OM, the Sound of the Universe

A-U-M. A three-part sound that travels up and out with our breath. The beginning and the ending of practice, of prayers, and of sacred text. Ancient and medieval symbology etched throughout the centuries within various eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Om is a surviving sentiment, an invocation for thousands of years and to this day, we chant it, we paint, we tattoo it, and we contemplate it.

If you have ever read yogic texts or perhaps attended a yoga practice for some time, it is hard to avoid the sacred Om, but what is it and where does it come from? Maybe you know Om by the symbol itself, a character that looks much like the number 3, usually depicted with a flared tip, attached on its backside by an O-like curve, and topped with a horizontal dash, cradling a single dot. The Om is possibly the most widely recognizable symbol in the world of yoga and eastern culture, yet many may still wonder what it means, how it works, and why it is traditionally inserted into a physical practice like yoga Asana. Furthermore, many of us may still hesitate to participate in the incantation, be it from a general shyness, uncertainty, or discomfort. Whatever the case may be, Om is an opportunity to invoke and to embody what many ancient philosophical texts proclaim is the “seed” of mantra, the original sound, the essence of the universe, the ultimate reality, Brahman. The three sounds signifying the trinity of Creation, Existence, and Destruction, A-U-M. Declared for the first time in the Mandukya Upanishad, “Aum! This syllable is this whole world.”

Have you ever been to a yoga class that chants Om at the beginning or the ending of the practice? How did it feel when you heard it or produced the sound yourself? What emotions, thoughts, sensations arose within you? For many new practitioners, the chanting of Om in a practice feels very foreign, perhaps even mystical and can, therefore, be intimidating or exciting to perform. As a teacher myself, I was trained traditionally by Indian and Nepali guides. Every practice began with three communal Om and concluded with a single Om accompanied by three Shanthi, meaning peace. I have carried this teaching into every practice I conduct to this day and in my experience, I am often one of very few, if not the only one, to chant our three Om, something I certainly do not condemn any of my students for. I know how it feels to be on the other side of the Om.

At first, we are uncertain of ourselves, our voice, our pronunciation, perhaps even our right to invoke this sacred sound, especially if we are unfamiliar and do not know why or what it is. When we attempt to chant our Om, our voice may break, the sound may be stifled, and often we become embarrassed of our perceived inability to produce a beautiful sound. This is all very normal and very much a part of it. I have found in my years of practice that the Om itself is a practice. Just as our physical practice reflects how we move through life, so too does our chanting reflect how we produce and express our energy. The break in our voice is not a sign of weakness or inability, it is an indication of withholding and ignorance of our own power. Voice is power. Mantra is powerful. The intimidation, the excitement we feel when presented with Om is an inner knowing, a calling to participate in the oneness of life that Om represents. Like any muscle can be strengthened by consistent use, so too can our voice. As we practice producing our Om, our voice clarifies and strengthens, it becomes easier and more natural, we are no longer trying to sing, but rather projecting a hearty, resonant sound that harmonizes with others’. So how do we do it?

As I stated in the beginning, Om, pronounced A-U-M, is a three part sound that travels up and out with our breath. “A” is produced from our diaphragm, the space between our ribs and above our naval, the space in our belly that inflates and deflates like a balloon. The deeper we draw our breath into our diaphragm, the more complete our sound will be. “U” is produced from our chest and is felt as deep vibration throughout our heart space. “M” is produced from our throat, like a vibratory humming that can be felt in our nasal passage, into our brain. It is by no accident that this sound travels the length of our main energetic points, beginning from the depths of our Root and rising to the elevation of our Crown, harmonizing along its path. As you produce the sound, it helps to visualize it moving upward through your body. Our breath itself is a conductor in tandem with our voice. We relax our body, we inhale deeply, and we push our sound naturally up and out with our exhale. No force, just breath, and an open channel for our voice to sound.

If you are still wondering why we practice Om, then I have a few scientific reasons and some not so scientific reasons that you can consider when the next Om opportunity presents itself to you. The practice of Mantra, or chanting of a word or prayer, is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure by activating the Parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “rest and digest” bodily functions) and stimulating the vagus nerve (the longest nerve in the body and related to the Parasympathetic) with vibration. Regular chanting also improves memory, focus, and mental steadiness, as well as strengthens vocal chords, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles. Mantra serves our practice greatly by harmonizing our energy physically, mentally, and spiritually, and prepares our mind to be open for meditation. Unifying our body and mind through Om is one of the single most beneficial ways to begin our practice in a mindful and centered way. In a class setting, it offers us the opportunity to connect with others, to practice and experience the Unity that Yoga guides in us. Om allows us to invoke a sense of something beyond ourself, thus, giving our practice a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

Om is the beginning and the ending of all. Om is the Past, the Present, and the Future. Om is the sound of the Universe reverberated by our own body. At the very least, Om is a means of deepening our yogic practice and enriching our spirit. I encourage you to practice Om daily to commence your yoga routine or simply to start your day with harmony. Observe how your sound projection develops, as well as your mind and body. Sound resonance has the profound capability to alter our state of mind and mood. Regularity of mantra chanting can change everything. Try for yourself and observe how you feel.

May your Om be resonant with your soul and may your practice be illuminating.

Om, Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthii.