Chanting Aum

When the saints or yogis sit in meditation, they hear the sound “Aum.” The mantra is considered to have high spiritual and creative power! That’s why it has been used so often.

And we all would agree that the vibrations or energy we feel while chanting it, makes it special. Lets try and understand more about the sacred symbol and chant.

Aum is bija mantra for third eye chakra or Ajna Chakra. The Sound of AUM is also called Omkara/Aumkara.

Why do we chant Aum?

Everything in the Universe is pulsating and vibrating – nothing is really standing still! The sound Aum, when chanted, vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz. Which is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature!!

As such AUM is the basic sound of the universe; so by chanting it we are symbolically and physically tuning in to that sound. And acknowledging our connection to all other living beings, nature and the universe.

Besides, it has a calming affect on the body by slowing down the nervous system and calming the mind similar to meditation. When the mind is relaxed, your blood pressure decreases and ultimately the health of your heart improves.

How do we chant?

It is said in three syllables – A, U, M.  Chanted at the beginning of yoga practice it helps to set the tone of our practice and brings awareness to the present moment. As we create the sound on the exhale we feel the vibration move through the body, progressing from naval to the heart to the brain.

“A” stands for Creation –  ‘Ahh’ from the stomach and represents the creation of the universe. Besides, it entails physically and connects you to your ego. This syllable lets you experience the world’s complete existence with your senses.

In Hindu scriptures, this sound is dedicated to Lord Brahma.

“U” stands for Preservation – ‘Ooo’ the sound from centre of the heart that highlights the energy of the universe and the patterns of your mind. “Ooh” connects you to your inner sense of understanding. That there’s something greater than your physical body.

This sound is dedicated to Lord Vishnu

“M” stands for Destruction or Dissolution – ‘Mmm’ is the sound focusing on third eye or eyebrow centre.  It represents energy of the universe. 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 ‘Mmm’ to the deep silence.

This sound is dedicated to Lord Shiva

What does the symbol signify?

• As explained in the image first curve represents the conscious state of a human being also known as Jagrat.
• Second curve is for dream state or states your experience of the world without being fully awake also known as Swapna .
• Third curve is for unconscious deep sleep or death also known as sushupti.
• The curve and dot on top represents the world of illusion- maya. And the transcendental state is know as Turiya state.

 Finally

Aum is beyond any religion or tradition. Everything is bound in one : the universe, creation, words and all sounds. It’s been said that Aum is the very seed of creation, containing every bit of power found in the universe.

Love and Light
Sumitra