All mantras

Shiva (Panchakshara) · Return to the Self

ॐ नमः शिवाय शिवाय नमः ॐ

Om Namah Shivaaya Shivaaya Namah Om

Meaning

The five syllables Na-Ma-Shi-Vaa-Ya name the five elements returning to their source, Shiva — pure awareness.

Why chant this

Chanted forwards and backwards to dissolve the illusion of direction, doer, and doing. A complete sadhana on its own.

Pronunciation

Om — Na-mah — Shi-vaa-ya — Shi-vaa-ya — Na-mah — Om.