Bīja: Difference between revisions
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Khanna (2003: p.21) links mantras and yantras to thoughtforms: <blockquote> Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially 'thought forms' representing divinities or c |
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In [[Vajrayana]] Buddhism and [[Hinduism]], the term ''bīja'' is used for mystical "seed syllables" contained within [[mantra]]s. These seeds do not have precise meanings, but are thought to carry connections to spiritual principles. The best-known ''bīja'' syllable is [[Aum|Om]], first found in the Hindu scriptures the [[Upanishads]]. |
In [[Vajrayana]] Buddhism and [[Hinduism]], the term ''bīja'' is used for mystical "seed syllables" contained within [[mantra]]s. These seeds do not have precise meanings, but are thought to carry connections to spiritual principles. The best-known ''bīja'' syllable is [[Aum|Om]], first found in the Hindu scriptures the [[Upanishads]]. |
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Khanna (2003: p.21) links mantras and [[yantra]]s to [[thoughtform]]s: |
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<blockquote> |
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Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially 'thought forms' representing divinities or cosmic powers, which exert their influence by means of sound-vibrations.<ref>Khanna, Madhu (2003). ''Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity. '' Inner Traditions. ISBN-10: 0892811323 & ISBN-13: 978-0892811328. p.21</ref> |
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</blockquote> |
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In [[Tibetan Buddhism]] the seed syllables corresponding to the [[Three Vajras]] are: a white ''om'' (enlightened body), a red ''ah'' (enlightened speech) and a blue ''hum'' (enlightened mind).<ref>{{cite book|last=Rinpoche|first=Pabongka|title=Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand: A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment|publisher=Wisdom Books|date=1997|pages=p.196}}</ref> |
In [[Tibetan Buddhism]] the seed syllables corresponding to the [[Three Vajras]] are: a white ''om'' (enlightened body), a red ''ah'' (enlightened speech) and a blue ''hum'' (enlightened mind).<ref>{{cite book|last=Rinpoche|first=Pabongka|title=Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand: A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment|publisher=Wisdom Books|date=1997|pages=p.196}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
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<references/> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 14:24, 21 July 2008
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2008) |
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit term bīja (Jp. 種子 shuji), literally seed, is used as a metaphor for the origin or cause of things and cognate with bindu.
The metaphor is considerably extended in the Consciousness-only teachings of the Yogacara school of Buddhism. According to this theory, all experiences and actions produce bīja as impressions, stored in the alaya (storehouse) consciousness. The external world is produced when the seeds "perfume" this consciousness. This view of bīja has been equated to memes, with the theory itself positing an extreme form of memetics (ie. reality and existence consist purely of memes).
In Vajrayana Buddhism and Hinduism, the term bīja is used for mystical "seed syllables" contained within mantras. These seeds do not have precise meanings, but are thought to carry connections to spiritual principles. The best-known bīja syllable is Om, first found in the Hindu scriptures the Upanishads.
Khanna (2003: p.21) links mantras and yantras to thoughtforms:
Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables inscribed on yantras, are essentially 'thought forms' representing divinities or cosmic powers, which exert their influence by means of sound-vibrations.[1]
In Tibetan Buddhism the seed syllables corresponding to the Three Vajras are: a white om (enlightened body), a red ah (enlightened speech) and a blue hum (enlightened mind).[2]
Notes
- ^ Khanna, Madhu (2003). Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity. Inner Traditions. ISBN-10: 0892811323 & ISBN-13: 978-0892811328. p.21
- ^ Rinpoche, Pabongka (1997). Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand: A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment. Wisdom Books. pp. p.196.
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