The Meaning Of So Hum In Meditation And Its Benefits

what does so hum mean in meditation

So Hum is a mantra used in meditation that translates to I am that in Sanskrit. The phrase has been used for thousands of years in Eastern religions and meditation practices, and has recently gained popularity in the Western world. The So Hum mantra is said to symbolize the fact that we are all connected to the universal energy that supports and nourishes us. The meditation technique involves synchronizing the movement of the breath with the mantra, with So being said during inhalation and Hum during exhalation.

Characteristics Values
Type Mantra
Translation "I am that"
Alternative translations "I am He", "I am one with the Universe and all of creation"
Other forms "Soham", "Sohum", "So Ham", "Saham", "Hamsa"
Origin Sanskrit
History Used for thousands of years in Eastern religions and meditation practices
Use Chanted during inhalation ("So") and exhalation ("Hum")
Benefits Improved mind-body connection, better concentration, low-stress levels, increased happiness, improved cognitive function

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The So Hum mantra is used in two basic forms. The first form involves repeating the words 'So Hum' in a cyclical structure throughout your meditation practice. The second style involves incorporating an 'Om' sound in between the 'So Hum' cycles. The word 'Om' refers to the sound of the universe and is the most basic sound that, according to Sanskrit traditions, represents the entire universe in a single word. Using this word in meditation or a mantra can invoke a feeling of unity and oneness with the universe.

The So Hum mantra is often used in conjunction with the breath, with 'So' being said during inhalation and 'Hum' during exhalation. This synchronisation of the movement of the breath with the mantra is a natural fit and can help to calm the mind. It is believed that this mantra is universal and natural because it is present within everybody as the breath.

The So Hum mantra is a great beginner's mantra for anyone new to working with repeated phrases. It is short, easy to remember, and easy to pronounce, making it accessible to people of any language. The power of this mantra comes through repetition. By repeating the phrase in your practice, you can centre yourself and feel a sense of interconnectedness with the universe and all living beings. This can lead to feelings of safety, protection, and unconditional support.

shunspirit

The mantra is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'so' meaning 'that' and 'hum' meaning 'I'

The So Hum mantra, also called the Soham or So Ham Mantra, is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'so' meaning 'that' and 'hum' meaning 'I'. Together, they translate to 'I am that'. The mantra has been used for thousands of years in many Eastern religions and meditation practices, but has recently gained popularity in the Western world due to its simple structure and easy pronunciation.

The So Hum mantra is often used in two basic forms. The first is to simply repeat the words 'So Hum' many times in a cyclical structure throughout the meditation practice. The second style is to incorporate an 'Om' sound in between the 'So Hum' cycles. The word 'Om' refers to the sound of the universe and represents the entire universe in a single word. Using this word in meditation or a mantra can invoke feelings of unity and oneness with all that exists.

When using the So Hum mantra in meditation, it is common to synchronise the movement of the breath with the mantra. The word 'So' is mentally chanted during inhalation, and the word 'Hum' is mentally chanted during exhalation. This practice helps to calm the mind while also focusing and sharpening it.

The So Hum mantra is a powerful tool for connecting with the feeling of interconnectedness and cultivating a sense of peace, oneness, and compassion. It is a great beginner's mantra due to its simplicity and ease of pronunciation, but it can also be deeply meaningful and effective for more experienced practitioners.

By repeating the So Hum mantra, one is reminded that they are one with the universe and connected to everyone and everything. This realisation can lead to a state of peace, joy, and bliss, even in the face of life's challenges.

Meditation Talk: A Beginner's Guide

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shunspirit

The phrase can be translated as 'I am that' or 'I am that pure awareness'

The So Hum mantra is a popular and powerful meditation technique that has been used for thousands of years in Eastern religions and meditation practices. It is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'So', meaning 'I am', and 'Hum', meaning 'that'. Together, they translate to 'I am that', and the mantra is often used to symbolise the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe.

The phrase 'I am that' can be interpreted in a few ways. On a basic level, it can be understood as a statement of unity and oneness with the universe and all of creation. This interpretation falls under the concept of 'oneness', where one recognises that they are one with the universe and all its creations, and that they are constantly supported and nourished by universal energy. This idea of being interconnected with everything offers feelings of safety, protection, and unconditional support.

