Read and understand the process outlined below before you start watching the video or chanting Aum.
Welcome to a transformative journey of peace, mindfulness, and healing through the sacred sound of Aum (Om), chanted 108 times. Whether you want to enhance your meditation practice, discover inner peace, or just unwind, this article and video are here to support you on your journey.
How to pronounce "ॐ" (Aum)?
The correct pronunciation of "ॐ" (Aum) is as follows:
"अ": Start with the "अ" sound. This comes from the back of the throat.
"ऊ": Then transition to the "ऊ" sound. This moves towards the front part of the mouth.
"म्": End with the "म्" sound. In this, the lips close.
Silence: After the sound, remain silent for a few moments.
While chanting, imagine that you’re drawing the symbol Aum.
Remember that each sound should be blended slowly into the next. It should be like a continuous flow, not a collection of separate sounds.
Why chant Aum and what is the significance of it?
The Mandukya Upanishad breaks down AUM (ॐ) as a map of existence, showing how everything is connected (Check References section below).
‘A’ (अ) represents the waking state, where you interact with the external world and live your daily life.
‘U’ (ऊ) stands for the dream state, where you explore your inner world of thoughts, dreams, and imagination.
‘M'(म्) symbolizes the deep sleep state, where there’s no awareness, just a peaceful, blank slate filled with potential.
Beyond these is a silent part, Turiya, which isn’t just another state but the ultimate reality—pure consciousness that underlies everything.
AUM shows how your waking life, dreams, deep sleep, and the big spiritual truth are all connected, pointing to the idea that you, the universe, and the ultimate reality are all intertwined in this one sound.
Therefore, Aum is the primordial sound of the universe, representing the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, and self. Chanting Aum aligns your mind, body, and spirit, helping to clear your mind, reduce stress, and bring a sense of calm and tranquillity.
How to Use This Video:
-
Get Comfortable: Sit quietly in a comfortable position with your hands on your lap. Close your eyes.
-
Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling fully and allowing your stomach to expand as you fill it with air. Exhale slowly, settling into a state of relaxation.
-
Inner Stillness: Shift your attention inward, focusing on the natural rhythm of your breath. In this moment, connect with that place of inner quiet where you can feel a sense of peace and connection to your higher self. Allow your mind to settle naturally into this space, simply observing without trying to change anything.
-
Visualize and Chant Aum:
-
Before each chant, inhale deeply, filling your stomach with air.
-
As you exhale, begin to chant or listen to "ॐ" (Aum). Visualize the Aum symbol forming in your mind with each sound: "अ" from the back of your throat, "ऊ" moving forward, and "म्" with closed lips.
-
Allow the sounds to flow smoothly into one another. After each chant, pause briefly in silence, holding the image of the completed symbol.
-
-
Silent Observation: As you chant or listen "ॐ" (Aum), be a silent observer. Watch your thoughts, feelings, and sensations like clouds passing by without getting involved or reacting.
-
Return to Presence: Whenever you notice you’re getting involved in your thoughts or sensations, gently bring your attention back to chanting or listening to Aum and visualizing the symbol. Return to observing without judgment. Let thoughts pass without engaging, resting in a peaceful state of awareness.
-
Completion: As your meditation session comes to an end, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment. Slowly open your eyes, carrying the sense of peace and calm you’ve cultivated with you.
Let the sound of Aum guide you to a state of peace and harmony.
Must Watch
Ms. Mangala Sarda has beautifully explained the scientific way of chanting Aum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_rXrfCRFo&t=319s
References:
- https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mandukya-upanishad/d/doc122250.html
- https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mandukya-upanishad/d/doc122251.html
- https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mandukya-upanishad/d/doc122252.html
- https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mandukya-upanishad/d/doc122253.html