Om Meditation is the technique of chanting the sacred word “Om” that helps meditators relax their minds, while establishing a healthy balance between their inner and outer worlds(1).

Introduction

The sound Om is made of three letters: A, U, and M(2). Om is believed to be a primordial sound, and all other sounds emerge from it. The three letters of the sound Om (A, U, and M) represent the gross, subtle, and casual aspects of every Cosmic Being(2). It is believed that Om is the only word that signifies Ultimate Reality. Thus, Om is considered the most powerful name of God(2).

Meditating on Om is a potent technique that involves not only uttering the word but also focusing on the silence, which is known to be the joy of God(3). Om Meditation has the ability to calm down the practitioners’ mind and help it focus better(1). The technique can assist meditators to know their mind better, achieve positivity, and attain happiness(1).

History/Origins

Om Meditation has a long withstanding popularity in the Indian yoga culture and has been practiced by many since the time of the Upanishads(4). Mandukya Upanishad describes Om as the sum of our experiences(2). The text says that A, U, and M respectively represent our waking, dream, and deep sleep states. Om is presented in the Upanishad as the symbol of the entire universe of our thoughts and perceptions we experience during our three states(2). 

Maitri Upanishad also upholds the importance of the technique. The text teaches us that we can meditate upon God through sound and silence: both of which are important aspects of Om Meditation(3). 

Benefits of Om Meditation

A research article published in the International Journal of Yoga(5) suggests that Om Meditation has the potential to improve physiological alertness and increase sensitivity to sensory transmission. Another study(6) informs that the technique can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in regular meditators.

 

References

  1. Balboa Press | The Power of Om by Meena Bhojwani | Chapter 4
  2. SkyLight Paths Publishing | Meditation and its Practices: A Definitive Guide to Techniques and Traditions of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta by Swami Adiswarananda
  3. Fingerprint! Publishing | 112 Meditations for Self Realization: Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, Translation and Commentary by Ranjit Chaudhri
  4. Inner Light Publishers | OM Chanting and Meditation by Amit Ray
  5. International Journal of Yoga | Volume 3, Issue 1 | 2010 |  Meditation on OM: Relevance from Ancient Texts and Contemporary Science by Sanjay Kumar, HR Nagendra, NK Manjunath, KV Naveen and Shirley Telles
  6. Psychological Thought | Vol 12, No. 1 | 2019 | Survey on Om Meditation: Its Effects on the Human Body and Om Meditation as a Tool for Stress Management by Bhavna P. Harne, Azra A. Tahseen, Anil S. Hiwale and Ram S. Dhekekar