Chanting
Om (Aum) Chanting
Oṃ / Auṃॐ· OHM (A-U-M)the primordial sound
Om (Aum) is the primordial sound and most sacred mantra in yoga. Chanting it — a long, resonant 'A-U-M' dissolving into silence — steadies and centres the mind, and its gentle vibration is deeply calming. Often chanted to open and close practice.
Step by step
- 1
Sit tall and settle
Sit comfortably, spine long, eyes closed; take a few slow breaths.
- 2
Inhale fully
Breathe in slowly through the nose.
- 3
Chant A-U-M on the exhale
On a long exhale, sound 'A' (ah) opening the throat, 'U' (oo) rolling forward, 'M' (mmm) closing the lips, letting it resonate.
- 4
Rest in the silence
Notice the quiet and the lingering vibration after the sound fades, then repeat for several rounds.
Benefits
- Calms and centres the mind
- Soothing vibration eases tension
- Focuses attention for meditation
- Traditionally connects the practitioner with a sense of wholeness
About this practice
Written ॐ, Om is considered the sound of the universe itself. Its three sounds — A, U, M — are said to represent creation, sustenance and dissolution, dissolving into the silence that follows. The Mandukya Upanishad is devoted entirely to its meaning.
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What does chanting Om do?
- Chanting Om centres and calms the mind; its steady vibration is soothing and helps focus attention for meditation. It's traditionally chanted to begin and end practice.
- How do you chant Om correctly?
- Take a full breath in, then on a long exhale sound the three parts — 'Ahh', 'Ooo', 'Mmm' — letting each flow into the next and resonate, before resting in the silence that follows.
References
- Mandukya Upanishad — on the syllable Om · Classical text — The Upanishad devoted to the meaning of Om.