If you have ever visited a yoga center, you have probably relaxed at the end of the session, with the chants of the mantra Om (ॐ). But have you ever wondered what it means and where it comes from?
Aum (om in the Western tradition), is described, among other ways, as the original sound of the universe, with its three letters representing creation, preservation and destruction. Its vibration is believed to exert a powerful effect on mood, bringing calm and relief from worries and anxiety.
In addition, chanting the mantra om is said to increase self-awareness and concentration in your innermost spiritual world.
It is important to learn the correct way to chant the mantra om in order to fully enjoy its benefits.
First of all, let’s learn its correct pronunciation. It begins with a nasalized vowel [o:] that transforms into [u:] and ends with a long, vibrant [m]. Om is pronounced in a single, deep exhalation.
Now that you recognize phonetics, let’s move on to the visualization or feeling of sound. When you start singing, imagine that the first vowel appears in the center of your chest.
It then grows into the second vowel. moving upwards, gradually, your throat. And finally, you should feel the last consonant vibrating inside the top of your head.
The movement of the mantra om through your body is usually associated with the chakras, or energy centers, and their colors.
When you master the art of om singing, you will be able to add color to your visualization. Imagine that the first vowel is born in green in the heart chakra, passing through the blue color, throat chakra and, finally, the final consonant vibrates at the top of your head with a violet color, corresponding to the chakras of the forehead and crown.
It is believed that the power of the mantra om is so great that even the observation of the om sign can exert a positive influence. You can also chant the mantra silently, in your own mind!
Pronounced or written, the mantra om is one of the essential aspects of yoga and one of the most important stages for the understanding of yoga.
