Introduction

Aum is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hindu and Buddhism. It is believed to signify the ultimate reality, consciousness, or soul (Atma). It is a simple sound but has a complex meaning. It is said to encompass the whole universe, representing the union of body, mind, and soul and is also considered as the heart of Yoga. The sound of “Aum” has three syllables: a, u, and m. Hindu mythology has it that Aum is the first sound of the inception of time. It is said to surpass the barrier of time and constitutes the present and the future.  In the chakra system, Aum is related to the Ajna Chakra, the third eye, which represents intuition and self-knowledge. The chanting of Aum also has many scientific connotations. Everything in the universe is oscillating and vibrating- nothing is stationary. It is said that the sound of Aum when chanted, vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz, which is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature. Since Aum is the basic sound of nature, so chanting it, we are symbolically and physically acknowledging our connection to nature and other living beings. 

In Hinduism, Aum is one of the most important spiritual symbols. It is a blend of Atma (soul, self within) and Brahman (ultimate reality, entirely of the universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit, cosmic principles, knowledge). It is a sacred spiritual hym that is made before and during the recitation of spiritual texts, during pujas, private prayers, in ceremonies of rites of passages and other mediative and spiritual activities such as Yoga. Aum is also known to connote the metaphysical concept of Brahma. It signifies the Brahman as the ultimate reality consciousness or Atma. The Aum sound is the primordial sound and is also called Shabda- Brahma. Hence it is the most important spiritual sound. 

Significance of Aum

Aum mantra holds a strong and high vibration which you can literally feel it. It is the sound of creation representing a threefold division of time. It is the sound of creation and signifies God, Source, or Universal Consciousness. When chanted properly, Aum inculcates a strong sense of blissful energy vibrations that flow inside the body and sets a sense of tranquillity. Chanting Aum is known to slow down the nervous system and calm the mind.  It is a way to open and close a practice- to delineate it from the rest of our day and designate it as a special time in which we care for ourselves and practice being mindful. Aum can help us to connect with our deeper self whilst in mediation and thereby help in achieving salvation.

Benefits of Chanting Aum

Aum envisages a sense of purity with great spiritual powers. It is found to be helpful in encouraging good physical and mental health. It is an invincible power of self-control and consciousness. The whole body can feel certain vibrations when you chant this pious mantra. Let us discuss the benefits of the same.

Enhances Concentration

Chanting Aum is the first and last ritual of most yogic activities. The underlying theory of om is to detach yourself from the whole world and getting lost in your inner consciousness. With regular chanting, the mind is directed towards this small mantra and is deterring any redundant thought to enter the mind. Hence it helps in increasing concentrative power and helps your being focused and attentive. Regular chanting of this mantra improves the level concentration and helps in true retrospection of the inner self. It helps the mind to shred all the unnecessary anxiety and anguish and makes it devoid of all judgments and preconceived notions.

Reduces stress

The tormenting lifestyles today tend to challenge the mental sanity and tranquillity of most people. It becomes really difficult to cope up with the stress and anxiety that comes along the everyday chores. The health implications of chanting om are immense. Many scientific pieces of research have proved that chanting Aum can substantially release the amount of anxiety and stress. The health implications of chanting om are immense. Hence, it is highly advisable to meditate whilst chanting this mantra, to have a calming effect on the mind.

Strength to the Spinal Cord

Chanting Aum is known to stimulate the Ajna Chakra, which is also known as the third eye. It is seen that chanting Aum creates a significant impact on the spinal cord of the person. The vibrations created during chanting improves the efficiency of the spinal cord. But it needs to be practiced under proper guidance. The spinal cord is said to carry the seven chakras, the alignment of which helps in achieving salvation or liberation. The sound of Aum helps to re-energize the chakras and thus strengthen the spinal cord.

Detoxifies Body

The ancient history of Hindu Mythology states that chanting of Aum restores youthfulness both externally and internally.  It is visioned as a type of meditation, and when you perform it regularly, it contributes to improving the detoxification process of the body. This, in turn, improves the blood circulation and oxygen-enriched supply to the body cells. Chanting Aum also indulges in deep breathing. This process helps to get rid of toxins from the body.

Sound Sleep.

Sound sleep is the pre-requisite for a calm mind. Since stress and hectic lifestyle distort the sleep cycle, they, in turn, affect mental health. Late-night working and waking up late in the morning disturb the overall metabolism of the body. You can improve your sleep and wake up the pattern by practicing Aum chanting regularly. It not only ensures that you fall asleep quickly, but also that you get sound enough sleep.

Improves Cognitive Ability

Positivity is the key to achieve a clear perception as that we can achieve our goal in life. A disturbed mind has a tendency to think negatively first whenever some untoward incidence happens. But regular chanting of  Aum ensures that you stay positive even in hostile circumstances.  Since chanting OM has a calming effect on the brain, it helps to improve the cognitive ability and reasoning skills, which consequently increases productivity. This also helps in making better decisions in difficult conditions.

Emotional Stability

If you are someone who faces emotional stability, then chanting OM will help you gather a better understanding of self and your emotions. It helps you to have a balance of your emotions and help you think with a clear mind. It also enhances the ability to achieve a balance between the mind and body and thereby have a better sense of self and the world around. 

Deters Negativity 

We are webbed with negativity in the modern world. From wars to human slaughters, from jealousy to anger, all these emotions tend to bring in the sense of hostility and angst in our minds and body. Chanting Aum helps you to clear that negativity and instill a sense of serenity and positive thoughts. It clears the mind from all misconceptions, which disturbs the decision-making ability and thus renders an improved cognition.

Improves digestion

Chanting Aum is believed to be really beneficial for stomach health also. A lot of studies suggest that the chant relaxes the stomach. Chanting Aum is also considered a great remedy for stomach ache. It is believed that the sound of Aum is originated from the navel, and hence chanting of the same helps to improve digestion.