On a deeper level, the phrase 'I am that' can be translated as 'I am that pure awareness'. This interpretation highlights the calming and focusing effect that the So Hum mantra has on the mind. By synchronising the movement of the breath with the mantra, practitioners can achieve a state of mental clarity and stillness, where the mind is sharp and focused, yet simultaneously calm and relaxed.

The So Hum mantra is often used by those new to meditation and yoga due to its simple structure and easy pronunciation. It is a great beginner's mantra as it is short and easy to remember and pronounce, regardless of one's language. However, it is important to note that the power of this mantra, like any other, comes from consistent practice and repetition. By incorporating So Hum into one's meditation practice, one can begin to notice the intricate connections that exist in the world and develop a deeper sense of compassion, understanding, and love for all beings.

shunspirit

So Hum is often used by beginners as it is short, easy to remember, and easy to pronounce

The So Hum mantra is one of the most popular mantras, and has been used for thousands of years in many Eastern religions and meditation practices. It is also known as ajapa japa in Tantra and Kriya yoga, which means a constant awareness of the mantra, without chanting it. The mantra is derived from the Sanskrit, 'sah' meaning 'he' and 'aham' meaning 'I'.

The So Hum mantra is a great place to start for beginners as it is short and easy to remember and pronounce. It is also a powerful mantra, with the potential to unlock the secrets of the universe. The power of the mantra comes through repetition, and it can be used to help clear your thoughts, filter your feelings, and connect with your divine self.

The mantra is usually repeated in a cyclical structure throughout your meditation practice, with the 'So' sound during inhalation and the 'Hum' sound during exhalation. This synchronisation of the movement of the breath with the mantra can help to calm the mind, and bring you into a peaceful state. It can also help to improve your concentration and mental clarity, and increase your feelings of happiness and contentment.

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The mantra can be used to clear negative health problems and help with decision-making

The So Hum mantra is a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being. It has been used for thousands of years in Eastern religions and meditation practices and has recently gained popularity in the Western world due to its simplicity and ease of use. The phrase "So Hum" is derived from Sanskrit, with "So" meaning "I am" and "Hum" meaning "that". Together, they translate to "I am that", symbolising the connection between oneself and the universe.

The So Hum mantra can be used to clear negative health problems. The act of repeating the mantra helps to calm and focus the mind, leading to improved mental clarity and cognitive function. It is a form of meditation that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, helping to reduce stress and improve overall health. The mantra is often used in conjunction with breathing exercises, such as deep breathing or pranayama, which further enhances its calming effects. By incorporating So Hum into your meditation practice, you can achieve a sense of peace and oneness with the universe, which can be especially beneficial for those seeking support, love, or protection.

Additionally, the So Hum mantra can aid in decision-making by improving your focus and concentration. The repetitive nature of the mantra allows you to clear your thoughts and filter your feelings, enabling you to make more informed and thoughtful decisions. The mantra helps you to connect with your divine self, enhancing your self-awareness and understanding of your wants, wishes, feelings, and thoughts. This heightened self-awareness can lead to improved decision-making skills and a better understanding of your life goals and aspirations.

The So Hum mantra is a versatile tool that can be adapted to your personal needs and preferences. It can be used on its own or in combination with other meditation techniques, such as the "Om" mantra. You can repeat the mantra silently or aloud, either during a dedicated meditation session or throughout your day to help you stay centred and connected to the universe. The simplicity and flexibility of the So Hum mantra make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced meditators alike.

Frequently asked questions

'So Hum' is a mantra used in meditation that translates to "I am that" or "I am He/That". The phrase is made up of two Sanskrit words: 'So' meaning "that", and 'Hum' meaning "I".

The 'So Hum' mantra is used in two ways. The first is to simply repeat the words 'So Hum' in a cyclical structure throughout your meditation. The second is to incorporate an 'Om' sound in between 'So Hum' cycles. When using the mantra, you can connect the two halves of the phrase to your breath, inhaling to the thought of 'So' and exhaling to the thought of 'Hum'.

The 'So Hum' mantra is a beginner-friendly technique that can help you feel centred and in touch with the world around you. It can also be used to clear negative health problems, or to help you focus on your aims and make important decisions. With consistent practice, the mantra can empower you to notice the intricate connections that exist in the world and see yourself as a part of all those you come into contact with, becoming more compassionate, understanding, and loving.

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