Muni's PlayIntroduction
Sanskrit
अथ भूतडामरतन्त्रोक्त बीजाभिधानम् बीजसंकेतबोधार्थमाहृत्य तन्त्रशास्त्रतः । बोजनामानि कतिचिद् वक्ष्यामि विदुषां मुदे ॥
Translation
Now begins the naming of the Bijas as stated in the Bhuta Damara Tantra. To facilitate the understanding of the secret codes (sanketa) of these seed syllables, I have extracted them from the Tantric scriptures and shall state some of them for the delight of the learned.
The First Bija: Hūṃ (हूँ)
Sanskrit
क्षतजस्थो व्योमवक्त्रो धूम्रभैरव्यलंकृतः । नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तो बीजं प्राथमिकं स्मृतम् ॥
Translation
Seated upon blood (Kshataja – representing the letter ‘Ha’), with the face of the sky/void (Vyoma – also signifying ‘Ha’), adorned by Dhumra Bhairavi (representing the vowel ‘u’ or ‘ū’), and conjoined with Nada and Bindu (the nasal sound ‘m’); this is known as the Primary Bija (Hūṃ).
The Bija of Maya: Hrīṃ (ह्रीं)
Sanskrit
माया लज्जा परा सम्वित त्रिगुणा भुवनेश्वरी । हृल्लेखा शम्भुवनिता शक्तिदेवीश्वरी शिवा ।। महामाया पार्वती च संस्थानकृतरूपिणी । परमेश्वरी च भुवनाधात्री जीवनमध्यगा ।। ह्रीं ॥
Translation
Maya (Illusion), Lajja (Modesty), Para (The Supreme), Samvit (Pure Consciousness), Triguna (The Goddess of three qualities), Bhuvaneshvari (Sovereign of the worlds), Hrillekha (The streak within the heart), Shambhu-vanita (Consort of Shiva), Shakti, Devi, Ishvari, and Shiva. She is also Mahamaya, Parvati, the one who gives form to all structures (Sansthana-krita-rupini), the Supreme Goddess, the Supporter of the worlds, and she who dwells in the midst of life. This is Hrīṃ.
The Steady Maya
Sanskrit
वतिहीनेन्द्रयुङ् माया स्थिरमाया प्रकीत्तिता ॥ ह्रीं ।
Translation
When the Maya Bija is devoid of the ‘va’ sound and joined with the ‘Indra’ element (the vowel ‘i’), it is proclaimed as Sthira-Maya (Steady Maya).
The Bija of Fortune: Śrīṃ (श्रीं)
Sanskrit
शाग्निशान्ति-बिन्दुनादर्लक्ष्मीप्रणव उच्यते । श्रीलक्ष्मीविष्णुवनिता रमा क्षीरसमुद्रजा ।। श्रीं ।
Translation
The letter ‘Śa’ combined with Agni (the letter ‘Ra’), Shanti (the vowel ‘ī’), and Bindu-Nada (the nasal ‘m’) is called the Lakshmi-Pranava (the sacred syllable of Lakshmi). Its names are Shri, Lakshmi, Vishnu-vanita (Consort of Vishnu), Rama, and Kshira-samudra-ja (She who was born from the Ocean of Milk). This is Śrīṃ.
The Bija of the Bride: Strīṃ (स्त्रीं)
Sanskrit
षोडशव्यञ्जनं वह्नि-वामाक्षि-बिन्दु-संयुतम् । चन्द्रबीज-समारूढ़ वधूवीजमिदं स्मृतम् ॥ वधूर्वामेक्षणा योषिदेकाक्षी स्त्री च कामिनी ।। स्त्री ।।
Translation
The sixteenth consonant (the letter ‘Sa’) combined with Vahni (Fire, the letter ‘Ra’), the Left Eye (the vowel ‘ī’), and Bindu, mounted upon the Moon-seed (the letter ‘Ta’); this is known as the Vadhu-Bija (The Bija of the Bride). Its names are Vadhu (Bride), Vamekshana (The left-eyed one), Yoshi (Woman), Ekakshi (The one-eyed), Stri, and Kamini (The desirable one). This is Strīṃ.
