Jewish Shema Yisrael Dhyana Mantra (शेमा यिस्राएल) · Tantric Mahavidyas

§ 01

Origin & Tradition

About this mantra

The Shema Yisrael, the central prayer of Judaism: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.' Chanted for the affirmation of the unity of God, for the acceptance of divine sovereignty, and for the fulfillment of the covenant.

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The Sacred Sound

Mantra in Sanskrit

Šĕmaʿ Yiśrāʾēl YHWH ʾĕlōhênû YHWH ʾeḥād

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Meaning & Word Analysis

What the words convey

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.

Šĕmaʿ

Hear, listen

Yiśrāʾēl

Israel

YHWH

The Lord (Tetragrammaton)

ʾĕlōhênû

our God

YHWH

The Lord (Tetragrammaton)

ʾeḥād

One

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Benefits & Purpose

Why this mantra is chanted

Faith

Affirms the unity of God and strengthens monotheistic belief.

Devotion

Cultivates acceptance of divine sovereignty.

Covenant

Fulfills the covenantal duty of recitation.

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How to Chant

Method & traditional guidance

Count

Twice daily (morning and evening)

Best time

Upon rising and before retiring

Facing

East (toward Jerusalem)

Posture

Sitting or standing, with covered head

Duration

Lifelong practice

Notes

Recited with concentration on the unity of God; the final word 'Echad' is prolonged.

§ 07

Sources

Where this mantra appears

Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Central verse of the Shema prayer.

c. 6th C BCE

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Associated Deity

Mantra-devatā

ॐ

YHWH (The Lord)

Object of prayer

§ 09

Related Mantras

Continue your practice

ॐ

Full Shema prayer.

Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad

Jewish Shema Yisrael Dhyana Mantra