The OM chanting consisting of the three letters A, U, and M covering the whole process of articulation has shown to enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity (high HF power), promoting relaxation and calmness. This increased relaxation and calmness are associated with years of experience in yoga practice.
its believed that om chanting hits the resonant frequency of the pineal gland (a neuroendocrine transducer (bio-antenna)), kickstarting the piezoelectric effect.
Om chanting has been shown to increase mindfulness and improve cognitive functioning. In one study, participants who engaged in Om chanting reported an increase in cognitive flexibility and attentional control. Om chanting is often used as a spiritual practice to promote inner peace and spiritual growth.
The vibrations created by chanting Om have a calming effect on the nervous system. Regular practice can reduce stress and anxiety. It provides a state of relaxation and tranquility. The vibrations of Om resonate not only in the vocal cords but also within the body.
In Indian religions, Om serves as a sonic representation of the divine, a standard of Vedic authority and a central aspect of soteriological doctrines and practices. It is the basic tool for meditation in the yogic path to liberation.
Householders and women should not chant OM by itself (without other syllables) beyond a limit; rather, it should be chanted along with Hari, Rama, Krishna or any other desired name of God.
Scientific studies on Om:
Autonomic and respiratory studies suggest that there is a combination of mental alertness with physiological rest during the practice of Om meditation.
'Om' is chanted aloud by a Sanyasi to put on end to his desires. Desires are destroyed by loudly chanting the mantra 'Om'.
Om is the direct method to attain Brahman. Om is considered indicative of Brahman, but the scriptures emphasize that ultimately Om is Brahman. Brahman is the goal and is attained by chanting Om. Om is the source of all creation and creation is sustained by Om.
Ajna Chakra, third eye
Behind the eyebrow center between the eyes lies the third eye chakra in the center of the brain. The colour is purple or indigo and the sound is “OM”. Concepts associated with the third eye chakra include intuition, wisdom, and union.
Significance of Om in Hinduism. Om is often referred to as the prime symbol of Hinduism and is said to be the primordial sound from which the universe was created. The three syllables A-U-M are said to represent the trinity of the three major gods: Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the preserver)
When you practice Om chanting meditation, you can either say Om out loud or silently in your mind. The goal is to only focus on the sound and how it feels inside you. This helps calm your mind and stops it from jumping around with many different thoughts, which can happen during meditation sometimes.
OM is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-realization. The sound of OM is said to represent the unity of the individual soul (Atma) with the universal consciousness (Brahma). Chanting OM helps you connect with your inner self and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.
Although chanting mantras have no real adverse side effects, it is not 100% safe. Like any form of meditation, if you don't practice it correctly, it can have negative consequences such as depression and doesn't appear to have any positive effects on physical, mental, or spiritual well-being.
It is said in ancient yogic texts that when chanted thrice, the om shanti mantra can invoke spiritual peace and tranquility within ourselves. The number 'three' signifies the threefold effect this mantra has on our body, mind, and speech.
It makes you calmer, happier and healthier. It improves concentration, memory and focus. It reduces blood pressure and maintains a healthy rhythmic heartbeat. It has a profound impact on reducing stress and anxiety.
Alternatively, 'OM' chanting may have been a cue to relaxation. As meditation is shown to activate structures involved in relaxation response, namely cingulate cortex, dorsolateral, prefrontal and parietal cortices, hippocampus and temporal lobes,[15] the confounding effect of relaxation could not be ruled out.
What is the Om Symbol? The sign is a sacred sound and a spiritual icon in Indian religions. It is often described as the sound of the universe. Some people believe it is the very heart of the divine reality.
Similar to the way Brahmari breath vibrates the vocal chords, singing and chanting have been shown to work with the vagus nerve to bring the body into a state of 'rest and digest'. If singing makes you feel self-conscious and stressed, try singing in the shower or singing along with the radio in your car!
- The specific syllables of the mantra produce vibrations that resonate with the body and mind, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. 2. Activation of the Vagus Nerve: - Chanting stimulates the vagus nerve, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, thus promoting a state of calm and relaxation.
“The holy Cosmic Sound of Aum (Om) or Amen is the witness of the manifested Divine Presence in all creation. “Aum” of the Vedas became the sacred word “Hum” of the Tibetans, “Amin” of the Moslems, and “Amen” of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Christians. The meaning of “Amen” in Hebrew is “sure, faithful.”
In yogic tradition, there are said to be 108 energy lines, or nadis, converging in the heart cakra. It is said that we chant a mantra 108 times, we are going around the whole wheel with its 108 "spokes" so to speak, activating these subtle energy channels, clearing blockages, and opening the heart to its potential.
You can chant as loud or not loud as you want. This is a great way to chant when your mind is really active and hard to control. It helps bring your focus from the outside to the inside and prepares you to meditate.