Part 1: Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung The Siri Gayatri Mantra of Yogi Bhajan

 Introduction

In this multiple part blog I will be sharing eye opening observations on the mantra Ra Ma Da Sa aka the Siri Gayatri Mantra in light of Sanskrit, the Upanishads, and what I refer to as “the larger yoga tradition” meaning, Classical Yoga, Ayurveda, Yoga Scriptures, Tantric Bija Mantra and the Sanskrit language. I started this article in 2020. I got busy with being a new dad and other big projects and set this effort to the side. I am happy to finally get this info out to you.

In my studies of Yoga I have seen lots of variations on similar themes.  Many master teachers offer variations influenced by culture and language.  The master teachers personal experiences also informs how they share the practice.  Ra Ma Da Sa Mantra shares similarities with many other yoga traditions, namely using Sanskrit letters as mantras and the mantra So Hung, which is commonly known in its classical from so'hum.  

I have observed that much of what Yogi Bhajan taught is connected to the larger Yoga tradition. That being said I am by no means a "Bhajan Apologist."  I find much of his teachings dangerous for increasing spiritual narcissism, ego and reinforcing the opposite of what most genuine yoga is encouraging us to cultivate.  That being said, I also don't need to toss out everything he taught as fake or made up or even toxic and dangerous. Simply the statement that everything YB taught was made up doesn't stand up to scrutiny.  He also shared a lot of helpful teachings that are in alignment with the larger yoga tradition. 

I discontinued my Kundalini Yoga practice long before 2020 when all YB's issues became pubic. While much could be said about my own journey with Kundalini Yoga and Yogi Bhajan's teachings, that is not the aim of this multi part blog. 

The major points I will be exploring include but aren't limited to: 

1. The Upanishads, So Hung, and its variations 
2. Sanskrit letters and their meanings as mantras as taught by Dr. David Frawley aka Vamadeva Shastriji
3. Transliterations system and the lack of adhering to them. 
4. The name Siri Gayatri Mantra in light of the larger yoga tradition 

Stop Making Sense

Before we begin making sense of the Siri Gayatri Mantra I feel the need to point out a human tendency. Often we want to reduce the complexity of life and vast diverse cultural traditions into tidy boxes. The human mind wants certainty, yet often it is hard to find. This craving for a definable reality often manifests as a craving for a linear view of our non-linear universe.  This craving for ultimatums and - basing our world view on them - will not bring us the truth, or an actual relationship with the present moment and its infinite qualities.  

When we explore Yoga traditions and history we need to remember there is a difference between tasting the fruit of practice and using our mind to understand the past. One of the basic suggestions of Dharmic spiritual paths is to be in the present moment. This is a simple yet complex and profound teaching. We can be in the present moment learning about the past, but learning about the past is not the same as stepping fully into the eternal present moment.

The practice of the present moment presents endless razors edges. In light of the topic of the Ra Ma Da Sa Mantra and the fact of Yogi Bhajan ethical issues reminds me of this Zen koan. 

If our teacher has fallen from grace with sexual scandals it is only natural that we will look to some sort of authority who comments on history or other information basis to soothe our worries and doubts about the validity of practices the teacher shared.  While it might be useful to research the past, or study a variety of teachings, more importantly we need to be alert to the all-pervasive Self-luminous nature of who we Truly are. Studying history and investigating yoga lineages will not bring us the nectar of direct experience. 

On the other hand, studying yogic history and investigating yoga lineages can help us make well-informed choices about what teacher we give our most precious commodity of attention to. 

One simple fact is within Yoga traditions variations abound. The wise on the path suggests we not bicker about these natural variations in practice.  Having faith in a practice that has helped us with our health and wellness and come to a point of stillness, joy, and bliss is important. Arguing with others who have different methods is not useful for anyone.  

I hope you enjoy my efforts to explore the Siri Gayatri Mantra in light of Sanskrit, the Upanishads, and a cross-tradition comparison. I hope these efforts can soothe your mind and help you to either let go of the Siri Gayatri mantra or go deeper and enjoy its powerful vibrations. Either way, I hope this work helps the readers clear doubts and or except more holistically the paradox of Yogi Bhajan's legacy. Most importantly I hope these blog post serve as a reminder to deepen our awareness into unlimited Love and Light which is Ever Present and Real. 

Section 1: The End is in the Begging: So Hung and the Isha Upanishad  

Common Translations

We will start with the last part of the Ra Ma Da Sa Mantra which is, So Hung.  Why? This mantra is so prevalent in the Yoga/Vedanta traditions it calls for being committed on first. 

So refers to I or the individual self and Hung Universal Spirit. Below are two common translation of the So Hung mantra. 

1 I Am Spirit - used by Yogananda and others.

2. I Am Thou - used by Yogi Bhajan and others.

The original source of the mantra So Hung has came from the Isha Upanishad:

so’ham asmi - That also am I

Translated by S. Radhakrishnan

so - Individual Self

ham - Universal Spirit  

asmi - I am

Another common translation of So Hung is “I am that”.   Translating So Hung as I Am That can lead to confusion. 

