We have all heard the word OM, often we have chanted it, perhaps not so often we have felt or understood the meaning of OM.  So let’s explore it a little.

OM is a Sanskrit word, first felt by rishis (sages or inspired poets) while they were in meditation.  So the idea was to feel the OM, the essence of the OM, rather than the sound of OM. Initially.  Then, people started to chant OM to get the experience of OM.  And so the sound of OM was born.

It is not a religion, nor will chanting it change our religion or belief.  I just want to clarify that.

Apparently, OM represents everything, it is the seed of all creation.  It is the whole universe combined in one word and three syllables A-U-M.

In the yogic tradition, mantra is a powerful tool to focus and quiet the mind.  So by chanting the mantra OM, we aim for the focus, clarity and calm state of the mind.

The Dictionary says:

“ It is a mystic syllable, considered the most sacred mantra in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. It appears at the beginning and end of most Sanskrit recitations, prayers, and texts. “

The magic lies in experiencing the mantra of OM, so when we chant, see if we can feel the power each syllable has as the vibrations move from the lower belly up through the solar plexus, and all the way up to the top of the head. Let the vibrations clear and cleanse our energy system and our whole being.

OM is an auspicious word, it opens our heart, we surrender to something higher than ourselves when we chant OM.

When we start our yoga practice with the chant of an OM, the intention is to harmonise the energy of the group, and to allow everyone to draw the attention inwards, to where yoga practice is most impactful and to where the real joy of yoga resides.

In our classes, we often set an intention with the closing OM, such as –allowing the vibrations to heal and unclench each and every cell in our physical body, or – to send the vibration into a physical, emotional or mental part of ourselves to bring forth more healing, or –to send the healing vibrations of the OM to something greater than ourselves, to a good cause, or to someone else who may be needing some extra energy and healing.

Explore and experiment yourself with this most beautiful seed mantra OM.

Please let me know how it goes for you and what other yoga topics you would like me to explore for you.