Read this blog in:
Is It Safe to Do Om Chanting 108 Times?
Om chanting is widely practiced nowadays in yoga and meditation and is known for its ability to connect us to the universe and our inner selves. But what is it believed to do Om chanting 108 times and is it even safe to do so? Read more to find it out.
Understanding the Significance of 108
You may often wonder, “Why 108?”. Well, the number 108 holds a multi-dimensional significance in various traditions and cultures, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is often considered a sacred number, symbolizing the universe's wholeness and our deep connection with the cosmos.
Also read: Power of Om Chanting: Benefits, Methods, Additional Facts
The Cosmic Significance of 108
The number 108 holds a special place in our cosmos. In the realm of astronomy, the distances between the sun, moon, and earth, and their respective diameters, have a fascinating relationship with the number 108. The average distance from the sun to the earth is approximately 108 times the sun's diameter. Similarly, the average distance from the moon to the earth is about 108 times the moon's diameter. These cosmic connections lend a universal significance to the number 108, linking us to the celestial bodies that govern our existence.
The Spiritual Significance of 108
In the context of Hinduism and Buddhism, the number 108 is deeply connected with the concept of chakras, the energy centers within our body. The ancient scriptures mention 108 energy lines or nadis converging to form the heart or anahata chakra. Chanting or doing meditation with mantras 108 times is believed to help align these energy lines, leading to spiritual awakening and self-realization.
To know more about chakras, read these blogs:
How to know which of your 7 chakras is out of balance
Role of balanced chakras in cultivating leadership
Awaken your creativity by empowering your sacral chakra
The Mathematical Elegance of 108
From a mathematical perspective, 108 is a fascinating number. It is a Harshad number, meaning it is divisible by the sum of its digits. In Sanskrit, Harshad means 'joy-giver,' which aligns with the number's positive connotations in various cultures. Moreover, the interior angles of a regular pentagon measure 108 degrees each, adding to the number's geometric elegance.
108 in Yoga and Meditation
The practice of yoga and meditation also reverse the number 108. Traditional mala beads used for meditation consist of 108 beads, guiding practitioners in their spiritual journey. The practice of chanting mantras 108 times is believed to help align our energy with the universe's vibrations, leading to increased concentration, calmness, and a sense of peace not just within us, but also around us.
Also read: Meditation vs yoga: Which practice suits you the best?
108 in Human Anatomy
Even in human anatomy, the number 108 makes a significant appearance. There are believed to be 108 marma points, or sacred places of the body where consciousness and matter meet, according to Ayurvedic teachings. These points are thought to be channels for healing energy, further tying our physical existence to the sacred number 108.
Moreover, in Vedic culture, there are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has a masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) aspect associated with it, totaling 108. This aligns with the belief in the divine balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe.
So, the number 108 is not just a numerical value but a representation of the universe's wholeness and the inner energy pathways within us.
Also read: How to do meditation at home
The Power of Om Chanting
Om chanting is a powerful practice that has been used for centuries to connect with the divine. The benefits of Om chanting are manifold, including improved sleep quality, stress relief, emotional balance, and enhanced focus. However, like any other practice, it's essential to approach Om chanting with respect and understanding to avoid potential side effects.
1. Physical Well-being: If you have problems with respect to stress and anxiety, chanting Om can help you overcome that and improve the immune system at the same time. Not just this, Om mantra chanting provides relief from sinus problems. Additionally, it also has cardiovascular benefits and can improve stomach health.
2. Mental Clarity: The practice of chanting Om can calm the mind, improve concentration, and enhance memory. It helps in balancing moods and emotions, making one more joyful and blissful.
3. Spiritual Connection: Om chanting increases the positive vibration of the individual by purifying the aura and connecting the practitioner to the highest power, often referred to as the divine or the universe, which in turn impacts the physical and mental being in the long term.
4. Environmental Impact: The vibrations from chanting Om not only benefit the individual but also purify the environment around them. This positive energy can also impact people in the vicinity of the person chanting.
