Pronouncing 'Om': the Sacred Syllable
‘Om’ has three components. First is the sound ‘aah,’ coming from the depths of the pelvis and belly. It is the instance of creation, the big bang in which the universe manifests. Second is the sound ‘ooh,’ coming from the chest. This is the interconnectedness inherent to our lives and existence. Third is the sound ‘mmm,’ originating in the center of the brain, at the pineal gland. This third sound is pure knowledge: direct understanding of our transcendent nature.
Finally, the silence at the the end of the sacred syllable is transcendence and integration.
Properly chanting om integrates one’s thoughts and actions with the fundamental forces of the universe, in effect integrating ‘atman’ (the indwelling soul) and ‘brahman’ (the universal spirit). To practice, begin by sitting in a comfortable, meditative posture with the spine erect and the body relaxed. Breathe deeply, softening the tissues and bringing the mind to the present moment. Exhale completely, and inhale completely.
At the beginning of the next exhalation, bring forth the first sound, ‘aah,’ placing the mind at the source of the sound within the body. The mantra will naturally lead to the second sound, ‘ooh,’ and the mind will shift to the new origin of sound in the body. At the end of the breath, humming ‘mmm,’ place the mind in the center of the brain—at the locale where one finds direct perception.
Rest in stillness, appreciative of nature as it is and the experiences that arise.
Finally, the silence at the the end of the sacred syllable is transcendence and integration.
Properly chanting om integrates one’s thoughts and actions with the fundamental forces of the universe, in effect integrating ‘atman’ (the indwelling soul) and ‘brahman’ (the universal spirit). To practice, begin by sitting in a comfortable, meditative posture with the spine erect and the body relaxed. Breathe deeply, softening the tissues and bringing the mind to the present moment. Exhale completely, and inhale completely.
At the beginning of the next exhalation, bring forth the first sound, ‘aah,’ placing the mind at the source of the sound within the body. The mantra will naturally lead to the second sound, ‘ooh,’ and the mind will shift to the new origin of sound in the body. At the end of the breath, humming ‘mmm,’ place the mind in the center of the brain—at the locale where one finds direct perception.
Rest in stillness, appreciative of nature as it is and the experiences that arise.
