OM (ॐ) is one of the mantras holiest of the dharmic religions (such as Hinduism and Buddhism). It symbolizes the divine Brahman and the entire universe. Throughout the Hindu culture there is the idea that the universe was created from a cosmic vibration originating from the deepest of silences. omg it is the original vibration from which all creation comes.
The meaning of Om it is an abstract concept, but analogous to the modern theory of the Big Bang or primordial explosion of the Universe. Om itself is a vibration, whose audible interpretation translates into Om. It is the most powerful mantra or sound of all mantras. That is why in Yoga this mantra is used at the beginning and at the end of a practice or meditation, since in this way we would be connecting with that universal energy, with the creator, with everything. However, the chanting of Om is already a meditation by itself, through meditation on it we can reach Moksha or spiritual liberation. Through meditation on om the Yogi reaches the state of liberation or “moksha”. Through the repetition of the mantra "Om" the mind becomes increasingly firm and stable, its waves calm down and the bottom of the ocean of peace and infinite happiness or "ananda" is revealed.
Benefits of the OM Mantra
Its vibrations provide a positive flow of vibrations that are felt throughout the body. Many studies show that the song of the Om It has a powerful direct effect on both the Pineal gland, responsible for the production of melatonin (youth hormone), as well as the pituitary gland, responsible for secreting hormones that regulate homeostasis.
The meaning of Om in the Yogic system, it is the mantra or mystical sound, the “bija” or seed of the ajña chakra, and through its mental repetition and the fixation of the mind on the Om, this chakra is activated, leaving the mind suspended. The vital currents stop functioning in a dual way, the illusion of separateness and individuality dissolves. The Yogi becomes like a cup submerged in the ocean, filled inside and out with water. This vibration has great power on a mental, psychic, physical and emotional level. It purifies us and cleanses all our "koshas" or layers of the body, from the grossest and most external (annamayakosha or physical body) to the most subtle of them (anandamayakosha or body cause)
When to practice the OM mantra?
The most common is to perform the OM chant before and after a yoga practice o meditation, since it prepares the mind and the body for it. Depending on the effect we want to achieve on the individual, we will recite it in one way or another. For example, the repetition of the mantra OM actively and quickly, repeating it for several minutes at a certain speed, will make our body speed up blood flow, providing us with more heat and body activation. The OM mantra can also be used to control states of anxiety. Very recurrent, for example, after a moment of great tension in the office. I would recommend going to the bathroom to take some deep breaths and repeat the Om 3 times in a long and slow way, in order to "regain calm".
posture to sing
First of all we must be very aware of our body posture, our breathing and a deep internal listening. We will find a comfortable position with a stable base, in which we can stay for a certain time and keep our back straight. The most recommended posture is the "easy posture": legs flexed, keeping one ankle in front of the other, I recommend using the help of a zafu (meditation cushion) or a meditation chair so that the knees are below the hips and thus be able to keep the back straight and thus not cut off the flow of energy. The hands rest on the knees. Chin slightly directed towards the sternum. The hands can go in Gyan Mudra, in which we join the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb. This symbolizes the union of individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness, and among other benefits, it is said to bring peace of mind and promote concentration. We can also use the prayer mudra, the palms of the hands are joined in the middle of the chest (sternum).
We hope that this article has clarified many doubts about this wonderful mantra and that it will help you for your next practices and meditations :)
