What Is The Meaning Of Om Symbol? History & Chanting Benefits

It is no surprise that not many of us know the meaning of the ‘Om’ symbol or even why it is chanted. It is considered a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. If you are among them, don’t worry. We are here to help you out! In this article, we look into the meaning of the symbol Om, its history, what it signifies, how to pronounce it, what happens when you chant it, and its benefits. So, let us get started to experience the magic of Om!

Quick Tip

The mantra ‘Om’ is believed to have been used by Rishi Munis (sages) for the first time around 5000 years ago. The syllable is also called Onkara, Udgitha, and Akṣara.

Answering Crucial Questions On The Universal Symbol

What Is The Meaning Of Om & Aum?

They say that before the world began, Brahma – the creator, the absolute reality – was one, and He said, “I am one, but may I become many?” This thought created a vibration that settled into a sound. This sound was Om. The creation of the world began with this vibration – Om.

When you chant Om, the vibration from that sound correlates to the original vibrations that were sounded in the universe when the world was created. The sound of Om is often called Pranava, or that which runs through breath (Prana) and sustains life. Om is also a representation of the four states of the Supreme Being.

O is a diphthong and is usually spelled as AU in Sanskrit. A diphthong is the combination of two vowel sounds that make the sound of one vowel. Some people refer to Om as OM, and others as AUM, but the difference between them is merely in translation.

The right pronunciation of Om is ‘OOM’, as in hOME.

The Anatomy Of The Symbol Om

Here comes the anatomy of the Om symbol. Om represents the three states of consciousness.

A – is the waking or enlightenment state (pronounced ‘A’ as in Accounting)
U – is the dream state (pronounced ‘U’ as in Would)
M – is the state of deep sleep (pronounced ‘M’ as in suM)

Usually, when Om is chanted, there is a silence between two Oms. This silence represents the state of Turiya or the fourth state, which is known to be a state of bliss. In this state, a person identifies himself with the Supreme.

How To Chant Om

1. Look for a calm place. Sit comfortably. The best position to assume would be sitting with your legs crossed and your back erect.

2. It is important to be comfortable, so wear loose clothes. You need to let all the channels in your body free.

3. Place your right palm in your left, both facing upward and next to your navel.

4. Gently close the eyes or glance downward. Make sure your body and mind are calm.

5. Take account of all the vibrations that happen in each part of your body.

6. Once you are aware of every sound in your body, breathe in, and count to five. Then, breathe out as you count to seven. With time, try and increase the number. Do this thrice.

7. When you exhale the third time, feel the vibrations in the abdomen as you chant “AAAAA”.

8. Exhale and relax for a few seconds.

9. Breathe in deeply and slowly. As you exhale, feel the vibrations in your neck and chest as you chant “OOOOO”.

10. Exhale and relax for a few seconds.

11. Breathe in slowly and deeply again. And as you exhale, feel the vibrations in your neck and head, and chant “MMMMM”. This may cause you to feel dizzy at first, but you could sip a little water and stop the chanting

12. Exhale and relax for a few seconds.

13. Breathe in slowly and deeply again. As you exhale, chant Om. Remember that 80 percent of your chant should be AU and 20 percent should be M.

14. Chant Om three times, and then slowly increase it to nine. Once you finish with the meditation, breathe normally as you concentrate on it for about five minutes.

The Power Of Chanting Om

1. When you chant Om, it is said that you will let go of all things worldly. You will start focusing more, and your body will be rejuvenated. It will help you bring positive energy to your life and instill harmony.

2. If you chant Om 50 times, especially when you are low and depressed, you will feel lively and energized almost instantly. Om is a powerful tonic, and when you chant it, you will be the epitome of purity and light.

3. People who chant Om have a sweet, yet powerful voice. If you chant Om while you exercise, it will make the mind calm and serene as it imparts spirituality that leads you to ultimate self-realization and helps you experience oneness with the divine.

A blogger shared his experience of chanting Om as part of his daily meditation in his personal blog. He said, “I will be honest – at first, nothing. Absolutely nothing. This is where your faith, belief, trust, effort, and perseverance come in. And your hunt for Dnyaan, knowledge. I kept at it, though intermittently. What was regular was my daily prayers. It is, in my opinion, the combination of the two that really clicks – Dnyaan and Faith (i).”

As part of his major realization, he then added, “This is a magical calm, a magical beautiful and hypnotically enthralling experience, as everything ceases – albeit for a few seconds. For those few seconds, all that exists is sheer nothingness, and an infinite calm extends upon your corporeal being. That is the sheer magic of ॐ.”

Did You Know?

Meditation experts believe that chanting Om 108 times helps open your crown chakra easily and assists you in achieving self-actualization.

Why Is Om The Primordial Sound?

According to Hindu scriptures, before the existence of the physical universe, there was a divine sound vibration, which is believed to be “Om”, and it is from this that the material world came into existence. Om is considered a primordial sound that represents the soul, consciousness, and reality. It consists of the three following sounds: A, U, and M. The sound also mirrors the process of breathing and symbolizes the different states of consciousness. ‘A’ signifies the waking state, ‘U’ signifies the dream state, and ‘M’ signifies the state of deep sleep. Moreover, the sound ebbs to the point that it merges with silence. This represents the transcendent reality that exists outside of material forms (1).

