The connection with refuge is established not only through inner intention but is also sealed by a sacred formula (mantra-vākya). This short mantra expresses reverence for the three principal aspects of the Path:
Namo Guru Deva — “I bow before the divine Teacher”
Namo Satya Dharma — “I bow before the sacred Teaching of Truth”
Namo Arya Sangha — “I bow before the noble community”
The term “namo” comes from the Sanskrit root “nam” (“to bow, to revere”) and expresses an act of reverential worship and acknowledgment of the highest authority.
Daily Attunement Practice: Pancharatna Pranama
To strengthen the connection with the five jewels, it is recommended to perform the Pancharatna Pranama Mantra—a practice of reverentially invoking each of the five aspects of refuge. The term “pranama” (praṇāma) derives from “pra-nam” and means “a profound bow.”
The practice may be performed mentally or aloud, accompanied by gestures (mudras). It is recommended three times a day or before beginning any meditative sadhana.
Sequence of Practice
1. Connection with Shiva. Bring your palms together above the crown of your head (anjali mudra), attuning yourself to the Supreme Consciousness (Chidakasha).
Say: “Om Shivam Sharanam Prapadyam” (“I take refuge in Shiva”).
2. Connection with Dharma. Touch the area between your eyebrows (ajna chakra) with your fingers, visualizing the light of Truth or the image of the Shivalingam.
Say: “Om Dharmam Sharanam Prapadyam” (“I take refuge in Dharma”).
3. Connection with Sangha. Touch the center of your chest (anahata chakra), imagining unity with all saints, siddhas, and practitioners.
Say: “Om Sangham Sharanam Prapadyam” (“I take refuge in the Sangha”).
4. Connection with Shakti. Lower your hands, pointing toward the earth, and invoke the Mother energy of the Universe (Jaganmata).
Say: “Om Shaktim Sharanam Prapadyam” (“I take refuge in the Divine Power”).
5. Connection with the Guru. Once again, bring your hands together at your heart or raise them upward, attuning yourself to the lineage of transmission of the Masters (guru-parampara).
Say: “Om Sadguru Sharanam Prapadyam” (“I take refuge in the True Teacher”).
Conclude the practice with a bow (pranama).
