What does "OM" mean?

The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of this ancient practice. 

  “Aum” or “OM” (two different spellings which I will use interchangeably throughout this article) is a sacred sound, syllable, and mantra with powerful effects to deepen our concentration. Om is often considered the sound of the universe. This brings to mind an insight I had on one of my retreats to India. I was sitting in meditation by the Ganges river and began to hear the sound of “Om” in the river as it flowed down the rocks, in the bird song as they sat in the nearby trees chirping, in the rustling of the leaves as the wind blew. In this way, “Om” is believed to be the bija, or most basic seed sound, of the universe.

Who uses “Aum, OM”?

I have often heard the question “Does chanting Om mean I am changing my religion.” No, it does not. Although the term is linked to Indian culture, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, om chanting is a practice that transcends culture and religion and is inclusive of all possible definitions and interpretations of some deeper essence of life. Many wisdom traditions have their own version of this sacred sound.

What does “Aum, OM” Mean?

There are many meanings and interpretations. Om is considered a sacred sound of the universe. Om is also a bija mantra, a seed syllable, that brings about a hightened sense of perception and awareness. The symbol for Om is also visually represented as ॐ, where the symbol consists of three curves, a semicircle, and a dot. Each component of the symbol is said to represent different aspects of existence, with the three curves signifying waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, the dot representing the transcendent state, and the semicircle symbolizing the veil of illusion (maya). 

When is “Aum, OM” used?

In a group Yoga class Om is used as a way of coming together as a group or community to raise our voices in unison and bring together a collective energy in the room. Om can be used in a practice called mantra japa, where you repeat the same mantra over and over, sometimes for hours. In the Sivananda lineage once a year the same mantra is recited in “shifts” all over the world for days to create a prayer for world peace. Om is often used as a mantra during meditation or chanting as a way to focus the mind and attain a sense of inner peace or spiritual awakening. This mantra is also used to begin and end other mantras, or when you begin or end study of a sacred text. Throughout the ashrams and yogic centers in India “OM” is also used as a greeting or salutation,, similarly to the way we use “Hello”. 

Where do you hear “Aum, OM”?

It is common all over the world to hear this mantra during Yogic practices and classes. I was in Japan recently for our wedding anniversary and we chanted Om there during a kirtan, a group music and yoga session. You will hear this all throughout India in ashrams, weddings, Hindu holy days, ceremonies and other sacred rituals. Chanting is deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional aspects of yoga, especially in traditions like Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion). It is a way of honoring and connecting with the historical and spiritual roots of yoga.

Why do we use “Aum, OM”?

The great inventor and scientist Nikola Tesla once said, 

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” 

Repeating Om helps to improve breath control when done in a relaxed and peaceful way. This promotes conscious breathing, which is a fundamental aspect of yoga practice, and brings about much of the relaxation and stress relief experienced after a yoga class. The om symbol ॐ in Sanskrit is commonly seen painted on the wall in yoga studios, printed on yoga gear, and even worn as a pendant as a symbol of yoga. 

My husband and I have this symbol hanging from the front gate on our property. I like to see it as I walk in as a reminder of the values I strive for in life and my dedication to a lifelong practice. 

Many yogic traditions incorporate chanting as a means of connecting with the spiritual aspect of yoga. Mantras and sacred sounds are believed to have inherent power, and chanting them is a way to invoke and attune yourself to higher states of consciousness. Some chants are used to set intentions or positive affirmations for the yoga practice. Yogis chant om to begin or end a yoga practice to connect to the oneness of all things. Chanting done in a group can create a sense of community and an uplifting shared experience. 

How to pronounce “Aum, OM”?

Mantra repetition is done in coordination with your breath. Take a deep inhale, and sound out the mantra with your exhale. 

A: The first sound in om is “A,” pronounced "ah." 

U: “U” or "oo" is a natural continuation of the sound that begins with "ah." 

M: The “M” sound is made by sealing the lips to complete the oral part of the mantra.

According to the Vedas, a set of ancient spiritual texts, the silence after the “M” in om is known as Anahata Nada or “pure silence.” Some teachings define this part as something beyond sound or verbal comprehension, while others state that it represents a peaceful state of consciousness. This is a very important part of the mantra, try to make this the longest portion, really draw out the “mmmmmm”.

 As taught to me by my teacher, this part of the mantra generates pranava, which you can think of as a sort of spiritual will power, strength, or resilience. While the eyes are usually closed during chanting, your internal gaze is focused in and up towards the space between your eyebrows.

Different styles and lineages of yoga may incorporate chanting in various ways. Traditionally, teachers would “prescribe” mantras for their students as a way of progressing in their practice. Chanting mantra can sometimes be a very subtle practice that doesn’t bring about any noticeable immediate effect, for others it does. If you feel called to mantra japa you might take up a home practice for 40 days, repeating “OM” at the same time each day for the same amount of time. It might take time to notice these subtle effects. If you don’t feel comfortable yet reciting the mantra yourself, you could also put on a recording and just listen, which can also be quite powerful. 

  I think it’s important to not feel forced into any of these practices but to find what you feeled called to, what resonates with you, what uplifts you and to follow that. There are many mantras and sacred sounds that help bring about a deeper sense of tranquility and broader perspective in life. Find what works for you! The practices of Yoga just happen to be what works for me and what I want to share with the world.