Pronunciation: [bˈiːd͡ʒə] (IPA) 
The word "bija" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbiːdʒə/. The first sound, /b/, is a voiced bilabial stop, followed by a long vowel sound, /iː/. The third sound, /dʒ/, is a voiced palato-alveolar affricate, and the final sound, /ə/, is an unstressed schwa sound. The word "bija" does not have a standardized spelling in English, and may be transliterated from various languages such as Sanskrit and Albanian.
Bija is a word derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language used primarily in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In these spiritual contexts, "bija" holds significant meaning and is commonly translated as "seed" or "source."
In Hinduism, bija refers to the primordial seed or origin of existence. It is associated with the concept of Brahman, the absolute ultimate reality, from which all creation emanates. Bija is often symbolized as a single syllable or a sacred sound like "Om" or "Aum," representing the original vibration that birthed the universe and continues to sustain it.
In Buddhism, bija is related to the notion of "dharmakaya," the ultimate reality or cosmic body of a Buddha. It represents the essence of enlightenment or Buddhahood, encapsulating the potential for awakening present in all sentient beings. Bija is also associated with various mantras used in meditation practices, believed to contain latent spiritual power and aid in spiritual growth.
In Jainism, bija is connected to the concept of "arihant," which signifies a perfected soul. It represents the seminal cause that leads to the manifestation of an enlightened being. Similar to Hinduism and Buddhism, bija in Jainism is symbolized by syllables, such as "Namah Siddham" or "I bow to the enlightened ones."
Overall, bija functions as a metaphorical seed or source from which profound spiritual realities spring forth, making it a significant and potent notion in various Eastern spiritual traditions.
The word "bija" has its roots in Sanskrit, a classical language of ancient India. In Sanskrit, "bija" (बीज) means "seed". It is derived from the verb root "bīj", meaning "to sow" or "to plant". The term "bija" is also used in various contexts, such as the principles of creation, the starting point, or the essence of something. In spiritual traditions like Tantra and Yoga, "bija" is often associated with sacred syllables or mantras that are considered to be the seed sounds of specific aspects of divinity.
