The Pashyanti Mantra represents the second of the four stages of sound (vāk) as described in the Tantric and Kashmir Shaivism traditions. According to the Śiva Sūtras and the Spanda Kārikā, sound evolves from the supreme (Parā) to the visible (Pashyanti), then to the middle (Madhyamā), and finally to the gross (Vaikharī). Pashyanti, meaning 'that which is seen,' is the subtle level where the mantra is perceived internally as a luminous form before it is articulated. The Mālinīvijayottara Tantra explains that at this stage, the mantra exists as an undifferentiated unity of consciousness and energy, and the practitioner 'sees' the deity or the cosmic principle through inner vision.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) associated with Pashyanti is often considered to be the subtle resonance of 'OM' or the heart of the mantra, where the phonemes are not yet separated but are experienced as a single, vibrant light. The traditional purpose of chanting at the Pashyanti level is to transcend the gross auditory perception and attain direct realization of the mantra's essence. It is said to bestow spiritual insight (prajñā), inner clarity, and the ability to perceive subtle realities. The recommended chanting context is during deep meditation, preferably in a quiet, secluded space, with the eyes closed and the mind focused on the inner visualization of the mantra's form.
The count is not fixed but is often practiced for extended periods, such as 108 or 1008 repetitions, with an emphasis on quality of awareness rather than quantity. Ritual setting may include the use of a yantra or a visual representation of the mantra. Cautions: This practice is considered advanced and should be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified guru, as improper visualization can lead to mental confusion or spiritual imbalance. The Pashyanti stage is a bridge between the formless and the formed, and requires a stable mind and purified consciousness.
Salutations to the mantra of the seeing stage of sound.
The Pashyanti stage is associated with the subtle resonance of OM, where phonemes are undifferentiated and experienced as luminous vibration.