The Mantra Yoga Samhita is a medieval compendium attributed to the sage Agastya, synthesizing mantra-shastra with hatha and raja yoga. The dhyana mantras within this text are meditative verses used to invoke the subtle energies of specific deities and to stabilize the mind during pranayama and asana practice. According to the Mantra Yoga Samhita itself (Chapter 1, verses 5–10), these mantras are designed to purify the nadis and awaken the kundalini through the union of bija-aksharas and yogic breath control. The primary bija employed is 'Om' (प्रणव), considered the source of all mantras, combined with seed syllables such as 'Hrim', 'Klim', and 'Sauh' to address various aspects of the divine. The text draws heavily from earlier tantric works like the Rudrayamala and the Shaktisangama Tantra, which describe the phonemic structure of mantras as manifestations of the fifty matrikas. The purpose of these dhyana mantras is twofold: externally, they are chanted for the attainment of siddhis (supernormal powers) such as levitation, clairvoyance, and control over the elements; internally, they facilitate the integration of mantra into yogic practice, leading to samadhi. The recommended chanting context includes early morning (brahma muhurta) or during sandhya, with a minimum count of 108 repetitions per session, using a rudraksha mala. The practitioner should sit in a stable asana (e.g., padmasana) and focus on the chakra associated with the mantra. Cautions include the necessity of guru initiation for certain bija mantras, as improper pronunciation can lead to energetic imbalances. The Devi Mahatmya (Chapter 11) also references similar dhyana mantras for the goddess, emphasizing their role in mental purification. Overall, the Mantra Yoga Samhita Dhyana Mantras serve as a bridge between external ritual and internal yogic transformation, aligning the practitioner with the cosmic vibration of Om.
The compilation of mantra yoga, the integration of mantra into yogic practice.