The Healing Power of OM
Introducing our Spring ‘Healing’ Box label!
And, of course, there was only one symbol I wanted to include on our beautiful white label for this season - the ancient symbol ‘OM’. 🗃️
‘OM’ is a Sanskrit word, considered to be the vibration and sound of the entire Universe, past, present and future.
‘OM’ is said to be, the sound from which all other sounds are formed, encapsulating the entire range of sounds the human voice can make.
Modern science also finds that everything – every at-OM, molecule and corner of the universe – is formed out of energy vibration. Einstein’s equation E=mc2 is that all matter (m) is but an expression of energy (E).
From the ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas; texts that constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, OM is composed of three phonetic parts - with each of those parts holding certain meaning.
A - when chanted the sound ‘ah’ emanates from the base of the throat and causes a vibration limited to the back of the mouth. This is said to symbolise our waking consciousness, the tip of the consciousness iceberg. ‘Ahhh’ stands for the entire physical world of our experience. When we are awake we are aware of our physical body and the physical world, and we are aware of the experience of the physical world. In this state of being ‘I’ am different to ‘you’ ie.we are not the same but separate.
O - is the vibration that comes forward to the tongue and palette, filling up the mouth with sound and vibration. ‘Ooo’ is said to symbolise dream consciousness or subconscious awareness. In the dream world, there are seemingly infinite possibilities attainable; and in our dreams, we find we are at once the dreamer and also in the dream .. dream and dreamer are one and the same.
M - the third syllable closes the lips and creates a vibration of the whole mouth, face and head. ‘Mmm” is a symbol for deep, dreamless sleep consciousness, a realm deeper and larger than dream consciousness. In this state of consciousness there is no active imagination, nor is there any waking consciousness (unconscious) – it is completely free and empty yet you are still there, completely calm, aware but without judgement, like, dislike or preconceptions.
Did you know there is a fourth aspect?
There is also a fourth aspect to the chanting of AUM – the momentary silence that surrounds it as you take a breath between each chant. This silence can be incredibly powerful and symbolises that behind the silence, is the voice beyond being and no-being, that cannot be known or named, from which all things and consciousness arise and go back to.
This is said to be super consciousness, transcending all three other states.
AUM : the union of mind, breath and mantra
* In this practice you might come to experience the wonder of the union between mind, breath and mantra
* Take time to settle your posture, allowing all parts of yourself to come into the present moment, relaxation in body and breath
* You might take a moment to reflect on your intention: to gently hold the mantra AUM as your anchor
* When you sense a stillness in your physical form you might gently shift your awareness to just your breath
* Become immersed and captivated by the movement and cycle of your breath .. the complete inhalation and exhalation
* Allow sufficient time for your breath to settle into stillness, with awareness of just your breath
* Then, when ready take a full inhalation, and on the exhalation silently (or chant aloud) A-U-M
* For three, or more breaths, continue to recite the mantra silently in the mind or out aloud
* With repetition the mantra will naturally slow and weave into the rhythm of your breath, and soon the mind will also slow and settle
Some OM Mantra Tips
~ Mantras can be used anytime and anywhere – they are totally portable
~ Saying your mantra internally means it is always with you, at the beach, at work or with friends
~ Don’t push or strive too hard, allow the mantra to find and weave itself into your breath and mind, sometimes loud and sometimes soft
~ As in other types of meditation you will be distracted and then you notice the distraction and gently, and kindly, return to your mantra.