What is Om?

The word “om” or “AUM” is a Vedic Sanskrit word which represents the Divine Presence and Power that is the Universe. It is the one sacred sound from which all word variation originates and is considered the “sound of all sounds” because it originates from the sounds of nature and embodies them in its vibration. Om appears in the Vedas, and the Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad later explains its sounds. It says “’Aum’ consists of four not three elements. The fourth is soundless: unutterable, a quieting down of all the differentiated manifestations, blissful, peaceful, non-dual.” In Advaita Vedānta, the three sounds A-U-M are linked with waking, dreaming and deep sleep, and the silence after them with turīya, the fourth state.

Why is Om used in Meditation?

Om is the basic sound of the universe; chanting it symbolically and physically tunes us into that sound and acknowledges our connection to everything in the world and the Universe. The rhythmic pronunciation and vibrations have a calming effect on the body and the nervous system. It is also considered to be the root mantra from which all other mantras emerge. In a similar vein, Tibetan scholar Lama Govinda wrote that Om expresses and leads to the “experience of the infinite within us.” Thus, chanting Om may be the easiest way to touch the Divine within your very self. Yogis often meditate the 4 part of Om; though commonly spelled Om, the mantra actually consists of three letters, a, u, and m. Each of these three parts has numerous metaphysical associations, which themselves serve as meditative seeds. For example, A is represented as Conscious State where we experience life by our conscious mind; U is represented as Dream State where we experience life when we are not awake neither in deep sleep; M is represented as Unconsciousness State where we are unconscious or in a deep sleep. By contemplating the meaning of each of these letters as we chant them, we are led through the three states of our ordinary consciousness to the mantra’s fourth part; The Absolut State which comes after the vibration slowly dissolves into the silence. This state is the ultimate goal where we are deeply conscious and enlightened.

In Om meditation, you do not concentrate on any particular part of your body. Your mind does waver around, but make sure it comes back to focus through chanting. 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.