The Bija of Knowledge: Aiṃ (ऐं)
Sanskrit
नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तो द्वादशस्तु स्वरो भगः । योनिः सरस्वतीबीजमक्षरं वाग्भवं च वाक् ।। ऐं ।।
Translation
The twelfth vowel (which is ‘Ai’ in the Sanskrit alphabet) joined with Nada and Bindu is known as Bhaga. Its synonyms are Yoni, Saraswati-bija (the seed of the Goddess of Wisdom), Akshara (the Imperishable), Vagbhava (the origin of speech), and Vak (Speech itself). This is Aiṃ.
The Bija of Power: Hūṃ (हूँ)
Sanskrit
हकारो वामकर्णाढ्यो नादबिन्दु-विभूषितः । कूर्च क्रोध उग्रदो दीर्घसूङ्कार उच्यते ॥ शब्दश्च दीर्घकवचं ताराप्रणव इत्यपि ॥ हूं।
Translation
The letter ‘Ha’ adorned with the left ear (the long vowel ‘ū’) and decorated with Nada and Bindu is called Kurcha, Krodha (Wrath), and Ugra (The Terrible). It is also known as the long Hunkara, the Dirgha-Kavacha (the great armor), and the Tara-Pranava (the sacred syllable of Goddess Tara). This is Hūṃ.
The Bija of Kali: Krīṃ (क्रीं)
Sanskrit
कामाक्षरं वह्विसंस्थं रतिबिन्दुविभूषितम् । कालीबीजमिदं प्रोक्तं रतिबीजं तदेव हि ।। क्रीं ।।
Translation
The letter of Kama (the letter ‘Ka’) established upon Vahni (Fire, the letter ‘Ra’) and adorned with Rati (the vowel ‘ī’) and Bindu is proclaimed as the Kali-bija. It is also known as the Rati-bija. This is Krīṃ.
The Bija of Desire: Klīṃ (क्लीं)
Sanskrit
कामाक्षरं धरासंस्थं रतिबिन्दुविभूषितम् । गुह्यकालीबीजमिदं गोपालबीजमित्यपि ॥ तत् कामबीजं कामेशीबीजं शक्तिस्त्वसौ परा ॥ क्लीं ।।
Translation
The letter of Kama (‘Ka’) established upon Dhara (Earth, the letter ‘La’) and adorned with Rati (‘ī’) and Bindu is the Guhyakali-bija. It is also called the Gopala-bija (associated with Krishna), the Kama-bija, and the Kameshi-bija. This is the Supreme Shakti herself. This is Klīṃ.
The Prasada & Hook Bijas: Hauṃ (हौ) & Kroṃ (क्रों)
Sanskrit
सत्यान्तयुग् व्योम सेन्दु शैवं प्रासादमुच्यते ॥ हो। कलाद्यं क्लेदिनीबीजं ॥ ह्रीं । क्रोङ्कारस्त्वंकुशाभिधः ।। क्रों ।।
Translation
The end of truth (the 14th vowel, ‘au’) joined with Vyoma (‘Ha’) and the Moon (Bindu) is called the Shaiva-Prasada (The Palace/Grace of Shiva). This is Hauṃ. The syllable Hrīṃ is called the Kledini-bija. The syllable Kroṃ is known by the name Ankusha (The Elephant Hook/Goad).
The Noose and Combined Bija: Āṃ (आं) & Klhrīṃ (क्ल्ह्रीं)
Sanskrit
आकारो बिन्दुमान् पाश: शेषश्च समुदीरित: ॥ सकला भुवनेशानी कामेशीबीजमुच्यते ॥ क्ल्ह्रीं ॥
Translation
The letter ‘Ā’ with a Bindu is called Pasha (The Noose) and also Shesha. The syllable comprising the full power of the Goddess of the Universe (Sakala Bhuvaneshani) is called the Kameshi-bija. This is Klhrīṃ (a combination of Ka + La + Ha + Ra + ī + m).
