The Meaning of Om: How to Use Om in Your Yoga Practice

Om or aum (pronounced ah-uu-mm) is a sacred sound considered by many ancient philosophical texts to be the sound of the universe, encompassing all other sounds within it. In Sanskrit, om is called Pranava, which means to hum, and is considered an unlimited or eternal sound. Although the term is linked to Indian culture, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, om chanting is a spiritual practice that transcends culture and religion and is inclusive of all possible definitions and interpretations of God, or Brahma.

The Mandukya Upanishad, an ancient Vedic text linked to Vedanta Hindu beliefs, describes the sound om as having three parts. Patañjali, a sage who wrote and taught the first and most comprehensive yoga scriptures, interprets these three stages as the beginning, middle, and end of all other sounds in the universe. They are:

A: The first sound in om is “A,” pronounced "ah."
U: “U” or "oo" is a natural continuation of the sound that begins with "ah."
M: The “M” sound is made by sealing the lips to complete the oral part of the mantra.

According to the Vedas, a set of ancient Hindu scriptures, the silence after the “M” in om is known as Anahata Nada or “pure silence.” Some teachings define this part as something beyond sound or verbal comprehension, while others state that it represents a peaceful state of consciousness.

Om is incorporated into yoga culture and individual yoga and meditation practices in many ways:

• To symbolize the philosophy of yoga. The om symbol ॐ in Sanskrit is commonly seen painted on the wall in yoga studios, as a decoration on yoga mats, and even worn as a pendant.
• To connect to the oneness of all things. Yogis chant om to begin or end a yoga practice, and it is common to repeat the sound together as a class one to three times. You can chant the sacred syllable alone or together as a group, always in coordination with your conscious breath.
• To increase the quality of meditation. Focusing in and up towards your third eye chakra with your eyes closed while chanting om can help deepen your state of meditation.
• To harmonize systems of the body. The sacred sound also balances and harmonizes the nervous system through energetic vibrations created by the sound.
• To form more complex mantras. You can add om to other Sanskrit words to create more complex, advanced mantras like "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is a part of some Buddhist teachings. Mani means jewel, Padme means lotus flower, and Hum implies a state of enlightenment.

Proper form and technique are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a yoga practice. If you have a previous or pre-existing health condition, consult your physician before practicing yoga. Yoga poses may be modified based on your individual needs.

Unroll your mat, get a MasterClass Annual Membership, and get your om on with Donna Farhi, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of yoga. Follow along as she teaches you the importance of breathing and finding your center as well as how to build a strong foundational practice that will restore your body and mind.