The OM, or AUM Mantra, is thought to be the most powerful and oldest of all mantras.
The OM, or AUM Mantra, is a sacred sound that has been used for centuries in Hinduism, that is repeated over and over again.
It is believed that reciting this mantra can help to align oneself with the universal energy and bring about peace and harmony.
In current day and age, many people find benefit in reciting mantras as a form of meditation. This practice can help to still the mind and bring about a sense of calmness and clarity.
The word “mantra“ comes from the Sanskrit root man, which means “mind tool“. You can read more about mantra meditation benefits here.
The OM Mantra is thought to be the most powerful and oldest of all mantras. It is said to be the sound of the universe, and it represents the four states of consciousness:
- Jagrut (waking),
- Swapna (dreaming),
- Shshupti (deep sleep), and
- Turiya (transcendental).
The states of consciousness after the Upanishads
The Upanishads are ancient Hindu scriptures that contain some of the earliest known philosophical teachings. They are considered to be among the most important texts in Hinduism. The four states of consciousness are described in detail in the Upanishads.
Jagrut is the state of waking consciousness.
In this state, we are aware of our surroundings and our own thoughts and feelings. We can interact with our environment and make decisions.This is represented by the first vowel in the AUM mantra, in this case the vibration of the sound “A” which precedes the “U”.
Swapna is the state of dreaming consciousness.
In this state, we are not as aware of our surroundings as we are in Jagrut. Our mind is more active, and we may have hallucinations or see things that are not really there. We may also forget what happened when we woke up. This is represented by the second vowel in AUM mantra, which is “U” and is preceding the next consonant, “M”.
Shushupti is the state of deep sleep consciousness.
In this state, we are not aware of anything around us. We are completely relaxed, and our mind is at rest. This is the most peaceful state of consciousness. This is represented by the vibrations of the last letter in the OUM mantra, which is “M”.
Turiya is the transcendental state of consciousness.
This is the state in which we are one with everything around us. We are able to see things from a different perspective and understand them in a new way. This state is often compared to meditation or prayer and is represented by the silence that comes after the M consosnant.
The benefits of reciting the OM or AUM mantra
Each of these four states has its own unique characteristics and benefits. In Jagrut, we are able to interact with our physical environment and learn about new things. In Swapna, we can explore our innermost desires and fears without any inhibitions. In Shshupti, we can rest and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. And in Turiya, we can connect with our true selves and experience ultimate peace and bliss.
The chanting of the OM, or AUM mantra, is believed to benefit both the individual chanter and the world at large. On a personal level, it is thought to help purify the mind and body, promoting physical and mental health. It is also said to improve concentration and memory, and to increase wisdom and understanding. On a global level, it is believed that the chanting of the OM Mantra can help create peace and harmony in the world.
OM or AUM mantra meditation practice
The OM, or AUM mantra, is a powerful tool for meditation and can be used to help still the mind, focus the attention, and connect with the breath. The benefits of using this mantra in meditation are many, including increased concentration, improved mental clarity, and a deeper connection with the divine.
To begin using the OM, or AUM mantra, in your meditation practice, start by:
- Sitting in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your eyes closed.
- Once you are feeling calm, begin repeating the mantra slowly and deliberately.
- Focus your attention on the sound of the mantra and let all other thoughts fall away.
- If your mind begins to wander, simply bring your attention back to the sound of the mantra.
- With practice, you will find that it becomes easier to keep your attention focused on the mantra and enter into a deeper state of meditation.
BONUS: 11 hours of OM or AUM mantra meditation available for free on YouTube.