Pranava Yoga: The Power of Om to Become One With Brahman

Om may be the most important mantra in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, but is a part of other religious disciplines as well. Some have suggested that the three components, A,U, M are a representation of the three parts of the Brahman: creator, destroyer, and preserver respectively. It has been called “the seed of the universe”, or the sound at the beginning of time, and it is also called “the soundless sound”.

Some believe that it encompasses the entire universe in a sound. Om is mentioned in many of the seminal Hindu texts including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. It has been said to have a direct connection to the ajna, or third eye chakra. Very often, this mantra is used three times to open and close yoga classes, even those not focused on Pranava yoga. It is used to draw the practitioner into the mindset of the meditation or yoga practice.

Om meditation is recommended in texts such as the Mandukya Upanishad and the Taittiriya Upanishad as a way to achieve self-realization and establish a connection with Brahman. The Mundaka Upanishad, for example, equates Brahman with the target, Om with the bow, and the individual self with the arrow.

Krishna identifies with Om and emphasizes the crucial importance of Om in achieving oneness with the Divine through continuous meditation and remembrance.

In yoga, Om represents the idea of Ishwara, or God. Repeated repetition and focus on Om is recommended to overcome mental blocks and distractions (such as sickness, doubt, laziness, and worldly attachments) and to achieve spiritual clarity and tranquility.

Despite its short length, om consists of three different syllables, that can be heard when stretched out. The initial sound is very similar to the diphthong “ou” in the English word “house”, but when pronouncing it, one is meant to separate it into the two vowel sounds. It should begin from the back of the throat, then move forward, so it almost feels as if it’s covering the face. It has been described as a mask. You finish the word with the “mm” sound from a closed mouth. The vowel sounds are usually pronounced for twice as long as the finishing consonant.

In some sources, there is a final “ng” sound at the end. Then you observe a short moment of silence before inhaling again.

1. Feeling of Togetherness

There have been studies that suggest that chanting in general may have some benefits. For example, one study in 2009 found that it could increase blood flow to the brain. Anecdotally, some claim that chanting, especially in groups can be an ecstatic feeling, giving the practitioners a general feeling of well-being. Some have described that it creates a feeling of togetherness with a group.

2. Relaxation

Om chanting is very common in meditation practices. A 2011 study looking at functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of patients while chanting om, showed stimulation in areas related to relaxation. A 2018 study found similar effects. Though it doesn’t prove that the chanting causes relaxation, it does warrant further exploration.

Anecdotally, many people seem to find something relaxing about chanting om during meditation. One study showed that meditation upon om may lower the heart rate more than simply non-targeted thinking during meditation. Given the negative effects that stress may have on the body, if Pranava yoga does help make one’s meditation practice more fruitful and relaxing, it can be seen as beneficial. Some studies have suggested that meditation in general can lower one’s blood pressure.

3. Depression

Some believe the general idea that mantras, especially om give off powerful vibrations, which have a special effect on the glands and vital organs within the abdominal cavity. These vibrations can also help one breathe deeper and “tone” the nervous system. Although this may sound like pseudoscience, some scientists have begun looking into these claims to see if they hold water. The aforementioned 2011 study found a deactivation of various brain structures and parts of the limbic system. Though further study would be needed, it may suggest that this type of chanting may be used in the treatment of depression or epilepsy.

Sometimes chanting om can make some people insecure, especially in front of others. Given that peace of mind and relaxation are among the goals of meditation, this could make it difficult for some to get the full benefit of Pranava yoga. It’s a stretch to call this a “risk”. Some yoga teachers get around this by doing chanting as a call and response with their students.

Updated: July 29, 2024. – This article was originally published on February 3, 2021.