Understanding the Four Types of Mantra Ucharan: Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti, and Para
Explore the four levels of mantra recitation — Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti, and Para — with deep insights, Vedic references, and their spiritual significance for advanced mantra sadhana.
Mantras hold a sacred place in Vedic tradition. They are not merely words but sound vibrations carrying spiritual power that can elevate consciousness. According to the Vedas and the Puranas, speech (वाक्) manifests in four progressive levels: वैखरी (Vaikhari), मध्यमा (Madhyama), पश्यन्ती (Pashyanti), and परा (Para). Understanding these levels is the key to mastering mantra sadhana.
The Rigveda (1.164.45) says:
“चत्वारि वाक् परिमिता पदानि तानि विदुर्ब्राह्मणा ये मनीषिणः । गुहात्रिणि निहिता नेङ्गयन्ति तुरीयं वाचो मनुष्या वदन्ति ॥”
Meaning: “Speech has four divisions. The wise know them. Three remain hidden, while the fourth is expressed by human beings.”
This verse forms the foundation of mantra sound science. Now, let us explore each level in depth.
1. वैखरी (Vaikhari) – The Audible Sound
Vaikhari is the most external form of mantra chanting. It involves audible pronunciation where sound emerges through the throat, tongue, and lips. This is the level used in loud mantra recitation, group chanting, and beginners’ practice.
Characteristics of Vaikhari
- Sound is vocal and audible.
- Engages physical speech organs.
- Strengthens focus through repetition.
The Yajurveda (Taittiriya Samhita 1.5.1) instructs:
“सत्यं वद धर्मं चर”
Meaning: “Speak the truth and follow righteousness.” Proper pronunciation at the Vaikhari level ensures accurate sound vibration, aligning outer speech with inner purity.
Purpose
This stage purifies the environment and strengthens the practitioner’s vocal discipline. Repeated aloud chanting of “ॐ नमः शिवाय” creates a resonance that cleanses both mind and space.
2. मध्यमा (Madhyama) – The Inner Voice
Madhyama is subtler than Vaikhari. Here, the mantra is no longer spoken aloud but repeated mentally. This stage draws the mind inward while maintaining conscious control over the mantra.
Characteristics of Madhyama
- Chanting happens mentally, not vocally.
- Involves strong focus and visualization.
- Strengthens mind-sound connection.
The Mahabharata (Shanti Parva 349.65) explains:
“मध्यमा वाक् मनसं संयुगात् जायते”
Meaning: “Madhyama speech arises from the union of mind and subtle sound.”
Purpose
This level helps in internalizing mantra power. The mind becomes more concentrated, and chanting starts to refine mental vibrations, deepening meditation.
3. पश्यन्ती (Pashyanti) – The Visionary Sound
Pashyanti is an even subtler level of mantra where sound is experienced as a single, undivided vibration. It is no longer verbal or even mental; it manifests as direct awareness within the consciousness.
Characteristics of Pashyanti
- Mantra is not “thought,” it is “seen.”
- Deep meditative absorption.
- Sound and consciousness merge.
The Yoga Vasistha (6.2.57) says:
“पश्यन्त्यां वाचि सर्वस्य शब्दस्य जन्म भवति”
Meaning: “In Pashyanti resides the origin of all sound.”
Purpose
This level connects the practitioner with the causal vibration of the universe. Mantra becomes a vision of consciousness, not just a sound or thought.
4. परा (Para) – The Transcendental Sound
Para is the highest stage of mantra. It is beyond speech, mind, and vibration. Here, mantra exists as pure consciousness. The chanter, the mantra, and the divine become one.
Characteristics of Para
- Beyond sound and language.
- Pure awareness and non-duality.
- Experienced in deep meditation or samadhi.
The Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.4) declares:
“यतो वाचो निवर्तन्ते अप्राप्य मनसा सह”
Meaning: “Speech and mind return from that state, unable to reach it.”
Purpose
This stage represents liberation (मोक्ष). The practitioner transcends sound and merges into the source of all vibration — the eternal silence of the Supreme.
Conclusion
The journey from Vaikhari to Para is a progressive refinement of sound, mind, and consciousness. The Shiva Purana beautifully summarizes this relationship:
“मन्त्रं मूलं गुरुर्मूलं”
Meaning: “The mantra is rooted in the Guru, and the Guru is rooted in the mantra.”
Through discipline, devotion, and proper guidance, these four levels unfold naturally. Mantra sadhana is thus not merely recitation — it is the ascent from audible sound to the transcendental silence of divine realization.
