Chanting the sound of Om is one of the most profound and accessible practices in yoga. It is a sound that resonates not just through the vocal cords, but deep into the mind, body, and soul. Rooted in ancient traditions, Om represents the essence of the universe—the sound that connects all things. As B.K.S. Iyengar explained, “Om is the origin of all sounds. It is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture, and even species.”
In the Iyengar Yoga tradition, Om chanting is more than a ritual; it is a practice of alignment and awareness. It sets the tone for each class, centering the mind and creating a shared sense of focus. Whether at the beginning or end of a practice, the vibration of Om creates a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, between effort and surrender.
Why Chant Om?
The benefits of chanting Om are both tangible and subtle. Physically, the vibration soothes the nervous system and enhances breath control. Mentally, it fosters clarity and quiets the mind. Spiritually, it reminds us of our connection to something greater. As Geeta Iyengar so eloquently said, “The sound of Om is the sound of the inner self. When we chant Om, we tune ourselves to the universal rhythm.”
Breaking Down the Sound of Om
Om is not just a single sound but a combination of three syllables: A, U, M. These syllables represent different states of consciousness:
- A: The waking state, symbolizing the external world.
- U: The dream state, connecting us to the subtle inner world.
- M: The deep sleep state, merging into the universal oneness.
Together, they form a complete cycle, ending in the silence that follows—the ultimate state of yoga, where the mind is still and the self is realized.
How to Practice Om Chanting
1. Sit Comfortably: Find a seated position with a tall spine, relaxed shoulders, and steady breath.
2. Take a Deep Breath: Inhale fully, preparing to chant.
3. Exhale into the Sound: Begin with a prolonged “Aaa,” followed by a resonant “Uuu,” and finish with a soft “Mmm,” allowing the vibration to fade into silence.
4. Listen to the Silence: After chanting, observe the stillness. This is where the sound of Om has its most profound effect.
A Practice Rooted in Tradition
In the Iyengar tradition, Om is often chanted three times at the start and end of class. B.K.S. Iyengar emphasized that this simple act brings unity and grounding: “Om aligns the practitioner to the vibration of the universe. It is the highest vibration, and chanting it creates harmony within and around us.”
For students new to chanting, it can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. However, the practice of Om does not require perfection, only sincerity. Over time, the sound becomes a companion, a guide, and a teacher.
Incorporating Om into Daily Life
Chanting Om need not be confined to yoga class. It can be practiced at the start of the day to set an intention, during moments of stress to find calm, or at bedtime to transition into rest. As Prashant Iyengar reminds us, “Om is the bridge between the finite and the infinite. It teaches us to transcend and transform.”
Whether you chant Om once or many times, its resonance lingers, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. In its vibration, we find connection; in its silence, we find peace.
Let the sound of Om be your companion as you navigate the path of yoga, grounding you in the present moment and connecting you to the infinite.
Take a deep breath, chant Om, and listen—what do you hear?
If you’d like to experience the practice of Om and its integration into a yoga session, join us at Iyengar Yoga Source, where precision and mindfulness meet tradition. We look forward to chanting with you.