What is AUM (OM?)

Aloha Everyone,

What is AUM (OM)?

AUM (OM) is a chant, (mantra) or vibration that is believed to be the basic sound of the universe and it contains all other sounds. AUM is often chanted at the start of the class to tune in our body and mind and again at the close of yoga or meditation sessions  

What does AUM (OM) mean?  .

Aum (OM) symbol is made out of three Sanskrit letters and represents the different states of consciousness.  They are aa, au and ma and combined together, they make the sound of Aum (OM)   According to B.K.S. Iyengar in his book Light On Yoga, he said,  

"The letter A symbolizes the conscious or waking state

The letter U the dream state

The letter M the dreamless sleep state of the mind and spirit

A-U-M in its wholeness represents the “realization of man's divinity within himself."

Understanding the AUM symbol

Left upper curve = deep sleep state

Left lower curve = waking state.

The dot = Divine, The one, the self

Right crescent shape = infinity

Right curve begins from the center = dream state

How do you make correct sounds of chanting AUM (OM)?

The ancient yogi says that there are 4 sounds to AUM.

1)  "A" - vibrate this sound like in the sound "far" in the center of your mouth.

2)  "U" - vibrate this long oo sound in the back of the mouth

3)  "M" - vibrate this buzzing sound with your lips closed

4)  Final sound is the sound of silence which can only be realized when you give your full and complete attention to the first 3 sounds.  When the buzzing vibration of the "M" is no longer audible, focus on the silence become mindful and you will come to experience the sound of silence.

AUM (OM) Meditation Technique:

1)  Sit tall in a comfortable easy pose or in a chair.

2)  Elongate your spine, lift your chest, close your eyes, bring chin in slightly about 1/10^th of an inch.

3)  Inhale deeply as you vibrate "A: sound, raise your arms up palms facing the sky to the shoulder level

4)  Move your arms forward, palms facing as you vibrate "U" sound

5)  Cross your hands in front of your heart as you vibrate "M" sound

6)  Bring your hands to namaste mudra as you listen to the final sound of silence

7)  Exhale slowly as you chant 4 sounds including the sound of silence and try to have the single breath last through the cycle

8)  Inhale deeply and repeat

Begin with 3 minutes and work your way up to whatever you feel comfortable

BENEFITS:

• Helps to be in the present moment, to be mindful
• Practice deep listening and accept impermanence of life which will lead to bliss and enlightenment.
• Assists in healing yourself, improves your immune system
• Helps you experience peace and tranquility
• Helps generate mental clarity, improves brain function.
• Helps relieve stress and heal your body.
• Removes obstacles from your life
• Provides protection
• Purifies the mind, body and soul
• Helps you focus mind and body and improve concentration

CAUTION: This meditation is very simple yet this is a profound yogic practice. If you enter this practice with the intension of experiencing the sound of silence, you might be disappointed. Relax, practice this often, and practice without any expectations on results and experience.  If you get dizzy or feel unusual sensation in your body, stop return to your normal breathing.  Do not over do.

Namaste -- Cathi