Om Meditation: Benefits, Practice and Key Facts | Om Chanting Meditation

You must’ve used the word ‘Om’ at the end of a yoga session or heard of it in some or other wellness context, but did you know? Om meditation is an ancient meditation practice that has been used by many cultures for centuries. Om meditation is known to have a relaxing effect on the meditator and is proven to reduce stress levels. Om meditation consists of chanting the Om sound while using it as the focal point to meditate on. Let’s explore the importance of the Om sound further.

Learn Om meditation benefits, how to practice Om chanting and Om Shanti meditation for stress relief, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

Explore 21 Aum chants with Vidhi Agarwal on SoulSensei.

The Importance of the Om Sound

Om chanting meditation is rooted in the Hindu and Buddhist belief that the word ‘Om’ is the first sound of the universe. Hindu and Buddhist ancient scriptures believe that this is the vibration from which the entire universe emerged. It represents the past, present and future all rolled into one. Due to this belief, when you practice the Om chanting meditation, you are bound to be connected with the universal vibration, which will align your energy with that of the cosmos itself. The word ‘Om’ encompasses three sounds. A, U and M. The A sound represents the beginning and the creation of the universe. The U sound represents the preservation of it. And the M sound represents the end of the universe. So, when you practice the Om chanting meditation, it is believed to bring balance to all the three states within you.

Learn how to chant the powerful Aum Mantra with Vidhi Agarwal.

Benefits of Om Meditation

There are many om meditation benefits. Not only for your mind but also for your body. Om meditation benefits can be experienced no matter what your expertise level is. Here are some key om meditation benefits that you can expect once you start the practice.

1. Reduced Stress

This meditation can help calm your nervous system and affect the cortisol levels in your body.

2. Improved Concentration

It can help you gain mental clarity and focus.

3. Emotional Equilibrium

It can help enhance your emotional well-being by bringing a certain level of balance.

4. Relaxation

Om chanting meditation can boost relaxation through vibration.

5. Increased Self-Awareness

Om meditation can help you connect with your inner self and make you more aware of your surroundings.

How to Practice Om Meditation

The beauty of Om meditation lies in the fact that it is extremely simple and can be practised by anyone, anywhere. If you’re just starting, the following steps can help you begin your Om chanting meditation practice.

Step 1: Find a Quiet Spot

The first step to Om meditation, like any other meditation, is finding a quiet spot in your house or wherever you are. Somewhere comfortable where you won’t be disturbed for the next few minutes.

Read more: What is the best time to meditate?

Step 2: Sit in a Comfortable Position 

Cross your legs and sit on the floor or on a chair, whatever is comfortable for you. Keep your spine straight to improve concentration.

Step 3: Close Your Eyes

This is an important step in your Om chanting meditation. Closing your eyes can help you turn your attention inward. Take a few deep breaths where you inhale through your nostrils and exhale through your mouth. At this stage, you can also set an intention if you’d like.

Step 4: Chant Om

Take a deep breath through your nostrils and chant the sound Om as you exhale. Break the word into three parts – A, U and M and follow the sound as naturally as possible.

Step 5: Focus on Om

As you start chanting, notice the vibrations and bring your attention to the three sounds. Watch the sounds emerge from your abdomen and reverberate in your head. Notice the emotions that these sounds evoke in you.

Step 6: Repeat 

Chant Om repeatedly in a similar manner for five to ten minutes at a steady pace until you feel relaxed.

Step 7: Stay Present

It is natural for your thoughts to wander during the Om meditation. The key is to acknowledge these thoughts without judgment and return to chanting the sound again.

Step 8: End Slow

Once you feel like you’ve chanted enough, take some time to let the residual vibrations of the chant settle in. Pay attention to the sensations in your body, and then open your eyes slowly.

Key Facts About Om Meditation

Here are some interesting facts about the Om chanting meditation that might be nice to know.

• The Om sound is said to constantly resonate at a frequency of 432 Hz.
• Chanting this sound is believed to align the meditator with the frequencies of the divine.
• The vibrations from the Om meditation are believed to have a soothing effect on our nervous systems.
• Om mantra meditation is also believed to improve mental and emotional health.
• Om shanti meditation can help improve focus and concentration.
• Om shanti meditation has been used for centuries in Hindu and Buddhist cultures to enhance the meditation practice. 
• This meditation is also believed to improve your cardiovascular and respiratory health.

The Power of Om Meditation

Om meditation has been used for centuries in many cultures to enjoy several benefits, including relaxation, stress reduction and improved focus. The sound of Om is believed to be the primal sound of the universe and is said to align the meditator with the frequencies of the divine. The word Om consists of three parts – A, U and M. The best part about this meditation is that it’s simple to do and can be done by anyone. Learn more about Om chanting meditation from experts on SoulSensei.

Read more: How to meditate before sleep?

Sources

• Calm – What is Om meditation? Plus a step-by-step practice guide. 
• The Art of Living – What is Hari Om Meditation?

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