The Ritual Limbs (Anga Mantras)
Sanskrit
नमस्तु हृदयं ॥ नमः ॥ स्वाहा विठष्ठयुगलं ठठः । चन्द्रयुग्मं शिरो देवमाता ज्वलनसुन्दरी ।।
स्वाहा परा देवभोज्यं ठद्वयं चन्द्रयुग्मकम् । श्रवो हविर्वेदमाता देवास्यं वह्निसुन्दरी ॥ स्वाहा ।।
Translation
Salutations to the heart (Namastu Hridayam). Namah Swaha. The pair of ‘Tha’ (Thishtha-yugalam) and ‘Tha-Tha’ (Tha-Tha-hah). The pair of Moons (Chandra-yugmam) is the head. The Mother of the Gods (Devamata) is the beautiful flame (Jwalana-Sundari).
Swaha is the supreme food of the gods (Deva-bhojyam). The double ‘Tha’ (Tha-dvayam) and the pair of Moons. The ears (Shravo) are the oblation (Havi). The Mother of the Vedas (Vedamata) is the mouth of the gods, the beautiful fire (Vahni-Sundari). Swaha.
The Protective and Weapon Mantras
Sanskrit
शिखा वषट् शिरोमध्यं शक्रमाता हरप्रिया । शिखा वषट् च ॥ वषट् ।। कवचं क्रोधो वर्म हुमित्यपि । क्रोधाख्यो हूं तनुत्रञ्च शस्त्रादौ रिपुसंज्ञकः ।। हूं।’ अस्त्रनेत्रयुग ॥ वौषट् ॥ फडस्त्रं शस्त्रमायुधम् ।। फट ।। तार्तीयन्तु हेसौः प्रेतबीजं ।। हेसौ: ।। हंसोऽजपामनुः ।। हंसः ।।
Translation
Vaṣaṭ is the Shikha (the tuft/crest mantra), residing in the middle of the head; she is the Mother of Indra and the beloved of Shiva (Harapriya). Hūṃ is the Kavacha (Armor), also called Krodha (Wrath) and Varma (Shield). This “Wrathful seed” serves as the protector of the body (Tanutra) and is used as a weapon against enemies (Ripusamjnaka).
The Seeds of Ganesha and Earth
Sanskrit
गकारो बिन्दुमान् विघ्नरा(बी)जं गणेशबीजकम् ॥ गं ।। स्मृतिस्थं मांसमोबिन्दुयुतं भूबीजमीरितम् ।। ग्लौं ।
Translation
The letter ‘Ga’ with a Bindu (dot) is the seed of the Lord of Obstacles, the Ganesha-bija (Gaṃ). The letter ‘Ga’ combined with Mansa (the letter ‘La’), Smriti (the vowel ‘au’), and a Bindu is proclaimed as the Bhu-bija (Earth seed). This is Glauṃ.
The Vimba and Kamakala Seeds
Sanskrit
ठान्तं हनन नेत्रेन्दु-युतन्तु विम्बबीजकम् ॥ ड्रीं ॥ अथ कामकला वामनयनं बिन्दु-संयुतम् । अर्कमाता कला वाणी नादोऽर्धेन्दुः सदाशिवः ।। अनुच्चार्या तुरीया च विश्वमातृकला परा॥ नादः ।।
Translation
The letter after ‘Tha’ (which is ‘Da’) combined with Hanana (the letter ‘Ra’), Netra (the long vowel ‘ī’), and Indu (Bindu) is the Vimba-bija. This is Ḍrīṃ.
The Omkara (Pranava)
Sanskrit
प्रणवो विषबीजं स्याद् ध्रुवं हालाहलं स्मृतम् । काल: श्रुतिमुर्ख ज्ञेयं बहुरूपि निरञ्जनम् ।। प्रणवम् ॥
Translation
The Pranava (Om) is known as the seed of poison; it is remembered as the steady Halahala (primordial poison). It should be known as Time (Kala), the mouth of the Vedas, the multi-formed, and the stainless (Niranjana).
