Om-Ing To Meditate: Unlocking The Power Of Mantra

The Om mantra, also referred to as Praṇava, Oṅkāra, and Udgītha, is a powerful mantra that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. With roots in Hinduism, it is both a sound and a symbol that is rich in meaning and depth. Chanting Om is believed to provide a wide range of benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The Om mantra is said to be the first sound that emerged from the vibrations of the cosmic energy that created the universe, representing the creator. Chanting Om connects us to the source of the universe and fills the body with energy and tranquility. It is believed to exist in everything, from the words we speak to the things we use and within ourselves.

Chanting Om is known to bring inner peace, calmness, and serenity. It improves focus and concentration, detoxifies the body and mind by removing negative energy, and helps balance the heart's rhythm and blood pressure. Additionally, it stimulates creativity and emotional well-being, improves sleep quality, and enhances spiritual growth.

To meditate with the Om mantra, one can sit in the Lotus Pose or Vajrasana, ensuring an erect spine and a comfortable position. Closing the eyes or glancing downward, natural breathing is maintained while chanting 'Om' in sync with the breath.

The Om mantra is a powerful tool for spiritual and personal transformation, providing a sense of connection to the universe and offering a range of benefits that enhance overall well-being.

The meaning of 'Om'

Om, often written as 'Aum' in Sanskrit, is a sacred syllable that has captivated people across the globe. Om is a foundational sound of Hinduism, considered to be the very first sound of the universe. It is also revered in Buddhism and Jainism. The word is not just a word; it's a resonance, a vibration that aligns with the pulse of the universe.

The sound 'Om' is believed to be the first vibration from which the universe emerged. This original vibration encapsulates the essence of the universe and everything within it. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the three sacred Vedic scriptures, describes the chant as the cosmic sound, the sound of creation, and the sound that connects every living being to the supreme power.

The symbol Om is equally significant, comprising three curves, a semicircle, and a dot, each with a distinct meaning. The three curves represent the conscious, waking state of being; the unconscious state; and the dream state—the state between the waking and the unconscious. The dot at the top represents the absolute state, the highest state of consciousness and spiritual bliss.

Om is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. It is said before every Sanskrit prayer, text, and recitation of anything sacred. It is the highest sacred symbol of Hinduism. Chanting Om as a mantra is believed to help centre the mind, body, and spirit, elevate consciousness, deepen focus, and build compassion.

In yoga, Om is often chanted at the beginning and end of a class. This helps to centre the mind and body and create a sense of community and oneness. It is also used as a mantra in yoga, repeated during meditation to help focus the mind and deepen the meditation practice.

Om has a profound meaning, and its simple yet captivating design has made it popular among people of various faiths and beliefs. It is a symbol of unity, peace, and the infinite potential that lies within each one of us.

The benefits of chanting 'Om'

The Om mantra is a powerful tool with a multitude of benefits for both the mind and body. Here are some of the key advantages of chanting Om:

Calms the Mind and Reduces Stress and Anxiety:

Chanting Om is an effective way to calm a restless mind and bring yourself into the present moment. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts, replacing them with a sense of clarity, positivity, and unity.

Connects You with Your True Essence:

Om is believed to be the sound of universal creation, connecting all living beings to nature and the universe. Chanting Om helps you to connect with your inner self, invoking all that you are on a deep level.

Enhances Concentration and Focus:

The vibrations and sound of Om are felt through the vocal cords and sinuses, clearing and opening up the airways. Chanting Om improves concentration, memory, and focus, making it easier to manifest positive things in your life.

Purifies the Environment and Creates Positive Vibrations:

Chanting Om is said to purify the environment, creating positive vibrations and energy that benefit not only the person chanting but also those around them. It helps to manifest positive thoughts and feelings, bringing happiness and optimism.

Improves Physical Health:

Chanting Om has been linked to various physical health benefits, including improved stomach health, better sleep quality, relief from sinus problems, and cardiovascular benefits such as reduced blood pressure and a healthy heart rhythm.

Brings You into Your Body:

The vibrations of chanting Om reverberate through the chest, throat, and skull, providing an immediate sensory connection with your physical body. This can help you feel more in tune with yourself and improve your overall well-being.

Connects You with Others:

Chanting Om in a group setting creates a powerful sense of togetherness and community. It brings people together, fostering a sense of connection and acknowledging the unity of all individuals.

Marks the Beginning and End:

Chanting Om can be a way to transition from the busyness of daily life into a focused state of yoga or meditation practice. It helps the mind and body to catch up and arrive in the present moment, creating a sense of mindfulness and awareness.

The practice of chanting Om is a transformative and powerful tool that can bring about positive changes in various aspects of your life, from improving mental clarity and emotional balance to enhancing physical health and fostering connections.

