Why Do We “Om” in Yoga Class?

When I was in high-school, I had a friend who had a tattoo of the symbol of “Om” on her arm. It always intrigued me because it was such a captivating image and I’d never seen anything like it before. When I asked her what it meant, she said that it was “the sound that the universe makes” and right then and there I was hooked.

I’d dabbled in yoga classes throughout high school and college, and eventually started my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program. This is where I really got to study the meaning of “Om” and also chant it and feel its vibrations both through my own voice and in the yoga classes and Kirtans I attended. Throughout my career as a yoga teacher, I attend hundreds of hours of trainings, especially in topics on Yoga Philosophy and the Sanskrit language. Through it all, the meaning of “Om” and its origin and history always intrigued me the most!

The Origin of Om

1. The sound “Om” (or “Aum”) is seen throughout many different cultures, movements, and religions, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This powerful sound can be considered the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, or greater higher truth.
2. The sound of “Om” is composed of three phonemes: A, U, and M. Each part has deep symbolic meanings that can be unpacked in lots of different ways and across many different cultures. It is said to represent the three major states of human consciousness: the waking state, the dream state, and the deep sleep state. Beyond these states, the silent part of Om that follows represents the state of pure consciousness that transcends the ordinary experiences of life. This is a giant concept wrapped up in a very small word.
3. The origins of Om trace back to the earliest Vedic texts. In the Rigveda, one of the oldest known scriptures in the world, the syllable is mentioned and is discussed with great respect. Over time, its significance expanded and was deeply elaborated in the Upanishads, the ancient Sanskrit texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism.

Om in the Upanishads

The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the universe (Brahman). They mark the highest point of Vedic thought and are considered the end part of the Vedas, also called Vedanta, meaning “the end of the Vedas.”

Mandukya Upanishad: This is arguably the most important text concerning Om. It dedicates an entire discourse to the analysis of the sound. The Mandukya Upanishad begins with the statement that Om is the whole universe, and it elaborates on the symbolic meanings of each part of the syllable (A, U, M) as well as the silence that follows it. The text states: “Om, this eternal word is all; what was, what is and what shall be” (Mandukya Upanishad 1.1).

Chandogya Upanishad: This Upanishad also places a strong emphasis on Om. It describes Om as the Udgitha, the chant that accompanies the offering in Vedic rituals. It mentions: “The syllable Om is indeed Brahman. This syllable is the highest; whoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires” (Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.1).

Taittiriya Upanishad: This text describes Om as the representation of the essence of the Vedas. It emphasizes that chanting Om with understanding leads to the realization of the ultimate reality.

Om in the Yoga Sutras

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the foundational texts on yoga philosophy, also refer to Om. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras describe a practical path for attaining liberation through the eight limbs of yoga. It is said that the Yoga Sutras are meant to help us manage and alleviate human suffering. In this text, Om is identified as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth.

Sutra 1.27: “Tasya vachakah pranavah” translates to “His name is Om.” This sutra indicates that Om is the verbal expression of Ishvara, which may be translated to God or the supreme consciousness or a greater higher truth.

Sutra 1.28: “Tajjapas tadartha bhavanam” translates to “The repetition of Om and meditating on its meaning is the way.” This sutra suggests that the continuous chanting of Om, along with contemplating its significance, helps the practitioner to connect with the divine consciousness and achieve spiritual advancement.

The Yoga Sutras highlight Om as not only a symbol of divine presence but also a powerful practice in the path of yoga. This could be one of the reasons why you experience chanting the sound of Om before and after yoga classes. You may also chant the sound of Om for its protecting and cleansing qualities, too.

The Cleansing Power of Om

I once heard Om be described as sandpaper or a Zamboni for the mind. Just as sandpaper smooths rough surfaces and a Zamboni clears and polishes the ice, chanting Om can clear and calm the mind. The vibrations of Om work on a subtle level to scrub away mental clutter, distractions, and negativity, leading to a clearer and more focused state of mind.

This metaphor highlights the transformative power of Om in meditation and mindfulness practices. By repeatedly chanting Om, practitioners can experience a gradual yet profound purification of the mind, leading to enhanced mental clarity and inner peace. Chanting Om creates vibrations that resonate throughout the body, especially in the chest, throat, and head. This resonance is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, aligning the practitioner with the universe’s fundamental frequencies. The vibrational aspect of Om is often experienced as a form of sound meditation. The initial “A” sound originates in the lower abdomen, the “U” rolls up through the chest and throat, and the “M” sound is felt in the lips and the top of the head. Finally, the silence that follows is as significant as the sound itself, symbolizing the infinite and the indescribable.

Om in Meditation and the Yoga Practice

In yoga practice, Om is frequently chanted at the beginning and end of sessions. This sets a tone of reverence and focus, helping practitioners transition into a mindful state. The sound is believed to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit, fostering a sense of unity and peace.

Psychological and Physiological Benefits of Om:

• Reduces stress
• Lowers the heart rate to a healthy level
• Increases overall well-being
• Activates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in calming the nervous system
• Calms the mind
• Reduces anxiety
• Helps to center the room before any yoga class

Om is more than just a sound; it is a representation of the ultimate reality and the cosmic vibration that underlies all existence. Its origins in the Vedic texts and detailed explanations in the Upanishads and the Yoga Sutras underscore its significance in spiritual practices.

Chanting Om connects practitioners of yoga to a long tradition of spiritual practices and offers a way to experience unity and peace within the self and with the universe. As you chant Om, you are not just producing a sound; you are tuning into an ancient tradition and aligning yourself with the very essence of life.

When it comes to chanting any mantra or Sanskrit word, it’s important to understand why you’re chanting it. There is so much beauty in the language and there are so many amazing meanings to every Sanskrit word and the mantras. You can always decide what you are comfortable with and what you want to hold back on. It can be really exciting and helpful to also teach your students and clients about this history and why you are chanting or asking them to chant with you!
It’s also important to note that the learning never ends. Once you research the meaning and history of certain words and chants, you become even more connected to the lineage and history of yoga and its impact on the world today.

References:

• Mandukya Upanishad: “Om, this eternal word is all; what was, what is and what shall be” (Mandukya Upanishad 1.1).
• Chandogya Upanishad: “The syllable Om is indeed Brahman. This syllable is the highest; whoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires” (Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.1).
• Taittiriya Upanishad: Descriptions of Om as the representation of the essence of the Vedas.
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:
  Sutra 1.27: “Tasya vachakah pranavah.”
  Sutra 1.28: “Tajjapas tadartha bhavanam.”