Today’s Cannabis Mantra and Thoughts
The mantra associated with cannabis use in the context of Hinduism is “OM SHIVA SHANKARA HARI HARI GANJA -THE HERB MANTRA”. This mantra reflects the acceptance of the smoking of cannabis as a form of worship, with the plant representing the body and the act of burning symbolizing the spiritual connection to Shiva, the oldest known godhead figure in the world 1.
In Hinduism, devotees of Shiva sometimes meditate by consuming a milk and cannabis mixture prepared by priests, known as Bhang. Sadhus and other devotees also consume cannabis to seek spiritual oneness with Shiva. The consumption of Bhang was not always reserved for the Gods and holy days, and it was considered an insult to refuse it. Cannabis is also consumed in copious amounts, especially on Shivaratri (Shiva’s birthday) and during the famous Festival of Colors, Holi. Bhang, an edible made by mixing cannabis paste with Lassie or water and lemon, is made available throughout India on Holi, and its effects range from mellow to intensely psychedelic 1 2.
In India, Shiva is invoked before taking the first puff of Ganja by shouting one of many chilam-mantras, such as Alakh! Bam Bam Bholanath! Bom Shiva! Hara Hara Mahadev Shambo! Hara Hara Ganja! Cannabis is also renowned in India for its use in Tantric religious yoga sex acts, where devotees would drink a bhang potion after reciting a mantra to the goddess Kali 3.
The use of cannabis is not limited to Hinduism. In Rastafari, cannabis is seen as a sacramental and deeply beneficial plant, referred to as the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible. Rastafari members use cannabis to bring them closer to God (Jah) and to penetrate the truth of things more clearly 4.
The use of cannabis in religious and spiritual contexts is deeply rooted in various traditions, where it is seen as a means to connect with the divine and achieve spiritual enlightenment.