Om - The Ancient Sacred Sound of Universe

Om is one of the most important spiritual symbols in Hinduism. It refers to Atman (within self) and Brahman (ultimate reality, universe, supreme soul). Om is found at the beginning and end of chapters of the Vedas, Upanishads and other texts. It is used during worship and private prayers, in ritual ceremonies of weddings, at the time of marriage, and sometimes before and during meditation and spiritual practice.

Om is such a word that by uttering it, we can see the communication of positive energy around us. If it is chanted in a quiet place, then we can see some wonderful energy flowing inside us.

It has also been given a lot of importance in yoga because without the pronunciation of the word Om, yoga is considered incomplete. Even in the olden times, when sages went to the mountains and did penance, they used to try to connect themselves with the universe by uttering this word.

With continuous chanting of this mantra and with a concentrated mind, we can directly connect with the universe because it is the sound of the universe. Om is such a word which has no origin or end and every other word or letter is formed by the combination of letters of the same word.

You will be surprised to know that other religions have also incorporated Om in themselves, just in a different form. The people of Christianity speak Amen, which signifies this word, similarly, the word Aameen has been used in Islam. Sikhism mentions the word Omkar which describes the qualities of Om. Similarly, it has been included in different forms in other religions like Jainism, Buddhism etc.

There is a mention of the word Omni in English, which means one who is present everywhere and it is also related to Om. The word Om denotes the origin and destruction of the universe, not related to any religion, hence it has been given the highest place in Hinduism. It is beyond all religions which represent all (OM Sound).

The power and illuminating meditation that helps us find peace in this chaotic world are Om Meditation. It is not so simple to just sit and start reciting Om and perform the Meditation. There are certain rules and things to note while practicing Om Meditation. 

The word Om is probably more recognized by its symbol, but when it comes to the use of Om, the pronunciation of Om is of paramount importance.

Vedic tradition teaches that sounds were created with a purpose, so it is important to follow the rules of pronunciation, as resonance is associated with meaning. In everyday life, we all know and feel that music, no matter what it is, affects our mood. Similarly, Vedic sounds and words like Om should be chanted according to traditional instructions, to avoid negative resonance as well as get the desired results.

Actually meditating on Om provides relief from any existing mental disturbance or trouble. As will be explained further, when it is chanted with the meaning of OM in mind, you gain awareness of your mental and natural form, which is free from all kinds of limitations at all times.

For these reasons it is important to understand that while meditating on Om, it should not be broken into its three syllables, rather it should be pronounced like two syllables. Nor should the sound be drawn while chanting Om.

• Get up early in the morning, preferably in the Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a bath and pure yourself externally and internally as well.
• Choose a quiet place to sit.
• You can sit in Padmasana, Ardhapadmasana, Sukhasana, Vajrasana etc. as per convenience.
• Start chanting Om slowly and then for a long time.
• Stop when you start taking high breaths.
• Repeat it at least 51 or 108 times.
• You can chant Om loudly or slowly as per your choice.
• After the meditation is over, stay sitting silently.
• Get up comfortably from the sitting asana.
• During meditation, let your thoughts come and try to concentrate.
• Try to keep your mind calm during Meditation.
• If possible, drink hot water.