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Writer's pictureShalini Rao

"Om" - The primordial Sound


Photo Courtesy: evolutionary by Michael


The sound “Om” is made up of three basic sounds - “Aaaa”, “ Uuuu”, and “Mmmm”. Om is the original or primordial vibration of the universe, from which all other sounds are able to manifest. Because all matter is composed of atomic material, which is in constant motion, everything and everyone vibrates on some frequency.

"Om" is the seed of transcendental sound, and it is through transcendental sound, one can transform the mind and the senses. By chanting Om, the mind becomes aligned with the breath, which enables a person to get into an elevated state of consciousness.


The symbolism of Om:

As the initial vibration of Om emerges from the unmanifest, it diversifies into all the different vibrations of the Universe, which manifest as the world we know. “Om” represents a number of trinities:

  1. The different conditions of consciousness - the waking state, the dreaming state, and the deep sleep state.

  2. The three aspects of time - past, present, and future.

  3. It is the creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe.

Chanting Om

The seven main Chakras or wheels of energy in the body relating to the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of our lives, provide a path through which the sound of Om begins, passes through, and eventually dissolves itself.


After taking in a deep breath, the chanting of Aum begins at the solar plexus Chakra, near the diaphragm, where the “Aa” of the syllable is emphasized. As the sound progresses, “Uu” sustains the mantra through the heart, throat, and third eye Chakra, until it reaches the crown. The sound dissolves at the crown Chakra, at which point the mantra has developed into its last part, “ Umm”.


It is most beneficial to find a quiet place where you can focus without being disturbed. Keeping your spine straight, begin chanting, starting with the “A”, holding the “U” a little longer as it progresses through the Chakras, and then ending on the “Mm”; as the exhale of your breath ends.


Chanting “Om” is about connecting to the Divine. Om, therefore, contains within it all the sounds and vibrations of the universe. Everything in the universe is a manifestation of Om and ultimately a reflection of pure consciousness from which it emerged.


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