By Tarak Ghosh
The OM Chant
Om is the primordial sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge, which signifies the Supreme Power. It’s both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth, and when pronounced correctly, it is actually AUM.
Symbolically, the three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti), and it has three main characteristics: (1) creation, (2) preservation, and (3) liberation.
Meditation and yoga both have positive effects on physical and mental health. Om is a mantra or vibration that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. In Indian scriptures, the sacred syllable Om is the primordial sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge, which signifies the Supreme Power.
Om meditation is easy to practice; it needs less time and does not require an expert or trainer to assist while performing. It has advantages over other meditation techniques. The "Om" mantra is also considered the very name of the absolute. The mantra, or vibration, derives from Hinduism and is considered to have high spiritual and creative power, but despite this, it is a mantra that can be recited by anyone.
It’s both a sound and a symbol
rich in meaning and depth, and when pronounced correctly, it is actually AUM.
Om symbolically embodies the divine
energy, or Shakti, and its three main characteristics: creation,
preservation, and liberation. When pronounced correctly, Om has four
syllables and is pronounced "Aum."
Aum
actually consists of four syllables: A, U, M, and the silent syllable, The
first syllable is "A," pronounced as a prolonged "aw." The
sound starts at the back of your throat, and you stretch it out. You will start
to feel your solar plexus and chest vibrating. "A" represents the
physical plane.
The
second syllable is U, pronounced as a prolonged "oo," with the sound
gradually rolling forward along your upper palate. You'll feel your throat
vibrate. "U" represents the mental and astral planes, the world of
intelligent spirits, and all heavens.
The third
syllable is M, pronounced as a prolonged "mmmm" with your front teeth
gently touching. You will now start to feel the top of your head vibrate.
"M" shows the deep-sleep state.
The last
syllable is the deep silence of the infinite. As intelligence rises from the deep
silence, you have to merge your chant from the "M" into the deep
silence. Om vibrations flow from the belly to the brain, and these sound
vibrations have a significant impact on body harmonisation. Symbolically, the
three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti) and its three main
characteristics: (1) creation, (2) preservation, and (3) liberation.
OM
Chanting Procedure
The meditation that consists of the chanting of Om or Aum is known as Om meditation. Chanting Om will give you a sense of the source of the universe, and when chanted correctly, Om’s sound reverberates through your body, filling it with energy and tranquility. The daily chanting of Om will give peace to your mind, body, and soul.
The yogis of ancient India knew the inherent power of the Om mantra and chanted it to connect with their souls. They believed that it is present and active within all of us and will reveal itself only through Om meditation.
Close
your eyes gently and turn them downward. During meditation, you should keep
your eyes closed. Closed eyes help the mind relax.
Close
your mouth and take a deep breath. Ensure that the air goes in and out only
through your nose. Keep your jaw muscles relaxed. Your upper and lower teeth
should be slightly parted instead of clenched together or touching one another.
Observe your breath while it goes in and out. Don’t force it; do it naturally.
Breathe
in and out while chanting Om. Instead of breathing into the chant, fix the
chant to your breath period. Break down the "Om" syllable to
"A-A-U-U-M," followed by silence, and then back again. Say the first
two syllables with your mouth wide open and the next two by pursing your lips
together. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth to pronounce
the last two syllables. Then, get engrossed in the silence that ensues.
As you gradually go deeper into
the meditation, the Om vibrations become softer and subtler, almost like a
whisper. Slowly, it will become silent, and you will realise that Om has always
been present and active in your body. You will notice that even your breath
slows down and becomes lighter.
Make a note of all the thoughts
and sensations that arise, while you meditate and deal with them in a calm and
detached manner without deviating from your breath and chanting.
When you do Om meditation, it develops positive vibrations in you. Due to this, you feel happy. Gradually, it will wash away all your negative thoughts and purify the environment around you.