5. Creativity and Optimism: Regular practice of Om chanting can open up your mind by improving imagination and boosting creativity. It also makes you more positively inclined and optimistic.
6. Skin Health: The benefits of Om chanting aren’t just limited to the spiritual aspects. It can also cleanse the skin from the internal level by removing toxins, giving a natural shine or glow.
7. Silent or Loud Chanting: Om can be chanted in both the manners be it silently or aloud, with each method having its unique benefits. Silent chanting impacts the mind and soul, while loud chanting works on the body and the surrounding environment.
8. Frequency and Timing: Chanting Om 108 times is a common practice, but it can be chanted more or less depending on the individual's comfort. The ideal time to chant Om is during the peace hours of the morning or evening.
9. Universal Connection: Om is considered the first sound of the universe. Chanting Om aligns our personal vibration with the vibration of the universe, creating a sense of universal connection.
The Benefits of Chanting Om 108 Times
Chanting Om 108 times is a practice with a profound spiritual and scientific significance. Here are some of the key benefits of this powerful practice:
1. Mental health benefits: Chanting Om 108 times has been proven to pause your racing thoughts and reduce stress and anxiety. The vibrations created by the chant help to calm the mind and bring about a sense of peace and calm.
2. Improves focus and concentration: The practice of chanting Om requires focus and concentration. This, in turn, helps to improve these skills in other areas of life by clearing out your mental clutter thus making it a beneficial practice for those looking to enhance their mental clarity.
3. Activates chakras: Chanting Om is considered to activate and balance the chakras, the energy centers in our body. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being, allowing you to be the best potential of yourself.
4. Mitigates stomach problems: The vibrations created by chanting Om can help to get rid of stomach problems. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.
5. Cardiovascular benefits: Regular chanting of Om has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. It can help to lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy rhythmic heartbeat.
6. Eliminates negativity: The powerful vibrations of the Om chant can help to clear out negative energy, purifying both the individual and their environment and spreading positivity.
7. Improves lung health: The deep, rhythmic breathing associated with chanting Om can help to enhance the capacity and efficiency of lungs and improve respiratory health.
8. Strengthens the spinal cord: The vibrations from the Om chant are believed to strengthen the spinal cord, leading to improved posture and alleviation of back and neck pain.
9. Enhances emotional well-being: Chanting Om can help to release emotional blockages and promote a sense of balance and peace leading to an improved mood and enhanced emotional well-being.
10. Promotes mental alertness: As you chant, you engage your mind fully in the process, which can help to sharpen your cognitive functions and enhance your ability to concentrate, helping to keep the mind sharp and focused.
11. Improves sleep quality: Regularly chanting Om before sleep can help to improve sleep quality, leading to better rest and recovery.
The benefits of chanting Om 108 times are numerous and profound. Whether you're seeking to improve your mental health, physical health, or spiritual well-being, this ancient practice has something to offer.
Side Effects of Om Chanting
While Om chanting has many benefits, it's important to practice it correctly to avoid any potential side effects. Incorrect chanting can lead to strain in the vocal cords or discomfort in the throat. But these side effects are rare and can be avoided with proper technique and guidance.
To avoid doing om chanting the wrong way, try out Om Mantra Meditation on the Level Supermind app.
Om chanting with Level Supermind
To enjoy the benefits of Om chanting, the 7-day Om mantra meditation series by Om Dhumatkar on the Level Supermind app helps you understand the meaning of mantras, the science behind mantras, its spiritual benefits and how you can overcome distractions and become more focused with Om chanting.
This meditation starts with “A”, “U” and “M” representing the waking, dreaming and sleep states respectively followed by the fourth state, “Turiya”, which is the state of pure consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
Benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves overall wellbeing
- Enhances focus and concentration
The best part? It is available both in English and Hindi.
Here’s a free 108 times Om chanting meditation for you:
Click to access the full mantra meditation series on the app- Hindi and English.
So, is it safe to chant 108 times? Yes, it is. But as with any practice, it's important to listen to your body and proceed at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
