The whole of existence is a reverberation / vibration of energy. Everything down to the tiniest atom is vibrating at a certain frequency – we all have our own unique energetic vibration and frequency.
It is said that where there is a vibration there is sound, and where there is a sound, there is creation.
Om is the primordial sound of the universe and basic sound of your physical existence. It is the first sound – the seed (beej) sound – the sound of creation.
Ishvara or Shiva is the Adi Guru or original teacher of yoga through the cosmic vibration Aum, as is taught in the Yoga Sutras.
This ancient symbol and sound has long been known to the ancients of India and practiced in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism for centuries.
Modern day science and NASA have now measured and proved what the ancient Yogi’s have known for millennia – that the universal sound – the frequency of space is OM –
Om vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz – the same vibrational frequency found in all things throughout nature. Om is the basic sound of the universe; chanting it as a “beej” (seed) mantra symbolically and physically tunes us into that sound and acknowledges our connection to everything in the world and the Universe.
It is said that once you have reached a certain stage spiritually where you are able to sit in complete silence and stillness within yourself this is the sound you will automatically hear.
Furthermore the frequency of 432 Hz is known to have beneficial effects on our bodies at a physiological, mental and spiritual levels.
When chant Om we can feel the vibration and its subtle affects throughout the body.
Benefits of chanting Om (as part of a regular & consistent spiritual practice):-
It has a meditative effect.
It has a positive effect on the nervous system and boosts the immune system.
Mind is focussed and stable – aids and helps develop concentration.
It reduces stress and relaxes the body, bringing down blood pressure and heart rate – so normalising and regulating the cardiovascular system.
It increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and brain – therefore entire system – which has numerous health benefits.
Helps to regulate hormones.
Bring balance to right, and left sides of brain and masculine, feminine energies.
Helps to feel good on inside – everything working better and more efficiently –
Helps remove toxins from the body more efficiently,
Therefore – feel and look more vibrant – and so can actually look healthier and younger on the outside.
Helps prevent disease and degeneration in the body.
Accelerates healing on all levels.
How to chant Om for Beginners
OM actually sounds as “Aum” when we chant. It is made up of 3 sounds A, U and M – the 3 root sounds – found in everything and the basic sounds of all languages.
When chanting AUM you may hear these three syllables – A – U – M and then (some might say the fourth syllable) silence.
When we chant “Aum” – be conscious of these syllables, though they should not feel forced, but just naturally occur as we open and close the mouth as we produce the sound. As follows:-
AAAA – Mouth open – sound comes naturally
UUUU – Mouth slightly closes
MMMM – Mouth closed
Each syllable should be even in length – same amount of time on each syllable.
Beginners to this practice can try counting, as a guide at first, for example:- A – 4 counts, U – 4 counts, M – 4 counts and silence – 4 counts). Or just follow your own breath pattern, inhale deeply, exhale chant AUM, inhale and so on.
If newly starting a practice you can just chant a few times and build up.
Try this practice of chanting out loud, then humming, and then chanting silently within your minds eye:-
Chant 9 times – out loud.
9 times humming – Mmmmmmmm
9 times in silence, without moving the mouth, hear the sound internally.
One can chant “Om” internally and out loud. When chanting internally to oneself – Chant “Au” on the inhale breath, and “Mmm” on exhale.
Engage all senses – completely immerse concentration and benefit can also focus on the symbol – a big golden OM:-
A – First (upper) curve
U – Second (lower) curve
M – Middle curve
Silence – Top curve & Dot
Chanting “Om” should be practiced as a beej mantra, which you can incorporate as a daily yogic practice into your routine or as part of your Sadhana.
My Gurujii taught me that this can be done 9 times in morning and evening at the start and/or end of your practice. Or one can also use a Japa mala for longer, deeper practice (108 times, in one round of the japa). A japa mala has 108 beads, plus the guru bead.
Chant every day in this way and notice the benefits it brings into your life!
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