We are all aware of the power of mantra chanting. The ancient sages realised the power in sound and vibration on our bodies and came up with a scientific practice of chanting. But are we aware of the correct way of chanting a mantra and reaping its vibrational benefits?
The sound of a letter and it’s way of origin inside our mouth are strongly connected. The Sanskrit language is a beautiful language that was developed keeping in mind this journey of sound from our voice box to our lips. Like for example,
The sound kh, gh can come only from the root of the tongue without any tongue movement.
The sound ta, da etc.. can be produced only by touching the tongue to palate.
The sound of th, dha etc.. are dentals.
The sound pa, bha are all from closing the lips. You can’t pronounce pa, bha without closing the lips.
If we look at the word om, it is very interesting to note how it starts from the sound Aa that begins from the root and ends with ma closing the mouth cavity. It covers your entire cavity. Hence om is said to cover all the sounds that exist. It is the base of all sounds, it is the primordial sound. It signifies the creation, the manifestation and the end. It can be broken down into three sounds Aa-Uu-Mm
Aa is produced from the abdominal cavity – signifying the creation from void, nothingness.
Uu from the mouth cavity – signifying the journey between life and death
Mm from closing your lips – signifying the end ,the moksh.
Om is the sound of everything. It is there even in your breath. Inhalation sounds
Au and the exhalation sounds Mm. Creation and elimination.
As mahrishi patanjai says,
Tasya Vachak pranav
Om is the connotation to God that connects you to the higher self…
There are different ways in which you can chant it, here are few ways
1. Breaking the sound
Aa – Prolonged Aa
Pause
Uu- prolonged Uu
Pause
Mm- prolonged Mm
You can chant this way as long as you are comfortable.
1. AUM
Chant A-U-M in one stretch.
Aa from your abdomen using your diaphragm
Uu using your chest and throat cavity.
Mm using your lips and facial muscles.
Initially you can start with practicing 5 rounds a day. Gradually increase it to 9 to 11 rounds a day.
1. Silent chanting
Chanting om mentally and silently is the highest form of practice. Sit in a meditative pose with eyes closed. Chant om in your mind. This form of om chanting connects you to subtle dimensions of life. You become more aware of your subconscious mind.
Make chanting part of your daily routine.
Om is the language of the universe. The universe is born out of the sound of Om. You can feel the vibrations from the bottom to the top of your being. When you chant you are connecting to the root of your existence. It is the energy that activates all your seven chakras. From the root to the apex, from the muladhara to the sahasrara. It has self healing properties that can even repair your genetics. The vibrations through OM can heal each and every cell of your body.
Apart from these miraculous benefits, it has some physiological benefits too
1. Clears your sinuses
The vibration on your face and sinuses clears the blockages and congestion. It helps in sinusitis.
1. It develops concentration.
Chanting disconnects you from the external world. It is engrossing in nature.
Consequently, it develops your mind’s ability to focus on work and activities.
1. Improves digestion
The abdominal muscles become strong and thereby improving your gut health.
The vibrations in your abdominal and thoracic cavity improves the efficiency of heart and digestive organs.
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Om chanting is meditative in nature. This triggers the release of positive hormones and happy hormones. It helps considerably in reducing depression and stress.
1. Builds immunity
Om is such a small word, small mantra, but it encompasses the entire cosmos and can give you ample benefits. Om connects to the universal energy and enhances your bio energy. Your system starts functioning to its full potential.
Higher the bio energy better will be your immunity.
Reap the benefits of chanting and make it your daily sadhana.
Authored by: Dr Hansaji Yogendra, The Yoga Institute