Often chanted at the beginning and end of many yoga classes, this small word holds more meaning and potential than perhaps the actual practice of yoga itself. The meaning of the word Om (aum) is the most important sound that permeates every aspect of Hindu culture. When a yoga instructor leads the class in the chanting of this mantra, you might want to consider sitting up taller and joining your voice with the other students’.
The mantra Om was first written about in the Katha Upanishad:
The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence, I will tell you briefly: it is OM. This syllable OM is indeed Brahman. This syllable is the Highest. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma.
– Katha Upanishad I, ii, 15-17 ¹
It is described as the primordial seed from which all other sound arises and therefore all of creation. It is the reverberation, the resonance of the vibrational sound of the Universe. It is actually made of three sounds: A-U-M. These three sounds have profound meaning. They represent the 4 states of Supreme Being. The A is pronounced as in AHHH, represents the waking or conscious state. When chanted you feel the vibration in the belly. The U pronounced as in OOOO represents the dreaming state and is felt in the chest when chanted. The M is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth and sounds more like a bee buzzing. The M represents deep sleep and is felt at the root of the nose. It is significant that U is between the A and M as dreaming comes between waking and deep sleep. The final state is the silence followed by the chanting of Om. This is called Turiya. It is in this lingering silence that exists the state of perfect bliss or pure consciousness. (It is interesting to note that these 4 states of being can be transposed onto the Sanskrit symbol for Om as well.)
Depending on the teacher, it will be chanted differently. Some yoga teachers will pronounce all three syllables. While others will combine the A and the U. It is meant to create a bridge between the spiritual and physical dimensions and resonate the third eye. When all 3 sounds are chanted separately (AH – OO – MM) it connects the heart, throat and crown chakras. When chanted the sound of Om affirms a Divine presence in all forms of manifestation.
