Hreem

What Does Hreem Mean?

Hreem is a one-syllable sound known as a bija, or "seed," mantra. It is the bija mantra of goddess Bhuvaneshwari, one of many forms of Shiva’s consort, Parvati. Parvati symbolizes divine feminine energy known as Shakti, and so this mantra is believed to connect the practitioner to the energies of Shiva and Shakti simultaneously.

It can also be used to call upon divine goddess energy, as a means of promoting healing, creativity, compassion and purity.

Bija mantras are used to still the mind in preparation for meditation, by enabling the practitioner to maintain focus on the sacred sound. The real power of a mantra is believed to stem from the sound vibrations created by chanting, either aloud or silently. Like all bija mantras, hreem can either be chanted alone or as part of another longer mantra.

Yogapedia Explains Hreem

Hreem is often likened with om, the sacred vibration which represents Brahman and the sound of the universe. Although bija mantras are typically not translatable, hreem can be broken down into several sounds of symbolic significance:

• Ha is symbolic of Shiva, one of the main Hindu deities.
• Ra represents prakriti, or nature in all of its forms.
• Ee refers to Mahamaya, the mother of the universe.
• Mm is the sound of Brahman, or universal consciousness.

Hreem is believed to be the most powerful mantra for reaching higher states of consciousness and illuminating higher wisdom. In order to amplify its effects, it can be combined with other bija mantras such as Aum Hreem Namah.

For maximum benefit, hreem should be chanted 108 times daily. It may be practiced in any stable seated posture such as sukhasana (easy pose) or padmasana (lotus pose), and can be chanted at any time of day. It is important to focus on the inner vibration of this mantra whilst chanting in order to connect with the divine power within.