The “Om” Mantra of Ājīvika Yoga
The “Om” Mantra of Ājīvika Yoga
In the Ājīvika tradition, there were also female ascetics. These women were known by names such as Mātangi, Iyakkī, and Isakkiyamman. Information about women who became Ājīvika ascetics is also found in the inscriptions of Eelam (Sri Lanka).
Among them, the inscriptions strongly record that Princess Savera, the daughter of Mahatis, a ruler of the Eelam Pandyan lineage, entered ascetic life. Similarly, the inscriptions state that both wives of Kāmani Tissa, the father of Devanampiya Tissa, also entered ascetic life. One of them was the chief queen and the mother of Devanampiya Tissa. Another was Samika, the wife of Devanampiya Tissa. These are only a few examples and do not represent the complete list.
The founder of this Ājīvika tradition, Bhagavan Gotama, also known as Makkali Gosala, was a follower of the Jain tradition. His spiritual teacher and guide was Rishabhanatha. Rishabhanatha was the first Tirthankara. Since Bhagavan Gotama followed the ancient tradition associated with Rishabhanatha and the earlier Ādi tradition, it is said that Valluvarreferred to this same primordial principle when he wrote:
“Ādi Bhagavan is the first cause of the world.”
According to this tradition, in order to attain the seventh stage of Ājīvika, known as Nal Vellai (the state of spiritual perfection), one had to pass through eighteen stages of development.
The first stage began only after completing household responsibilities. After overcoming physical and mental attachments connected with bodily desires, a man or woman could enter the state of an Upāsaka or Upāsikā (devoted practitioner). The inscriptions of the Eelam Pandyan lineage confirm that many people from this royal lineage reached this stage and followed this path.
If we examine which mantra these Upāsakas and Upāsikās practiced, it is stated that during their yogic discipline they used the “Om” mantra as part of their practice to bring forth the inner Makarajyoti (the spiritual light) within the mind.
Because of this practice, this discipline came to be associated with the term Ōkam/Yōgam (Yoga). The syllable Om was understood as containing three powers:
- A– creation (Ākkam)
- U– preservation (Kāttal)
- M– destruction/transformation (Azhithal)
Because of these three forces, it became symbolized as the Trident (Trishula), the three-pronged sacred staff.
An inscription also records that Pusadeva, the treasurer (tax official) of King Devanampiya Tissa, who followed the Ājīvika tradition, donated a resting place or bed for ascetics practicing this discipline. The inscription indicates that this bed was specifically intended for ascetics engaged in yoga practice.
The inscription reads:
“The cave of Parumaka Vel Sumanasa’s son, Parumaka Vel’s son Parumaka Pusadeva; the cave of Devanampiya Rakita Tissa’s uncle; the cave donated for the Devas, for the Sangha.”
Translation by Hari
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