Om is one of the most sacred sounds In Hinduism and is considered to have a very high creative and spiritual power. It is a sacred mantra from ancient Vedic times that personifies the divine energies. This sacred sound consists of three vital divine features: creation, protection, and liberation. According to Hindu tradition, this OM is the basic sound of the universe and contains the whole universe. The meaning of OM is profound and represents the sound of the divine and all the possible triads of time and place.
The power of this universal sound
When it is pronounced correctly, the Om consists of four syllables that is A, U, M, and the silent one. According to the ancient Vedas, OM is the highest vibration of supreme divinity and the name of god and symbolizes the three major gods of Hinduism. The syllable A represents Brahma, the creator of the universe; U is pronounced as OO and symbolizes Vishnu, the god of preservation and M, which is pronounced as ‘mmm’ and represents the Hindu deity Shiva-Shakti, the god of liberation or destruction.
OM reminds us that we have the ability to move past beyond our physical and mental circumstances and surpass our consciousness and connect with the divinity. When we chant OM mantra, the Beginning syllable begins from the solar plexus or Manipura chakra and sends its vibration higher in the chest. The sound of the Second syllable U moves up towards the throat as it moves along the upper palate. M the third syllable, brings all the vibrations to upper chakras and activates them. The final syllable is a silent that represents the infinite silence as the vibration moves through your chakras and your body to the universe.
Why do we chant OM mantra?
Everything in this universe is vibrational energy, and it is always moving never stills. The Sound of OM, when it is chanted correctly, vibrates at the frequency of 432 HZ, which is the cosmic frequency of all the human beings; hence it connects us with all the sounds and vibrational energy of the universe. So when we chant it, we become attune physically and mentally with the universe vibration energies.
According to the recent studies chanting of OM mantra induces a deep state of relaxation like meditation and had a profound effect on the autonomous nervous system that regulates blood pressure, metabolism, and other internal function. It also improves the health of your heart and reduces stress and anxiety.
You might be thinking of how it is used in Yoga, so here are the uses of Om:
Many of you have witnessed OM chanting at the beginning and end of yoga class. It is one of the most significant sounds in the yoga mantra tradition At the beginning of yoga class, the Om connects us with our individual selves, our strength, and our egos. As this sound moves, it connects the energy of mind to the universal energies, and with the residing sound, it creates the sensation of unison with your body to the universe body. It prevents you from distractions hence helps you to focus your mind on yoga practice. It is the best and effective way to set the tone and intention for the class. While at the end of the yoga class, it is used as a way of citing that your practice has come to an end.
Pranava yoga is a form of Yoga, which is also known as OM yoga meditation that heavily relies on the sound of OM. Here the practitioners have to sit comfortably with your hands on your knees or your thighs and chants the mantra OM silently while breathing deeply simultaneously. The impact of this sacred mantra is so strong that you even forget the sound of your voice and become one with your fellow yogis. Chanting OM with your fellow yogis in the yoga class strengthens the bond between each other.
All wether at the beginning of a yoga class or in the end, the chanting of AUM/ OM helps the practitioner to connects with their practice and themselves on a much deeper level.