Decoding
This identifies ॐ (OM) as the source of all vibration, possessing both destructive (poison) and creative power.
The Maya Bija (Hrim)
Sanskrit
क्षतजस्थो व्योमवक्त्रो धूम्रभरव्यलंकृतः । नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तो बीज प्राथमिकं स्मृतम् ॥ ह्रीं ॥
Translation
Standing in blood (Kshataja = letter ‘Ha’), with the mouth of the sky (Vyoma = letter ‘Ra’), adorned by the Smoky Goddess (Dhumra Bhairavi = vowel ‘i’), and joined with the Nada and Bindu (nasalization); this is remembered as the first seed.
Decoding
Ha + Ra + I + Anusvara = ह्रीं (HRIṂ).
The Kali Bija (Krim)
Sanskrit
क्रोधीशः क्षतजारुढो धूम्रभैरव्यलंकुतः । नादबिन्दुसमायुक्त: पितृभूवासिनी स्मृतः ।। क्रीं ॥
Translation
The Lord of Anger (Krodhisha = letter ‘Ka’), mounted on blood (‘Ra’), adorned by the Smoky Goddess (‘I’), joined with Nada and Bindu; this is remembered as the Dweller of the Cremation Ground.
Decoding
Ka + Ra + I + Anusvara = क्रीं (KRĪṂ).
The Saraswati Bija (Aim)
Sanskrit
क्रोधकालात्मकं कुर्याद् भौतिकं वाग्भवं नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तं समादायोग्रभैरवीम् ॥ बीजमेतत् कथितं शुद्धबुद्धि प्रवर्तकम् ॥ ऍ ॥
Translation
Combining the essence of Anger and Time with the elements and the “Word-born” (Vagbhava), joined with Nada, Bindu, and Ugra Bhairavi (‘Ai’); this seed is said to be the stimulator of pure intellect.
Decoding
The combination of vowels and nasalization results in ऐं (AIṂ).
The Kamaraja Bija (Klim)
Sanskrit
क्रोधीशो बलभिद् धुम्र भैरवी - नादबिन्दुभिः । त्रिमूत्तिर्मन्मथः कामराजस्त्र्यैलोक्यमोहनम् ॥ क्लीं ॥ इन्द्रासनगतो ब्रह्मा सत्रिमूर्तिस्तु मन्मथः ॥ क्लीं ॥
Translation
The Lord of Anger (‘Ka’), the breaker of strength (Balabhid = letter ‘La’), with Smoky Bhairavi (‘I’) and Nada-Bindu. This is the Triple-form, the God of Love (Manmatha), the King of Desire, the enchanter of the three worlds. Brahma seated on Indra’s throne with the Triple-form is Manmatha.
Decoding
Ka + La + I + Anusvara = क्लीं (KLĪṂ).
The Kinkini Bija (Drim)
Sanskrit
संयुक्तं धूम्रभरव्याः रक्तस्थं बलिभोजनम् । नादबिन्दु समायुक्तं किङ्किणीबीजमुत्तमम् ॥ द्रीं ॥
Translation
Joined with the Smoky Goddess (‘I’), standing in blood (‘Ra’), the eater of offerings (Balibhojanam = letter ‘Da’), combined with Nada and Bindu; this is the excellent Kinkini seed.
Decoding
Da + Ra + I + Anusvara = द्रीं (DRĪṂ).
The Vishikha Mantra
Sanskrit
नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तं रक्तस्थं बलिभोजनम् । कालरात्र्यासनोपेतं विशिखाख्यं महामनुम् ॥
Translation
Joined with Nada and Bindu, standing in blood (Ra), the eater of offerings (Da), seated upon the Night of Death (Kalaratri = the vowel ‘u’); this is the great mantra known as Vishikha.
Decoding
Da + Ra + U + Anusvara = द्रुं (DRUṂ).
The Pishitashana (Durga/Protection) Bija
Sanskrit
विदार्यालिङ्गितो गुह्ये वलिभुक्क्षत जोक्षितः । नादबिन्दु-समायुक्तो विज्ञेयः पिशिताशनः ॥ दूं ॥
Translation
Embraced by the Goddess Vidari, hidden, the eater of offerings (Da), sprinkled with blood (Ra), joined with Nada and Bindu; this is known as the eater of flesh (Pishitashana).
