Om
เฅ
oแน / auแน
๐ a-u-m, rolled into one long sound
๐ What it means
The syllable taken as the sound of the whole โ beginning, middle and end together.
๐ Word by word
| เค a | the first sound the open mouth makes, needing no tongue or lips |
|---|---|
| เค u | the sound rolling forward as the lips round |
| เคฎเฅ m | the sound closing at the lips, then continuing as a hum |
๐ฐ๏ธ When it is used
Before study, before any other mantra, and at the close.
๐ก Worth knowing
The Mandukya Upanishad, twelve verses long, is entirely about this one syllable. Practically, chanting it is a long slow exhalation โ which is the whole of the measurable physical effect.
๐ฌ Does it do anything?
A straight answer, with the evidence and its limits โ including the claims that are popular and untrue.
More mantras
The Gayatri Mantra
We contemplate the glorious light of the sun, the giver of life. May it set our thinking in motion.
Open โAsato Ma Sad Gamaya
From the unreal lead me to the real; from darkness lead me to light; from death lead me to deathlessness.
Open โSaha Nau Avatu โ the student and teacher's prayer
May we two be protected together; may we be nourished together; may we work together with vigour; may our study be full of light; may we never quarrel.
Open โ