ॐ (OM) is a common symbol seen on walls in yoga studios and/or chanted during yoga classes. At HeartFelt Yoga we have a beautiful OM right at the front of the room. This was a gift to the studio (& to you) from Miranda and her husband. Because it is such an important part of yoga culture, this week’s musing will focus in on the meaning of this primordial sound.
Personally, I have a very strong connection to this sound. It is a such an uplifting experience to chant OM whether in a room by myself or in a room with 100+ other people. I feel the vibration of the sound so strongly, I feel lighter in my soul afterwards. While teaching, I have only asked students to chant OM out loud a few times. I do this out of respect for others beliefs. I hope by sharing some more information about ॐ, I can help others become comfortable chanting this mantra and feel the powerful strength of this sound.
There is a lot of symbolism to an ॐ Each visual element represents different state of consciousness:
Unconscious State: The top curl of the ‘3’ shape denotes deep sleep, where we subconsciously desire nothing and do not dream
Waking State: Represented by the large curve at the base of the ‘3’ shape, this state signifies conscious experience through the five senses
Dreaming State: The middle curve that juts out between the Waking and Unconscious states, where all dreams are experienced
Maya State: The semi circle at the top represents illusion, an obstacle to spiritual development and the highest state of consciousness
Absolute State: Represented by the dot at the top, the highest realm of consciousness looks neither outward or inward - the ultimate state of spiritual bliss
In Hinduism, Om brings together Atman- this is the soul or the the self within- and Brahma- Divine, Supreme Spirit, ultimate reality and/or universal truth. Om is regarded as the original sound of consciousness and creation, by chanting its sound, we are physically tuning in to Divine or truth, and creating a spiritual connection to the existence of all things.
There are also some physical benefits that occur when we chant this sound. An OM chant, vibrates at a frequency of 432 hz. This is said to be the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature. Probably a lot of us can say we are calmed by being in connection with nature. According to a Meditative Mind article, the benefits of listening to music tuned into 432 hz include
1. It helps in releasing the stress and releasing tension from the body and mind naturally
2. It unites the body and consciousness with Nature.
3. Due to more harmonic and pleasant nature of 432Hz music than 440Hz, it helps in the release of serotonin and endorphins, which in turn keep the blood pressure and heart rate stable.
4. 432Hz Music helps in releasing the negative energy blockages and acts as a good sound healing tool to release toxins.
Next time you are in a yoga class and the teacher chooses to chant this beautiful mantra, don’t feel obligated to join in. I invite you to try and stay open to experiencing the power of this sound, notice how it makes you feel. This is the true lesson our yoga practice is teaching us- experience the experience without judgement!
Until next time,
Sandra