Chances are you have been asked what your mantra is, or you have claimed a mantra as your mantra without really thinking about what that means. But the mantra is powerful and ancient. Finally, a mantra can be a word, sound, syllable, or phrase that is repeated over and over in meditation, yoga, and the spiritual practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Singing Om might seem a bit intimidating to beginners, you get stressed or want to get just right, right? This ultimate guide to om chanting for beginners will definitely help you feel more confident and put you on the right path to feel like an om master.
Why do we participate in Om chanting?
Why do we participate in Om chanting?
While Om chanting has been around for a long time, now might be the perfect time to practice and perfect it. Because we live in a world that is constantly moving, changing, pulsating and vibrating, we can never truly stand still. In fact, nothing really stands still. We’re always moving on to the next thing, or thinking about a million things at once.
The voice chanting Om vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hertz. This is the same vibrational frequency found in nature. If you actually stop and think about it – it’s pretty awesome. Everything is interconnected, even humans can literally channel nature through us.
By chanting the fundamental sound of the universe, we acknowledge, accept and honor our connection to nature and all other earthlings, both symbolically and physically.
While there is certainly this metaphysical connection, there are also physical benefits and reasons to engage in Om chanting. The act of singing relaxes the body. It does this by slowing down the nervous system and calming the mind. In this way, chanting can lower blood pressure in the body and enhance heart health.
Also, chanting Om is a way of turning the practice on and off, and a way of separating it from the rest of our day and marking it as a special time that allows us to put ourselves first , to practice this high art of mindfulness and self-care.
At the end of the day, the main reason we chant the Om is to connect more deeply with our yoga practice, but by doing so, we connect with ourselves, with those around us, and with nature on a deeper level. This leads to a mental attachment to the practice that goes beyond physical poses and moving from one pose to the next.
What exactly is “Om” and Om chanting?
What exactly are “Om” and “Om”?
“Om” is considered or referred to as the primordial sound born with the universe. When we exhale and breathe out the sound of Om, the vibrations that occur connect us to the original source of creation. For such a “tiny” sound, Om packs a punch and is actually quite deep and complex, with a lot of history, a lot of technique and at least some practice.
Om is a mantra traditionally chanted at the beginning and/or end of a yoga session. Originating in Hinduism, it is both a sound and a symbol full of meaning and depth.
When done correctly, this sound reverberates from the pelvic floor to the top of the head. This movement of sound and vibration fills the body with pulsating energy while radiating strength and calm.
Step by Step Instructions: Om Chanting
How To Do Om Chanting Step By Step
Calibrating the Om takes practice, like any other aspect of yoga. This fine-tuning requires finding balance and alignment until it feels right.
Om is actually not just Om. In fact, it breaks down syllable by syllable into a-ā-u-ū-m-(ng)- (silence). When pronounced correctly, it sounds more like “AUM” than “OM”. Symbolically, the three letters (AUM) embody the divine energy of Shakti. The three main characteristics of this divine energy are 1) creation, 2) preservation and 3) liberation.
step 1
When pronouncing the first two sounds (a-ā), first open your mouth wide, as if you want to suck the whole universe out of your mouth. Pronounced as a sustained “awe” sound that starts at the back of your throat and builds up. As you make this sound, you will feel your solar plexus and chest vibrate. This is also commonly referred to as a syllable.
step 2
The next two syllables (u-ū) are supported by pursing the lips, which helps to stretch them. This part is pronounced with a prolonged “oo” sound. The vibrations move from your chest to your throat as the sound rolls progressively forward along your palate.
Again, this is often called a syllable.
step 3
Finally, with the tip of your tongue on the palate, you can pronounce the last two syllables – m-(ng). This part is pronounced with a prolonged “mmmm” sound. Your front teeth touch lightly and you feel the roof of your mouth vibrate. These two syllables symbolize the end of the cycle of creation.
Again, this can be called a syllable.
step 4
Afterwards, relax and let the stillness completely take over. It is worth noting that the silent “syllable” is part of Om. This deep silence merges with M’s singing.
As you enjoy the stillness, take another deep breath.
Respect those who chant Om
Respect those who chant Om
If you don’t feel comfortable singing Om or if it’s not part of your practice, that’s okay. If the teacher invites the whole class to chant together, you can simply meditate