The Power of Chanting Om

"Penetrate deep into the word "Om". Gradually the word will disappear and only the silence will remain. The word is a support. The meaning is within you. Om brings out that meaning which is hidden in your soul."
― Amit Ray, Om Chanting and Meditation

Om (or Aum) has a lot of significance in many different religions. But, Om is not just a religious symbol. It is a powerful mantra that transcends religious boundaries. Vibrations caused by chanting Om have immense physical and spiritual benefits. Called pranava in Sanskrit, Om purifies the body and the mind, and connects us with the universe.

The different elements in the symbol are important as well.

First Curve: Deep sleep state or the casual plane
Second Curve: Dreaming state, subtle world
Biggest Curve: Waking state or the conscious mind
Bindu (Dot): Absolute reality, atma, the self, or the pure consciousness

✱ Om is made of three sounds "aah", "uh", and "'mm". These create positive and healing vibrations in the body which improve concentration and calm the mind.

✱ Chanting Om reduces blood pressure and normalizes breathing. This in turn ensures rhythmic heartbeats. Thus, Om is good for cardiovascular health.

✱ The "aah" sound creates powerful vibrations in the stomach and strengthens the digestive system.

✱ Feeling a little blue lately? Chanting Om regularly can uplift the spirit and increase positivity. Mood swings are usually caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Om balances hormonal secretions, and makes one feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

✱ Chanting Om in the morning helps one take better decisions throughout the day and handle situations rationally. It also ensures better management of emotions.

✱ Chanting Om while meditating removes toxins from the body as well as the mind. This strengthens the immune system, and makes one more resistant to diseases and disorders.

✱ Our thoughts have energy. They are like the signals we are sending to the universe. Being negative all the time will attract negativity. Hence, it is important to have a positive approach in life. Om helps one get rid of all the negativity and be more optimistic about life goals.

✱ The "uhh" sound in the chest strengthens the vocal cords and improves voice quality. The vibrations open the sinuses and airways, and benefit the thyroid glands.

✱ Chanting Om also aids weight loss, as it increases metabolism. It cleanses the aura and brings out the natural glow of the skin.

Regular chanting of Om is good for physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. There are three ways in which one can chant Om: silently, silently but mouthing, and loudly. Of course, one needs to chant and meditate with utmost focus to reap the benefits. Just concentrate on the breathing, take deep breaths, chant the mantra, and connect with the universe. You will experience the power of Om, and understand why it is called the greatest of all mantras.