"If you practice yoga regularly or even if you"ve only taken a couple classes, chances are you would have been invited to join your teacher in chanting "om". Typically, this will be a chant repeated three times at the beginning or end of a class.
Now, I"ll be the first to admit that this might sometimes feel a little awkward in a room full of strangers, especially if you"re new to yoga. But although this ritual can feel a little strange, it"s an important part of the yoga practice and once you understand the meaning behind "om" and why it is important, I"m sure you will be singing it from the rooftops in your next class.
So what does "om" mean?
"Om" should technically be spelled "aum" and is a mantra and sacred sound that is traditionally repeated at the beginning and end of a yoga practice.
It is a Sanskrit word that translates to "source" or "supreme." In Hinduism it is said to be the sound of the universe, so by chanting it we are symbolically and physically recognizing our connection to all other living creatures and the universe.
Even though it sounds like one sound, "Aum" is actually made up of four syllables: A, U, M, and a silent syllable.
The first syllable is A and it is pronounced as a long "ahhhh" which starts as the back of your throat.
The U, sounds like a prolonged "oooooh", and here you should start to feel your throat vibrate.
The third syllable is M, "mmmm" which sounds like a lot like the noise you would make if you were drooling over a really good-looking slice of pizza. You will now feel your mouth and lips vibrating.
The final syllable comes as you merge your chant from "mmm" into deep silence. You should feel a powerful energy that fills the room for a few seconds after the chant ends."
Search Body Health Providers Find Similar Resources