representing the five elements. Na represents earth, Ma represents water, Shi represents fire, Va represents air, and Ya represents space. Therefore, when we chant Om Namah Shivaya, we are invoking all five elements.

Shiva is the one who ultimately takes us beyond the five elements when he removes our limitations at death. By invoking the five elements through this mantra, we are acknowledging that our life is possible because of these elements and because of Shiva. We are saying: I am grateful to be alive, my existence is auspicious because of you, and I surrender completely. Please help me move beyond my limitations and guide me toward Supreme Reality.