Health Benefits Of Chanting Om

1. It Helps Reduce Stress And Sets Your Mood Right

Studies say that chanting Om with great concentration helps you reduce the levels of adrenaline in the body, which, in turn, reduces stress. When you chant Om, you are usually in a peaceful, secluded place, and your mind is free of distractions, which makes you feel calm, pious, and a sense of unity with God.

If your work is stressful, make it a habit of chanting Om first thing every morning. Your endorphins are boosted, and you will feel relaxed and refreshed all day. Om also helps to balance out the hormones. This means no more mood swings! When you remain in a good mood, your interpersonal relationships automatically improve.

2. Improves Concentration

When you chant Om, you tend to seclude yourself from all thoughts that bother you. Over time, you tend to focus, and your level of concentration will improve and so will your cosmic consciousness.

3. Your Spinal Cord Is Strengthened

When you chant OM, the ‘ A’ vibration is said to impact the spinal cord. As you make it a practice to chant Om, your spinal cord will become more efficient.

4. Chanting Om Is A Great Detox For Your Body

When you meditate, initially, your body de-stresses, and eventually, it begins to detoxify itself. Meditation regulates the blood circulation, which means more oxygen for the body. Also, when you breathe in combination with the vibrations, you get rid of a whole lot of toxins.

5. Your Heart And Digestive System Are Looked After

Firstly, chanting Om enhances blood flow to different parts of the body, and it also reduces your blood pressure. Secondly, when it removes your tension and worries, you heartbeats are normalized, and your heart remains efficient and protected.
Breathing and vibrations also make your digestive system stronger.

6. It Helps Regulate Your Sleep Cycle

The worldly problems and busy schedules are the root causes of all the problems in our lives. Chanting Om removes all causes of worry and imparts great peace to your mind. When your mind is peaceful, your sleep cycle is automatically brought back to normal.

7. You Get A Hold On Your Feelings

Our mind and bodies have succumbed to our anxieties and frustration, and sometimes, we tend to be impulsive about voicing our feelings. This can add to our already troubled life because it is most likely you will repent such rage later. Chanting Om will make your mind stronger, fill you with religious mysticism and also make you more self-aware. You will be able to assess a situation before you react.

8. Helps You In Getting Rid Of Negativity

When we think of negative things, which is a human tendency, we tend to attract negativity into our lives. When you chant Om, you tend to concentrate on yourself. And in doing so, your soul drives out the negativity and allows you to attract positive people and thoughts into your life.

How To Use Om

First of all, you can use Om while you meditate. Make sure you do so in a quiet place. Sit comfortably and relax your nerves and muscles. Concentrate on your third eye (the space between your eyebrows, a little above your eyes), silence your thoughts, and chant Om. As you do this, think of eternity and everything you want from life with all your heart. This will help to channelize your Third Eye Chakra.

Chant Om when you practice yoga. It will enhance the positive effects of the practice.

Once you begin chanting Om, keep the feeling and meaning of the sound in your heart at all times. And as you do so, feel free, pure, and aware of yourself. Let your body vibrate with these ideas, and spread the power of Om through your hearts, bodies, and life.

History Of Om

It is said that this sound was first mentioned in the Upanishads (a collection of sacred Hindu texts). The Mandukya Upanishad is a text dedicated to Om. It says that Om denotes infinity and hence it’s imperishable. It says that Om was in the past, it is the present, and it will be in the future. Om is said to be anything that exists beyond the bounds of time.

Om is the seed of all mantras. Om is short, and it vibrates through the body, livening up each chakra. It is one of the ancient mantras for transformation, reviving the Third Eye and Crown chakras in our body, connecting us with our divine self. Some say that this sound has been recorded in space and sounds something like om-y.

Infographic: Om: Its Meaning And Benefits

Chanting Om is becoming a favorite among many due to its various health benefits. From improving concentration to promoting heart health, this ancient practice can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. Check out the infographic below to learn about its significance and why you should include it in your life.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it disrespectful to get an Om tattoo?

No. It is okay to get an Om tattoo. However, since it is a sacred symbol, getting an Om tattoo on the feet or around the private parts is often considered disrespectful. Therefore, ensure that you get that tattoo on a suitable body part.

Can ladies wear Om pendant?

Yes. Ladies can wear an Om pendant around the neck.

What is the difference between ohm and Om?

Om and ohm refer to the same sound. Aum is the actual spelling of the word, whereas when it’s chanted, Om or ohm is the sound a person utters.

What does Om do to the brain?

Chanting Om stimulates the vagus nerve (2). Through this, it may improve the power of the brain. It may also increase awareness and concentration through limbic deactivation ( limbic activation is a process of the body that is generated in response to stressful situations, also called fight response).

Can anyone use the Om symbol, or is it only for certain religions?

Although the Om symbol is associated with Hinduism, other religions such as Buddhism, and Jainism also use the symbol in their religious practices.

What are some other names for the Om symbol?

Omkara, pranava, ekakshara are some other names for the Om symbol.

Illustration: What Is The Meaning Of Om Symbol? History & Chanting Benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Explore the profound meaning of the symbol ‘Om’ in this enlightening video. Discover its spiritual significance and cultural context that have fascinated generations.

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Lumalia Emmy ArmstrongCertified Yoga & Meditation Instructor

   

Lumalia is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with continuing certifications in Yoga Nidra and Kindrêd Meditation. Whether it is a personal journey or one in partnership, she uses her training to create unique experiences for people of all scopes of life to more openly dive deeper into the joy of a life lead by self-discovery.

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