The Correct Way to Chant Om: A Comprehensive Guide

Om, the sound of the universe, is often chanted in yoga and meditation sessions which makes you feel calm, peaceful and increases mindfulness. More than just a sound, it’s a mantra, a vibration that involves finding inner peace by connecting yourself with the universe's energy.

In the previous blogs, we got an overview of Om chanting- the benefits and methods involved and whether you should actually chant Om for 108 times.

In this blog, we’ll be understanding the meanings, step-by-step guide on how to chant Om correctly to make the most of it with respect to your physical, mental and emotional health to tap into a higher state of consciousness. Also, we’ll go through the difference between ‘Om’ and ‘Aum’, the power of 'Aum' chanting, and how to chant 'Om' correctly.

But why is it important to understand the correct way to chant 'Om'? Well, whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to deepen your practice, Om chanting in a correct way can enhance your meditation experience and bring you closer to spiritual enlightenment.

Also read: Power of Om Chanting: Benefits, Methods, Additional facts

The Significance of Om Chanting

The sacred syllable 'Om' or 'Aum' holds profound spiritual significance. Composed of three Sanskrit letters—'A', 'U', and 'M'—it represents the waking, dream, and deep sleep states of consciousness. The silence following the chant symbolizes a 'fourth state' known as ‘Turiya’ , a state of pure consciousness.

Also read: Is it safe to chant Om 108 times?

Understanding the Sound of Om

Chanting Om 108 times is a common concept in Hinduism and Buddhism connected to the chakras or energy centers in the body. The sound of 'Om', also spelled 'Aum', is often chanted at the beginning and end of yoga and meditation sessions. But what exactly does this sound represent, and how is it correctly pronounced?

'Om' is composed of three distinct sounds: 'A', 'U', and 'M', and each of these sounds has a unique significance. The three sounds symbolize creation, preservation, and dissolution, respectively. The first sound, 'Aaaah', is a sound that originates from the lower abdomen. It represents the waking state of the mind, the physical world, and the self's external awareness. The second sound, 'Oooh', resonates in the chest and throat, symbolizing the dream state and the mind's inner world. The final sound, 'Mmmmm', is a nasal sound that vibrates in the head, representing the deep sleep state and a state of peace.

Also read: Is Om chanting effective for managing stress and anxiety?

The transition between these sounds, 'A', 'U', and 'M',  is smooth, creating a vibration that aligns the energy within your body and resonates with the universe's energy. This vibration is what makes the practice of ‘Om’ chanting or ‘AUM’ chanting so powerful in meditation and yoga practices.

But do you pronounce it as ‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ ? Having the same doubt, right? Interestingly, while both ‘Om’ and ‘Aum’ are used interchangeably, they refer to the same sound. The difference in spelling is just due to the translation from Sanskrit to English. 'Aum' is a more phonetically accurate representation of the three-part sound as compared to 'Om' which is a simplified version often used in the West.

The first step in learning the correct way to chant this powerful mantra involves understanding the sound of 'Om'. In the following sections, we will explore how to chant 'Om' correctly and the benefits of incorporating this practice into your daily routine.

Also read: What is the best time to meditate: Morning, evening, or..?

How to Practice Om Chanting Meditation correctly

Preparation:

• Find a quiet and peaceful space where you can practice without distractions or disturbance.
• Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position or on a chair with your back straight, allowing energy to flow freely.
• Close your eyes and take a moment to settle your thoughts and calm your mind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chanting Om:

Take a few deep breaths, inhaling from your nose and exhaling gradually.

1. The ‘A’ sound:

To pronounce the ‘A’ sound, gently open your mouth, keeping your jaw relaxed and resting your tongue on the floor of the mouth. Feel the vibration in your abdomen.

The ‘A’ sound resonates with the lower chakras like the Root Chakra and as a result, promotes stability. Additionally, when you chant the ‘A’ sound, you direct your awareness to the present moment thus increasing concentration.

Also read: How to know which of your chakras is out of balance?

2. The ‘U’ sound

To pronounce the ‘U’ sound, gently bring your lips together, while still maintaining a gap between your upper and lower teeth. Feel the resonance in your chest.

This sound activates energy flow within the body and resonates with the Heart and Throat chakras, helping you to feel interconnected and expressing confidently.

Also read: Chakra 101: Beginner's guide to activate your 7 energy centers

3. The ‘M’ sound

To pronounce the ‘M’ sound, close your lips gently and in a relaxed manner. Sense the vibrations in your throat and head.

The ‘M’ sound harmonizes your mind, body and spirit and resonates with the Crown Chakra, thus helping you gain higher consciousness and gain spiritual awakening.

Repeat this process, allowing a smooth transition between the three sounds, creating a continuous chant of Om.

Don’t just get up straight away when you’re done chanting. Take a few minutes, sit silently keeping your eyes closed and feel the silence and the peace you've generated into the rest of your day. Remember, the practice of Om chanting is not about perfection, but about effort and consistency. With regular practice, you'll be able to experience the profound benefits of this ancient practice.

Also read: Role of balanced chakras is cultivating leadership

The Benefits of Chanting Om

The benefits of chanting Om are profound and multifaceted, impacting the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. Physically, the vibrations from chanting Om can help regulate heart rhythm, improve immunity, and even provide relief from certain ailments like stomach aches.

Also read: How to do meditation for overthinkers?

Mentally, Om chanting is a proven technique to enhance focus, improve memory, and reduce stress and anxiety. It's a powerful tool for promoting mental clarity and tranquility, helping to clear the mind of negative thoughts.

On a spiritual level, chanting Om aligns our individual energy with the universal energy, fostering a deep sense of connection and inner peace. Regular Aum meditation can lead to increased mindfulness and spiritual growth.

In essence, whether you're seeking physical wellness, mental clarity, or spiritual connection, the practice of Om chanting can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.

Silent Chanting of Om

Silent chanting of Om, or 'Aum’ is considered as the highest level of chanting. It aligns your chakras and the mind by focusing attention on your breath. This effortless technique allows you to connect with the universe and your inner self, regardless of your surroundings.

The benefits of this practice are profound. It calms the mind, reduces stress, and fosters inner peace. By clearing negative thoughts, it allows you to focus on the present moment and makes you mentally strong.

Silent chanting of Om is particularly beneficial for those who are seeking to deepen their meditation practice, leading to a sense of oneness with the universe.

In essence, silent chanting of Om is a powerful tool for gaining spiritual growth and a clear headed mind.

Chant Om correctly with Level Supermind

What’s the best way to know and understand how to chant Om? When you listen to the pronunciation while chanting at the same time, it becomes easier for you to register the sound in your mind. For this, Level Supermind is here to help you not only start the practice of Om chanting but also make it a part of your daily routine. Available in both Hindi and English by Om Dhumatkar, Om mantra meditation takes you on a journey to understand the meaning of mantras and the states of waking, dreaming, sleep and silence to fit Om chanting into your daily practice.