Hindu metaphysics state that everything in the universe is made of sound.  Within each thing there is a symbolic representation of the energy patterns that compost, known as a seed sound, or bija mantra.

These mantras are designed to set the chanting person into resonance with the object of the seed sound.  Through knowledge of bija mantras, one gains control over the essence of that thing, and can therefore create, destroy, or otherwise alter it.  Hazrat Inayat Khan has said “He who knows the secret of the sounds knows the mystery of the whole universe.”

Each chakra has its own associated seed sound which is said to contain the essence, and therefore the secrets, of that chakra.  As each chakra has its own associated element, we find that the seed sounds are believed to give access to the qualities of that element.  The seed sounds or bija mantras for each chakra are as follows:

“M” in each of these sounds is said to represent the maternal and material aspects of the universe

“A” sound represents the Father, the nonmaterial

“L” (lam, earth) is a heavy, closing sound

“H” (ham, ether) is a light, airy, ethereal sound

“R” (ram, fire) is an energetic, fiery sound

“OM” or “AUM”: The great primordial sound, the original sound from which the universe was created, the sound of all sounds together.

It is the vibration and consciousness of the entire universe.

(For Christians, the mantra “Amen” originates from “AUM” )

Someone who is unable to speak, or a mute person who’s unable to speak, what are the sounds that he makes? “Ah”, “oh”, “mm-mm”, because these three sounds do not need the use of your tongue. If you remove your tongue, you’re able to make only three sounds: “Ah”, “oh”, “mm-mm”;  These are the basic and universal tones of creation.

Using these three sounds, you’re able to produce all other sounds. The tongue is just helping you to mix these three sounds in a variety of complex ways.