How to chant 'Om'

Chanting "Om" is a spiritual practice that connects you to the universe. The vibration produced by chanting Om is said to represent the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, thus aligning our body, mind, and spirit with cosmic energies. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to chant Om:

Set a Time and Place:

Choose a time when you will be relaxed and not in a hurry. The ideal time to chant Om is first thing in the morning, during sunrise or sunset, as these are great times for deep meditation. Find a calm and comfortable place, free from distractions. You can sit on the ground cross-legged or on your bed, ensuring your back is straight.

Understand the Meaning:

Before you begin chanting, take a moment to understand what Om represents. Om is said to be the primordial sound born with the universe and is considered the source of all creation. It encompasses all time periods, from the past to the present and future, representing the eternal oneness of mind, body, and spirit with the universe.

Relax and Breathe:

Don't worry about chanting perfectly. The most important thing is to chant in a relaxed manner. Breathe normally, and when you exhale, repeat Om in a slow, rhythmic way. You don't have to chant with every exhale; instead, match the length of each chant to the duration of your natural exhale.

Pronounce Om:

The "O" sound is similar to the "a" in "saw" combined with the "u" in "put." Blend the "m" at the end. These sounds should merge into a single sound, like the "ome" in "home." Om is composed of four sounds: "a," "u," "m," and the silence that follows. Give equal measure to each sound, ensuring it's not rushed.

Feel the Vibrations:

Draw the sound from your navel and allow the vibration to rise gradually until it resonates in your nostrils. Feel the vibrations running through your body, starting from your abdomen, then your chest and neck, and finally, your head and neck.

Silence and Reflection:

After chanting, spend some time in silence and reflection. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. This state of silence, known as "turiya," is a state of bliss and consciousness where one's identification with the Supreme happens.

Remember, the most important aspect of chanting Om is to approach it with an open mind and a sense of relaxation. It is a powerful tool for connecting with the universe and bringing peace to your body, mind, and soul.

The science behind the 'Om' symbol

The Om symbol is a powerful and sacred symbol with roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is considered the first sound of the universe and is believed to connect and join the entire universe together. The act of chanting Om is said to vibrate at a frequency of 432 Hz, which is the same frequency found throughout the universe. This frequency is also the same as the frequency of the Earth's rotation around its axis.

The Om symbol is made up of three curves and a dot. The three curves represent the three states of consciousness: the conscious, waking state; the unconscious state; and the dream state. The dot at the top represents the absolute state, the highest state of consciousness and spiritual bliss.

Chanting Om is believed to have many benefits, including improving focus and concentration, reducing mental stress, and promoting peace and happiness. It is also said to open up the sinus and clear it, improve cardiovascular health, and stimulate the metabolism.

The science behind the Om symbol lies in the physics of sound, vibrations, and resonance. Each syllable in the Om mantra ("Aaaaaaa," "Oooooo," and "Mmmmm") creates different sensations and resonances in the body, from the nervous system and chest to the throat, nasal cavity, and brain. When combined into the mantra, these syllables activate different parts of the body, channeling energy and activating the spinal cord and brain.

Research has backed up these claims, with scientists conducting experiments to study the effects of Om chanting on the nervous system and brain. Time-frequency analysis of participants' chants showed improvements in waveforms over time, indicating increased focus, concentration, and mental steadiness. Further studies using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (f-MRI) scans showed that regular chanting of the Om mantra may also help treat depression and epilepsy.

The history of the 'Om' mantra

The Om mantra, also spelt 'Aum', is a Vedic Sanskrit word and ancient mantra used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths. It is considered the "original vibration of the universe" in Hinduism and the sonic essence of the absolute divine reality. In Buddhist philosophy, Om is the syllable that preceded the universe and from which the gods were created.

The mantra is made up of three sounds or syllables: "A", "U", and "M". In Sanskrit, the vowels "A" and "U" become "O", so together, they sound like "Ommmm". Each of these letters represents significant cultural triads: earth, atmosphere, and heaven; thought, speech, and action; and the three qualities (gunas) of matter (goodness, passion, and darkness).

In the Mandukya Upanishad, Om is described as the syllable of the past, present, and future. It is the sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge, and it underlies all phonetic creations. In the Bhagavad Gita, Om is the central element in Krishna's exposition of spiritual life and practice. It is considered the supreme consciousness, with nothing greater or more important.

The origin of the Om symbol is unknown, but its three curves are thought to represent three states of consciousness. The dot in the symbol represents the fourth state of consciousness, somewhere between the other three.

In summary, Om is a sacred utterance with religious, magical, or spiritual powers. It is a fundamental symbol in the yoga tradition and is often chanted at the start and finish of a yoga session.

Frequently asked questions