"I Am That" is a translation of Tat Tvam Asi the well known Vedic Mahavakyas (great sayings from the Upanisahds).  Tat Tvam Asi and So Hung function as pointers to the Truth of our Nature. They do share some meaning similarities. 

It does make sense to me that people mix up the meanings of these two mantras since they both end with asi also transliterated as asmi. 

Tat Tvam Asi word by word translation: 

Tat  - That

Tvam - You

Asi - Are 

Tat Tvam Asi translates as:

1. I am That

2. That Thou Art

3. That You Are

Origins of the So Hung Mantra

The mantra So Hung is loaded with juicy historical and scriptural references. It is found in many text going all the way back to the Isha Upanishad of the Yajur Veda which is estimated to have been written between 1700 and 1100 BC.  The Vedas are considered some of the oldest sacred texts.  The Isha or Isavaysa Upanishad is said to belong to the Yajur Veda.  What does it mean to belong to the Yajur Veda? Some feel this means it was part of the original Yajur Veda while others feel it was written at a later date to clarify the Yajur Vedas teachings .  Regardless of the antiquity of the Isha Upanishad, teachings stand with authority and beauty particularly in the Vedantic tradition. 

Isha Upanishad is considered a foundational study for students of the Upanishads.  Of the Upanishads, it is relatively short compared to the longer Upanishadic text.  The Isha Upanishad’s message is very compelling and relevant, as it points to being able to know Spirit without being in conflict with the world.  

Isha Upanishad “is interested not so much in the Absolute in itself, Parabrahman, as in the Absolute in relation to the world, Paramesvara.  It teaches that life in the world and life in the Divine Spirit are not incompatible.”

 The Principle Upanishads - S. Radhakrishnan 

The Isha Upanishad makes references to so'ham arguably one of the most commonly used mantras in the Vedic tradition. 

The Isha Upanishad 16th verse in a prayer to the Sun God states: 

“O Pusan, the sole seer, O Controller, O Sun, offering of Praja-pati, spread forth your rays and gather up your radiant light that I may behold you of loveliest form. Whosoever is that person (yonder), that also am I.”

Isha Upanishad 16th verse Translation from: The Principle Upanishads by S. Radhakrishnan 

The concluding sentence states: “That also am I” which in Sanskrit is: so’ ham asmi.  As noted above more contemporary translation include  “I am spirit” and "I am thou".  According to my late teacher Dr. Raju (and many others) this line from the Isha Upanishad is considered the first written recored of the mantra so'hum.  

As a practice, the mantra so’hum is often linked with the breath, taking many variations in its usage (more below). The so'hum mantra is praised by many. 

"'Soham' means 'He I am' or 'I am He', 'I am Brahman.' 'Sah' means 'He.' 'Aham' means 'I.' This is the greatest of all Mantras.

Swami Sivananda - from Meditation on “Soham"

But what about Hung Sau, So Hung, So Hum and Soham and all the Different spelling and pronunciations?

In short, you say tomato I say tamato but we spell it different as well.

🥸🥸🥸

The variations on so'hum are very intricate. The original Sanskrit Mantra so'ham is in the the Upanishads. From there it has has taken many variations including changing the order of the words from Soham to Hamsa or Ham Sa. This great mantra is explained as two syllables as Ham Sa and also as the word Hamsa meaning Great Royal Swan. 

The Ham Sa mantra takes on yet another variation, being Hung Sau. This was taught by the great Yogi Paramahansa Yoganandaji. He used and taught the mantra Hong Sau.  Direct disciple of Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda talks about his journey around his teacher, teaching the Hung Sau variation vs. so'hum and Swami Muktananda of Sidha Yoga criticizing him on the topic. I'd suggest taking a moment to enjoy the short video here of Kriyananda talking on the topic. 

The Hung Sau variation is used as one of the preparation practices for deeper Kriya work in Yoganandaji’s teachings.  He also said it was a full practice in and of itself and with Divine Grace one could achieve full liberation simply from the Hong Sau mantra.  So refers to I or the individual self and Hung Universal Spirit, translated as “I am spirit” by Yogananda.  

Yoganandaji is not the only one to sing the praises of this mantra, many believe that simply using this mantra while watching the breath (regardless of variations) is a full practice that can lead to yogic perfection.  

Yoganandaji’s disciples at Ananda Village in California say that Hong Sau is a Bija Mantra.  Bija mantras are considered to have greater potency.  Many feel that Hung is an energized form of the mantra Hum using the "ng" sound as a anusvara to drive the mantra deeper energetically. This is explored in great depth in my ebook Om and Ong which I plan to re-release in the next few months.  

Many of the Yoga teachers who came to the West have taught variations of so'hum. Similar to Yogananda, Yogi Bhajan taught the variation So Hong and Ong So Hong. 

There are even more variations! As we pointed out above, Soham and Hamsa are switched back and forth.  We also find spelling variations like Sohum and Soham.

My teacher Dr. Raju has referred to various traditions adding longer mantras before and after the mantra to impact if it is referring to the impersonal or personal God. People have made slight variations to confirm there theological view.  Advaita vs. Dvaita, Non Dualism verse Dualism is a long standing debate in India. 

