In the beginning, there was sound. And for many of us, that first sound was a long, deep "Aaaaah" — the cry of a newborn baby taking its first breath. This simple sound is the foundation of all verbal expression, a reminder of our shared, primal origins. In yogic philosophy, the sound “A” is also the starting point of Om (A-U-M), the sacred syllable representing the universe's vibration.
Om: The Sound of Creation and Unity
Om is more than just a sound — it's a vibration encompassing the essence of the universe. It’s said that Om resonates with every living being, connecting us to one another and the Divine Consciousness. Just as the sound “A” is the beginning of a baby’s cry, it symbolises the creation and manifestation of the world around us.
As we chant Om, we feel the vibration in the body — and this vibration is the key to connecting with the chakras, the energy centres within us. Om begins in the root chakra at the base of the spine (Muladhara), then moves up through the sacral (Swadhisthana), solar plexus (Manipura), heart (Anahata), throat (Vishuddha), third eye (Ajna), and finally to the crown chakra (Sahasrara). Each chakra resonates with the sound of Om, and as we chant, we invite balance, harmony, and alignment into these vital energy points.
Om and Amen: The Sacred Connection
Have you ever noticed the similarity between “Om” and “Amen”? Linguistically, these two sounds share deep roots. "Om" originates from ancient Sanskrit, while "Amen" has its roots in Hebrew and is often used in Christian and Jewish prayers. Spiritually, both are used as affirmations, closing words that seal intentions, prayers, or invocations. While “Om” represents the entirety of the universe, “Amen” affirms faith and truth, a way of connecting to something larger than ourselves.
Both sounds echo the profound human desire to connect with the Divine.
The Om Symbol: A Journey into its Parts
The symbol for Om is a visual representation of this sacred sound. Its graceful curves and shapes hold meaning beyond what meets the eye. Here's a breakdown:
The Lower Curve (A) represents the waking state, or conscious mind (Jagrat). It's the state of reality we experience during our daily lives, filled with awareness of the external world.
The Middle Curve (U) represents the dream state (Swapna), in which the mind moves inward and reflects on desires, memories, and subconscious thoughts.
The Upper Curve (M) represents deep sleep or the state of unconsciousness (Sushupti). In this state, the mind rests, and we are at peace without the distractions of external reality.
The Crescent and the Dot – The crescent above the curves symbolises Maya, the illusion that veils us from the ultimate reality. The dot represents Turiya, the state of pure consciousness, where one transcends all illusion and connects with the Divine.
Together, these elements form a complete picture of our spiritual journey — from wakefulness, through dreams, to deep sleep and finally reaching the state of universal consciousness.
Daily Practice and Philosophy: Bringing Om into Life
In daily life, chanting Om can be a powerful tool for grounding and centring. Om invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with our deeper selves during a busy day or a quiet meditation. Here are a few simple ways to incorporate Om into your routine:
Morning Rituals: Start the day by chanting Om three times to align yourself with the universal energy. Feel the sound resonate from the base of your spine, rising through each chakra.
In Moments of Stress: When feeling overwhelmed, pause and take a deep breath, allowing the sound of Om to calm the mind and body. This small practice can create a profound shift in your mood and energy.
Closing Meditation: End your yoga or meditation practice with Om, sealing the work you’ve done and connecting to the collective energy of those around you.
From a philosophical perspective, Om reminds us of the unity between all things. Just as every sound begins with the vibration of “A,” the universe itself begins with the vibration of Om. By chanting Om, we affirm our place in this interconnected web of life, a reminder that we are never truly separate from one another or the Divine.
You can join me to explore all this in class this week—book here to save your space.
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