Watch hundreds of videos on our YouTube channel!
AUM Chanting Benefits
by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine
AUM chanting benefits have been claimed by yogis for thousands of years. Today they are being proven with scientific experiments measuring brain and body responses to chanting. The Sanskrit word AUM (OM) is familiar to most people as the simplest and most common yogic mantra. AUM is believed to be the fundamental mantra connecting us to higher reality and the highest aspect of our own beings. In fact, AUM is thought to be the sound of the whole cosmic manifestation.
History of AUM Chanting
AUM chanting originated in the spiritual traditions of India. In more recent times, scientists have begun to document the impact of chanting AUM on the brain and body. This reveals AUM chanting benefits that are consistent with ancient spiritual traditions.
Sound of the Universe
AUM is purported to be the sound of the universe, the sound from which all other sounds are formed. Thus, AUM represents past, present and future. AUM is viewed as a a seed or building block of creation. Sanskrit seed syllables are single word mantras with specific benefits. Learn more about other seed syllables and one word mantras in the article One Word Mantras.
AUM and the Hindu Trinity
AUM represents both the manifest and unmanifest. This three letter seed syllable is similar to the trinity of God in many other traditions. In that sense, the “A” represents Brahma or the Father God; the “U” represents Vishnu, the Son (Christ) or the preserver; and the “M” represents dissolution, the Holy Spirit in the West or Shiva in the East.
AUM Meaning East and West
When taken as a whole, AUM is commonly associated Shiva as the cosmic masculine force of destruction. In addition, AUM is the mantra of assent, much like saying “Amen” at the end of a prayer. In this way, AUM affirms the intention of longer mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” meaning “I give honor to Shiva.”
Four Parts of AUM
AUM can be viewed as having four parts: A-U-M followed by the sound of silence. The A (AHHH) represents the beginning, the connection to the physical world. The U (OOOH) signifies the maintaining of the physical universe. The M (MMMM) is the transformative energy of the universe and the realm of thoughts and feelings. The fourth sound is the silence that follows the AUM. This is pure consciousness and knowingness.
Science of AUM Chanting
AUM chanting benefits are an incredible science. This single word can be sounded in many ways. There are studies showing that holding the opening vowel creates active alpha waves in your brain. On the other hand, if you are holding the “M” instead, that creates more theta waves for deep relaxation. Changing your brain waves changes the biochemistry of your brain, and thus of your whole body.
AUM for Clearing the Mind
AUM (OM) is often included at the beginning of a mantra to clear the mind for meditation. AUM is said to draw the energy from the bottom of the spine to the top of the head. Thus, the energy of AUM is one of expansion and ascension.
Finding Your AUM (Home)
The sound of AUM chanting is surprisingly like the sound on the word “home” in the English language. The particular language that you use for chanting may be less important than the sounds or vibrations produced. However, there may be more healing sounds in liturgical languages such as Sanskrit, Gurmukhi, Hebrew and Latin. These are languages that are used primarily for spiritual practice rather than for basic communication.
AUM for Healing Negativity
In terms of healing, AUM brings prana into the subconscious mind. AUM is the sound of the sun (masculine) and sheds light on addictive tendencies and negative emotions, bringing them to light for healing and transmutation. One of the simplest AUM (OM) mantras is “OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” meaning “AUM, Peace, Peace, Peace.”
AUM Chanting & the Third Eye
The seed sound for the third eye chakra is AUM (OM). The sixth chakra is the third eye, the seat of spiritual vision. The third eye is the center of imagination. The word “imagination” itself means the ability to hold an “image” firmly in mind.
Visualization and the Third Eye
Holding an image in your mind is the first step towards bringing that form into manifestation. This practice of visualization is also a proven technique in sports, musical performance, and other endeavors. Thus, strengthening the third eye aids in both intellectual and artistic pursuits. Learn more about the third eye in the article Third Eye Chakra Symbol.
Science of AUM
Since sound is vibration, all sounds have an impact on the human body. The vibrations of AUM chanting affect the skull, chest cavity and vocal chords directly. This stimulates the nervous system to shift into relaxation, reducing stress on all levels. AUM chanting benefits can be outlined as follows:
Improved Lung Function: The breath control required by chanting strengthens the intercostal muscles and improves oxygen intake. When AUM is chanted slowly, the slower breathing rate signals to the brain that it is time to rest and recuperate.
Brain Wave Activation: As noted above, studies have shown that AUM chanting increases alpha and theta waves. Which types of waves are activated depends on which of the sounds (vowel or consonant) are sustained. Overall, the result is improved mental concentration and reduced fatigue.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: AUM chanting lowers heart rate and reduces stress responses by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This aids in physical and emotional recovery. This can counterbalance the fight or flight response common in modern society.
Improved Resilience: The brain regions associated with fear and reactivity can be calmed by chanting, helping to regulate emotions and improve mood. In addition, the silence that follows AUM gives the brain a chance to fully absorb all of the positive benefits
AUM Chanting for the Chakras
The energetic centers in the spiritual body known as chakras are directly affected by mantras of all kinds. AUM chanting is believed to harmonize all of these centers, leading to a greater flow of energy from the spiritual body into the physical body.
The chakras are often described as wheels. For thousands of years, the science of the chakras has been taught by Eastern yogis. This knowledge has now made its way into the lexicon and consciousness of the West. All life experiences are said to be stored in one or more chakras.
Clearing the chakras of negativity is a process that can be accomplished in many ways. Tools for this purpose include meditation, affirmations, mantras, yoga, dietary practices, and self-examination. If a chakra has records of negative patterns, the energy may not flow freely. A balanced, cleared chakra would be like a wheel that spins easily.
For extensive information on the chakras, please see our list of Chakra Guides, including chakra symbols, chakra healing, and the sounds associated with each chakra.
AUM CHANTING BENEFITS ARTICLE SUMMARY
AUM chanting benefits have been claimed by yogis for thousands of years. Today they are being proven with scientific experiments measuring brain and body responses to chanting. Learn more in this article about the Sanskrit word AUM (OM) and how AUM chanting can aid your mental and physical health. Improved resilience and peace are just a breath away!
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
Please Visit Our Store!