You can find Dr. Raju teaching on So-Hum as well as an in-depth study of the Isha Upanishad here.

My teacher Acharya K.S SriPada Raju

Former head of the Lansing Hindu Temple

Variations of the mantra have traveled to China in Buddhism as as Sa Ha. Regardless of all these cultural variations this popular mantra, is a very well-known and established practice throughout all of India and much of Asia.  

In the West we find this mantra used in the work of the modern Ayurvedic greats.  See Dr. Vasant Lad's teaching here. Or enjoy the YouTube video below. 

Dr. Lad on So Hum Mantra

Dr. David Frawley aka Acharya Vamadeva Shastriji has done extensive teachings on this topic.  He wrote a profound blog on you can find here. 

Dr. David Frawley aka Vamadeva Shastri 

He shares how different variations impact prana in different ways. 

Hamsa – used as the natural sound of the breath, particularly Ham as inhalation through the right nostril and Sa as exhalation through the left; relates to the day or solar breath.

So’ham – also used as the natural sound of the breath, particularly So as inhalation through the left nostril and Ham as exhalation through the right; relates to the night or lunar breath.

Hamsa Soham – combines both, and reflects the balanced movement of the unitary prana, through the unity of the Sun and Moon.

Shivoham – the natural resonance of the prana and mind as “I am Shiva,” the supreme Self-aware Prana.

Hamsa Soham Shivoham – Combined meaning of “I am he, he am I, I am Shiva.” This is the “Shiva Hamsa mantra.”

Dr. David Frawley from his blog 

Swami Vishnudevananda founder of Sivananda Yoga School also teaches the Ham Sa mantra in his book Meditation and Mantras.

The later Upanishads (minor Upanishads) also references so'hum.  Notably there is a short and concise Upanishad dedicated to the topic, called the Hamsa Upanishad which is categorized as a Minor Yoga Upanishad. 

“With the sound Ha, one moves outward.  With the sound Sa, one moves in again.  The individual soul repeats the mantra Hamsah, Hamsah, all the time, 21,600 times in the course of the day.  This is called the spontaneous Gayatri (ajapa Gayatri), whichever grants liberation to the Yogis”. 

Translated by David Frawley 

While the orders of the words and other variations exist, and the variations can be overwhelming, all of these mantras point towards the individual self-being one with the cosmic Self. This brings us back to the origins of this mantra in the above quote from the Isha Upanishad.  

"Whosoever is that person (yonder), that also am I.”

Isha Upanishad 16th verse Translation from: The Principle Upanishads by S. Radhakrishnan 

With so many options, personally I suggest picking one method and sticking with it. And at the same time exploring variations as needed to create energetic balance as explained by Dr. Frawley or by other trustable teachers.  I use Yogananda's variation as my main stay sometimes mixing in as Dr Frawley Suggest:  

"Hamsa Soham – combines both, and reflects the balanced movement of the unitary prana, through the unity of the Sun and Moon."

Based upon the larger Yoga Tradition above in compassion to Yogi Bhajan's teachings we can see that the translation offered by 3HO is accurate. While Yogi Bhajan was up to all kinds of illegal activity, having a unique variation on the mantra is not at all unusual or fishy within the larger Yogic tradition.   

“So is the personal sense of merger and identity. Hung is the Infinite, vibrating, and real. The two qualities together (So and Hung) mean: "I am Thou.“ 

From the 3HO website

"Each time your heart beats I am thou, I am thou, I am thou, sohung, sohung, sohung, I am truth, Sat Nam, my identity is true, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, you do that."

Yogi Bhajan Oct 5th, 1978

Based on the above info I feel it is fair to say, that So Hung is a time-tested and potent variation on the ancient mantra from the Isha Upanishad and it is not simply something Yogi Bhajan made up.  At the same time the fact that he didn't make it up doesn't justify his illegal and hurtful relationship with many. 

In the next blog we will dig deep into two topics. 1. transliterations and the lack of them being used and how the Ra Ma Da Sa mantra relates to Sanskrit alphabet. 

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Closing Thoughts and about my work

Thank you for taking the time to read through this technical explanation and I hope you found it useful.  This blog is well researched and gives useful quotes and information to support your yoga practice or your teaching missions.  You will find the same high quality work in my blog about Kriya where I explore some of these topics in light of Ayurveda and Modern Yoga Therapy. It was specifically written for people who want to make sense of Yogi Bhajan's body of teaching in light of the larger yoga tradition.  Check it out to read more. 

I also explore YB's teachings on Kriya and Kundalini and how they relate and don't relate to the larger yoga tradition like the Yoga Sutras, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and other bodies of teachings. You can learn more about that here.  The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is loaded with teachings about Kundalini. If you think Hatha Yoga and Kundalini are different check out the blog to start expanding your view.

And if you want to go deeper, you can also get access to over 5 hours of teachings on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Kundalini practices. You can learn more and purchase that course here.

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Namaste!

Trevor Chaitanya Eller