Chanting the mantra OM, what does it mean?

An O and an M ! But what is it for? Found in various religions, OM or AUM is a mantra, that is to say a sound repeated several times in order to derive benefits for the body and mind. Chanting OM helps to circulate vital energy throughout the entire fleshly envelope. These two letters represent the formula corresponding to the root chakra (first chakra). This surely reminds you of Kundalini yoga, because the link between this practice and the mantra is thin. In Hinduism, the sound AUM designates the original vibration, source of all beginnings of the universe and it is therefore the most important mantra. It is notably used as a suffix or prefix to the various formulated mantras. Its practice is useful for connecting to universal consciousness.

Chase away negative thoughts with the mantra AUM :

Chanting OM creates a characteristic vibration that calms your mind, your little voice that only tells you not very nice things. How? It inhibits a part of the brain: the limbic system also called the emotional brain. So, you can concentrate, be at peace and enjoy life, while being in the present moment. You will be able to breathe and relax. Ideal for those of you who are nervous, depressed and scattered.

It may even be that your social relationships are simplified. When practicing group yoga, reciting a mantra creates harmony with other yogis.

Recite OM for a healthy body:

Chanting AUM is the best way to get the body into vibration, especially at the level of the organs, tissues, glands and cells, which allows for optimal functioning, because vital functions are slowed down in order to preserve energy. For example, thanks to the mantra OM your heart rate is lowered, pulmonary gas exchange is better and the breathing muscles are lengthened. What could be better than a healthy and rebalanced body just by reciting a syllable? But, even more, your body is relaxed and harmonized.

Pronounce it yes, but how to chant om correctly?

Pronouncing OM is done in 4 stages. A for awareness of the external world or the waking state. O for awareness of the inner world or dreaming. And finally, M for experiencing unity or deep sleep. But what is the 4th phase then? Quite simply silence.

You will tell me, it is not complicated to recite OM , but think again. To benefit from the virtues of the sound, you have to sing it as it should be.

- Start by inhaling deeply through your nose, nothing difficult so far,

- Then, exhale while pronouncing AUUUU..., mouth open while vibrating your vocal cords until your lungs are empty. A uniform sound please,

- And since it's not over yet, when exhaling, tighten your abs and close your mouth while reciting the letter M.

For more information on mantras and choosing yours, head over to the blog post.

Sources:

- http://www.yogaplenitude.com/pages/mantras/mantra-om-ou-aum.html

- https://www.yogaetenergies.fr/le-aum-ou-le-om/

- http://yoga-centre-nanterre.com/chant-aum-et-la-sante/

- https://3heure48minutes.com/om-effects/