Why do We chant OM in a Yoga Class?
Practicing yoga without understanding the philosophy behind the practice, is like trying to cook blindfolded. You may end up with a dish, but will the ingredients blend together harmoniously? Will the dish be complete? Similarly, when we chant OM, do we understand the symbolism behind the letters and the sound? OM is rich with meaning, and connecting to it can deepen our yoga practice and spiritual journey. So why is OM used so often in a yoga class?
Our universe is a manifestation of sound
A subtle, intangible vibration (a throb or pulsation), is said to have unfolded itself as the universe and everything in it, including us. The source of this vibration is the universal consciousness (paramatma). OM, OMkara, or Pranava represents the entirety of creation, connecting us to this resonance around us and within us.
Our breath resonates with the mantra So'ham
So'ham" is said to be the mantra of the breath. Breathe in, listen carefully, can you hear the sound "Sa", now breath out slowly, can you hear the sound "Ha"? When you remove Sa and Ha from So'ham, what's left is 'OM', the silence. Saḥ means "That" - referring to the universal consciousness (paramatma), and aham means "I" representing the individual soul (jivatama). Every breath vibrates with the sound So'ham - "I am that or that I am" - the merging of the individual soul with universal consciousness.
Chanting OM reveals our inner reality
Chanting OM is said to reveal the truth of our creation and existence, bringing us closer to the source. As a sacred mantra, OM is a tangible way to travel from the outer universe (world of shape, name and form) to the subtlest source of the universe, which resides within us. Chanting and meditating on OM leads us from sound to deep stillness and silence.
Sabda (Words/letters), Artha (Meaning), Bhavana (contemplation) - this is the key to unravelling the power of mantras in yoga. If you've been chanting OM or want to start, try reflecting and contemplating on the meaning of the word, as you chant. Many of the ideas and concepts around OM, can be found in classical texts like Spandakarika, Samkhya Karika, Upanishads, and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