Decoding
Da + U + Ra + Anusvara = दूं (DŪṂ) (Often associated with Goddess Durga).
The Yuganta (End of Ages) Bija
Sanskrit
धूमध्वजः करालाग्निः सोर्ध्वकेशीन्दु-बिन्दुभिः । युगान्तकारकं बीजं भैरवेण प्रकाशितम् ॥ स्फें ॥
Translation
The smoke-bannered (Sa), the terrifying fire (Pha), with hair tied upwards (Ai/E), and the moon-dot (Bindu); this seed which causes the end of an age was revealed by Bhairava.
Decoding
Sa + Pha + E + Anusvara = स्फें (SPHEṂ).
The Dhvanksha (Raven) Bija
Sanskrit
कपर्दिनं समादाया क्षतजोक्षितविग्रहम् । संयुक्तं धूम्रभैरव्या ध्वांक्षोऽयं नादबिन्दुमान् ॥ प्रीं ॥
Translation
Taking the one with matted hair (Pa), his body sprinkled with blood (Ra), joined with the Smoky Bhairavi (I); this is the Raven (Dhvanksha), possessing Nada and Bindu.
Decoding
Pa + Ra + I + Anusvara = प्रीं (PRĪṂ).
The Chandika Bija
Sanskrit
कपालीद्वयमादाय महाकालेन मण्डितम् । पुनस्तद्वयमित्युक्तं चण्डिकान्यं मनोहरम् || ठंठ ठःठः ॥
Translation
Taking a pair of skulls (Tha), adorned by Mahakala (Visarga/nasalization), and repeating that pair; this is the beautiful mantra of Chandika.
Decoding
ठं ठं ठः ठः (ṬHAṂ ṬHAṂ ṬHAḤ ṬHAḤ).
The Grashini (Devouring) Bija
Sanskrit
क्षतजस्थं व्योमवक्त्रं विन्दुखण्डेद्वलंकृतम् । खद्योतमिति संप्रोक्तं ग्रासिनी कालरात्रियुक् ॥ हं हृ ॥
Translation
Standing in blood (Ra), the mouth of the sky (Ha), adorned with the fragment of the dot (Bindu); this is called the Firefly (Khadyota), the devourer joined with the Night of Death (u).
Decoding
Ha + Anusvara and Ha + Ru = हं हृ (HAṂ HRU).
The Vaivasvata (Yama) Bija
Sanskrit
क्षत जोक्षितमाकाशं नादबिन्दु-विभूषितम् । विदारीभूषितं चैव बीजं वैवस्वतात्मकम् ॥ हूं ॥
Translation
The sky (Ha) sprinkled with blood (Ra), adorned with Nada and Bindu, and further decorated by Vidari (U); this is the seed of the son of the Sun (Vaivasvata or Yama).
Decoding
Ha + Ra + U + Anusvara = हूं (HŪṂ).
The Universal Omkara
Sanskrit
कीर्त्याख्या कालवक्त्रा च महाकालेन भूषिता । तपनादिः पञ्चरश्मिः सृष्टिस्थित्यन्तकुद् विधिः ॥ ॐ ॥
Translation
Called Fame (Kirti), the face of Time, adorned by Mahakala; the sun and the five rays, the rule that performs creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Decoding
This describes the cosmic functions of ॐ (OM).
The Krodha (Anger/Hum) Bija
Sanskrit
व्योमस्थं ना (ता) लजङ्घास्थं बिन्दुनादविभूषितम् । कूचं कालो महाकालः क्रोधबीजं निरञ्जनम् ॥ हूं ॥
Translation
Residing in the sky (Ha), standing on the long-shanks (u), adorned with Bindu and Nada; the Kurcha, the Time, the Great Time, the stainless seed of Anger.
Decoding
Ha + U + Anusvara = हूं (HŪṂ).