Om (ॐ), or AUM, is the sacred syllable that often marks the beginning and end of a yoga session. But how often do we pause to remember its deeper significance?
Across the vast history of yogic thought—from the time of the ancient Vedic Samhitas, especially the Sama Veda and Yajur Veda (1500–1000 BCE)—the sound Om, often called Pranava, has been revered as the primordial sound. In the Mr̥gendra Tantra Yogapāda, it’s described as the verbalisation of the deity—the sonic expression of the divine itself.
It is said that when nothing existed, the sound Om reverberated and sparked the process of becoming. Even now, in this very moment, Om is considered the unheard sound (Anāhata Nāda)—subtly present beneath all conscious activity. Since the mind is vast and of one taste, Om has come to represent that unified field of awareness.
Let’s break down the seed syllable Om, and explore why its correct pronunciation holds such profound power.
The Symbolic and Sonic Architecture of OM
According to the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, Om is composed of A, U, and M, representing not just sound but cosmic principle: earth, atmosphere, and heaven. It suggests chanting Om in the Gāndhārī musical note—Ga in the Indian scale, or the third note of the Western major scale. When pronounced correctly, it produces a sensation often described as subtle tingling on the scalp—like ants crawling—marking an energetic shift.
The Purāṇa also gives guidance on rhythm:
“The first unit is short, the second is double that, and the third triple. The ‘half-unit’ is beyond the vocal range—the silence after Aum. In this way, the supreme, indestructible force is known as Om.”
This silent “half-unit” is perhaps the most mysterious of all—the space into which all sound dissolves, and from which all potential arises.
A, U, M – Creation, Continuity, Completion
A (Ah) — Becoming
Open your mouth, let your tongue rest, and let your voice sound naturally. The first sound that emerges is Aaaah—the root tone of creation. In yogic cosmology, this sound resonates in the pelvic region, associated with Brahmā, the creator. From a subtle perspective, Ah connects us to the pervasive suffering of conditioned existence—Samsāra. It is the beginning of all things.
U (Ooh) — Recognising
The second syllable, Ooh, vibrates through the chest cavity, and is linked to Viṣṇu, the sustainer. Unlike Ah, which is shaped by the openness of the mouth, Ooh flows smoothly without needing lip closure. Often, people mistakenly begin their Om chant directly with Oh, bypassing the vital opening Ah. Linguistically, in Sanskrit, Ah + Ooh naturally becomes Oh. However, in ancient yogic manuals—like the Vasiṣṭha Saṁhitā—the practitioner is clearly instructed to pronounce Om distinctly as A + U + M. For a layperson or priest, Oh may suffice. But for a yogi, separation of these syllables is the key to transformation. Ooh symbolizes recognition of the path out of suffering.
M (Mm) — Transforming
The third and final sound is Mm—a vibration felt in the head, nasal passages, and throat. When pronounced properly, it coincides with the second half of the exhale, as the navel draws inward and the breath fades. The tongue touches the roof of the mouth, teeth slightly apart, and lips gently close. Mm is associated with Śiva, the force of dissolution and liberation. Subtly, this is where the practitioner shifts from knowing about the path to embodying it. The hum of Mmprepares the mind for samādhi—the silence beyond thought.
The Journey of OM
Aum is more than a sound—it is a map of being:
- A — Becoming: the experience of duality, Samsāra
- U — Recognising: the path out of suffering
- M — Transforming: walking the path of liberation
- (Silence) — Dissolution into the unconditioned
This arc mirrors our own lives: birth, preservation, death—and for the yogi: suffering, awakening, liberation.
Prescriptions for Practice
To chant Om as a true sādhana (spiritual practice), tradition offers a few clear instructions:
- Sit with a straight spine, relaxed body, and calm mind
- Use a mudra (like Jñāna or Chin mudra)
- Keep the face soft, and attention focused
- Let each syllable flow into the next, with the silence given full weight
You can chant Om for a few minutes or immerse in it for hours. Breath length is not as important as sincerity and clarity of intent.
What makes this practice truly yogic is that it integrates all limbs of yoga:
- Āsana: the seated posture
- Prāṇāyāma: the awareness of breath
- Pratyāhāra: A as sense withdrawal
- Dhāraṇā: U as focused holding
- Dhyāna: M as merging with the object
- Samādhi: the silence that follows, where object and subject dissolve
In Closing
Om is not merely a sound or chant—it is a gateway. A sacred vibration that holds the entire yogic journey within it. When pronounced with awareness and understanding, it becomes a vehicle from noise to stillness, from separation to unity, from self to source.
Amman Advaita 
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