Chanting
So Hum Mantra Meditation
So'hamसोऽहम्· soh HUM'I am that' — the natural sound of the breath
So Hum ('I am that') is a simple, calming mantra meditation practised silently with the breath: 'So' on the inhale, 'Hum' on the exhale. It needs no chanting aloud — the words follow the natural breath — making it one of the easiest ways to meditate.
Step by step
- 1
Sit comfortably
Sit tall and relaxed, eyes closed, breathing naturally.
- 2
Hear 'So' on the inhale
As you breathe in, silently hear the sound 'So'.
- 3
Hear 'Hum' on the exhale
As you breathe out, silently hear 'Hum'.
- 4
Let it flow with the breath
Let 'So-Hum' ride the natural breath, without forcing; when the mind wanders, gently return.
- 5
Rest in stillness
After several minutes, let the mantra fade and rest in the quiet.
Benefits
- A very simple, accessible meditation
- Calms the mind and deepens the breath
- No chanting aloud required
- Cultivates a sense of connection and presence
About this practice
So Hum is called the natural mantra because its sounds echo the breath itself — a soft 'so' on the in-breath, 'hum' on the out. Its meaning, 'I am that', points to the yogic sense of unity between the individual and the universal. Because it is silent and effortless, it suits complete beginners.
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What is So Hum meditation?
- A simple silent mantra meditation: you mentally hear 'So' as you breathe in and 'Hum' as you breathe out, letting the words ride the natural breath. It calms the mind and needs no chanting aloud.
- What does So Hum mean?
- 'So Hum' means 'I am that' — a reminder of the yogic idea of unity between the individual self and the universal. The sounds also naturally echo the breath.
References
- Traditional mantra/japa meditation; see Yoga Sutras on japa · Classical text — Repetition of a sacred sound as a meditation practice.