As a Man Thinks, He Becomes
The mind is purified by constant repetition of the Names of Lord Shiva. The Stotras of Lord Shiva are filled with an array of pure and noble thoughts. The mind of a man who trains himself in thinking good and holy thoughts, develops a tendency to think only of high and excellent thoughts. His character is then molded and transformed by continued good thought. When the mind thinks of the image of Lord Shiva while chanting Stotras, the mental substance of the mind will take on the form of Lord Shiva. When this act is repeated often, your mind gains strength by repetition, and a tendency or habit is then formed.Om Namah Shivaya
Prostrations to Lord Shiva, this is the five-lettered formula or the Panch-Akshara Mantra of Lord Shiva. This is a very powerful Mantra which will bestow the highest bliss onto the devotee.Therefore, he who entertains the thoughts of Divinity, becomes transformed into the Divinity. When one chants the Names of Lord Shiva, he becomes in tune with Lord Shiva. Only then can you tap into the divine reality.
Panch-Akshara Mantra: “Om Namaha Shivaya” – This 5-syllabled mantra is one of the five mantras given by Lord Shiva at the time of creation, and is recited in praise of Lord Shiva. “Namaha” means prostrations to or adoration to; “Shivaya” means the Auspicious One, the Absolute Reality. Therefore the meaning translates simply into I bow to You, Lord Shiva.
Na: Naagendra – One who wears a garland of Snakes
Ma: Mandaakini Salila – One whose hair is adorned by Ganga Maa
Shi: Shiva – Supreme Lord, the Ultimate Goal
Va: Vashishta – Who praises the Lord
Ya: One who takes the form of Yaksha
Every syllable of the mantra activates a part of the body, thus activating chakras/energy centers, eliminating ignorance and illuminating wisdom!