The Meaning and Magic of Om
In the ever-modernizing world of postural yoga, it’s easy to lose touch with ancient symbolism and spiritual context. Yet nestled at the heart of many classes lies a single resonant sound with the power to unite breath, body, and spirit: Om.
Om—sometimes written as Aum—is far more than a chant. It’s considered the primordial sound from which all existence arises, the vibration of the universe itself. Across yogic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, Om is recognized as sacred, embodying the divine in audible form.
A Sound with Ancient Roots
Om appears in the ancient Vedas—India’s oldest sacred texts—and is central in the Mandukya Upanishad, a short yet profound scripture devoted entirely to this syllable. In these texts, Om is used to begin and end rituals, mantras, and meditative verses.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Om is described as the sound-form of Ishvara, or the divine self. Sutra 1.27 explains: “Its expression is Om.” The Sutras present Om as one of the highest points of meditation, guiding the practitioner toward absorption and ultimately, samadhi.
The Four Parts of Om
Spelled as A-U-M, each part of Om corresponds with an element of the cosmic cycle:
A – Creation and waking consciousness, linked to Brahma
U – Sustaining life and dream states, linked to Vishnu
M – Dissolution and deep sleep, linked to Shiva
There is also a silent fourth part—turya—representing pure consciousness, the unmanifest realm beyond beginnings and endings.
In essence, Om maps the full spectrum of life and consciousness, containing within it the three gunas, the three realms, and the entirety of existence itself.
Why We Chant Om in Yoga
In contemporary practice, Om often bookends a yoga class—chanted at the beginning to center and unify the room, and at the end to seal the experience and return to the world with intention.
Chanting Om can:
Harmonize the group’s energy
Amplify intention
Activate the vagus nerve and downregulate the nervous system
Awaken the subtle energy body through vibration
It’s also a reminder that we are not isolated individuals, but part of a vast, interconnected whole. The resonance of Om, especially in community, often brings a feeling of peace, spaciousness, and unity that transcends explanation.
How to Chant Om
Om moves through the body in three parts:
A is voiced from the belly—open and expansive
U rises through the chest and throat
M vibrates in the head and crown, especially around the nose and cheeks
This upward movement reflects the energetic ascent of prana and offers both grounding and elevation. After chanting, observe a moment of silence to feel the lingering resonance and spaciousness.
The Philosophical Depth of Om
Om symbolizes oneness and remembrance—the uniting of body, breath, mind, and spirit. In Jnana Yoga, meditating on Om dissolves the illusion of separation. In Bhakti Yoga, Om is considered a sacred name of the divine.
Even outside of spiritual traditions, Om remains a beautiful, relevant tool. It offers mental clarity, nervous system regulation, and a sacred pause in a fast-paced world. It reminds us that we are part of something greater, something divine and interconnected.
Inviting Om into Daily Life
Chant Om with your yoga teacher or community. Use it as a meditation mantra, silently repeating Om with each breath. Or chant aloud—108 times with mala beads, or just once with deep intention.
Whether you're navigating the complexities of life or seeking a moment of stillness, Om can help recalibrate your energy and bring you home to yourself.
To deepen your understanding of sacred practices like this, explore yoga philosophy and practice through True Love Yoga and listen to more episodes of Deepen Your Yoga Practice.
Om Shanti. Om Peace.
