The Power of OM Mantra – Right Technique to Practice it

OM or AUM is one of the most ancient and powerful sound or mantra of the universe which is believed to have been in existence since the beginning of the universe and, thus, is referred as to the first basic sound of the universe. Noteworthy, when we chant OM (AUM), it vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz, which is of the same vibration frequency found throughout everything in nature. Thus, by chanting it we, in turn, are able to acknowledge our connection to nature and universe and its living beings. Furthermore, chanting OM (AUM) also energises one’s body and purifies and calms down one’s mind and therefore is rightly considered as the ‘king of all sounds/mantras’. Most of us also would have noticed that OM or AUM is used in the beginning of most of the ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mantras and also at the beginning and end of any kind of meditation/Yoga. However, regardless of belief system or religion, this is one mantra that can be chanted by anyone. 

This ancient sound or mantra, basically, is composed of four elements which comprise of three vocal sounds or syllables: A-U-M while the fourth sound is the deep silence (unheard sound) which begins and ends the other three mentioned audible sounds and surrounds them. Regular chanting of this helps the mediator/person in getting aware of his inner self, thereby, making one feel more connected with themselves.

In Hinduism, OM (AUM) is the highest sacred symbol and it is also believed that the OM or AUM is the name of Supreme Power/God, basically the vibration of the Supreme Power/God. The three sounds, A-U-M, symbolizes the three aspects of Hindu Gods: Brahma/Creator (A), Vishnu/Preserver (U) and Shiva/Destroyer (M). Further, the three sounds of the OM (AUM) mantra also represent the following trilogies:

•The Past, Present and Future

•The Waking State (signifies darkness and ignorance), Dreaming State (signifies passion, activity and dynamism), and Dreamless States (signifies purity, truth, and light)

•Heaven, Earth, And Underworld

Right Technique to Chant OM (AUM)

While starting with the practicing of the divine mantra or sound AUM (OM) you can consider the following steps/technique that will help in the correct chanting and consequently giving the person the best of the physical and mental benefits:

•The first step is sitting in sukhasaan (cross-legged) with straight head and back. Make sure both your body and mind are at ease.

•Turn your left palm up and keep it close to your navel. Place the back of your right hand onto your left palm. Maintain this position till the end. 

•After this, close your eyes and take a deep breath in and then slowly breathe out. Now, breathe in and count to five and while exhaling count to seven. This should be repeated at least thrice.

•Now, as you breathe out for the third time, take a deep breath in and start chanting AUM while giving equal measure/weightage to each of the three sounds (A-U-M) such as ‘aaauuummm’ rather than ‘auumm’ or ‘aaaummm’. Keep in mind, that the sound of OM/AUM begins at the back of the throat with the “aaaa” sound and ends at the lips with the “mmm” sound. 

•Repeat it at least three times and you will feel the vibration of the AUM or OM sound in our body, and the body is relaxed. Gradually, you can increase up to nine-fifteen times.

•At the end of chanting AUM there is a pause or a moment of silence. 

•After this rub your hands together and put the hands on your face first followed by other body parts. It is believed that after chanting OM (AUM), rubbing your both hands together gets charged. Consequently, putting those charged hands on your face/body parts make them activate.

•Lastly, always remember that you can either chant it silently or recite it but of course not in a too loud or high pitch voice. Also, consider setting aside a time each day to meditate OM or AUM. However, the most ideal time to chant OM or AUM is during sunrise or morning time and also in the evening or sunset time. And one should avoid chanting immediately right after any type of meal.

Importance and Power of OM (AUM)

Chanting OM (AUM) has both positive physical and mental effects making our mind, body and soul peaceful and positive, and thus, as such its importance and power are difficult to overstate. However some of the benefits of Chanting OM (AUM) everyday or on regular basis are: 

•Relaxing and sharpening of mind/nervous system

•Helping the mediator/person in getting aware of his inner self, thereby, making one feel more connected with them

•Enhancement of positive vibes

•Energizing of body and mind

•Increases immunity level

•Improves Functioning of Heart & Digestive System

•Reducing stress and depression level

•Peaceful and regulating sleep

•Improving concentration and focus

•Detoxification of body by getting rid of toxins and as a result making you energetic

•Improves the hormonal balance

•Improves the efficiency of the spinal cord

•Makes You Emotionally Stable

For most of us, tensions, anxiety and stress have become a regular part of our day to day fast paced and challenging life which in turn is making us venerable to various harmful physical and mental diseases. So all in all, it is to our best that we make regular chanting of OM or AUM an integral part of our life and thereby rejuvenate our body, mind and soul which is essential for leading a happy, positive and focussed life.