The lower left curve represents the conscious, waking state of being. The top left curve is the unconscious state. The lower right curve is the dream state—the state between the waking and the unconscious.
The semicircle at the top is the maya state. The dot at the top represents the absolute state. Why is the Om symbol so important? How can I respectfully use it in my practice?
As a chant. As a symbol. Sarah Regan. With Kathryn Budig. Functional Food. Lindsay Boyers. Alexandra Engler. Eliza Sullivan. Latest Articles Recipes. Emma Loewe. Jamie Schneider. Integrative Health. See What The Future Holds. Originally from Hindu and Buddhist teachings, mantra refers to a word, sound, or phrase that is repeated and used to support a meditation practice.
A mantra is given to a student by a guru or spiritual teacher. Breuer says Om or Aum can represent several meanings, many of which are based in symbolic pairs or triads: speech, mind, and breath; best praise and best prayer; the absence of desire, fear, and anger.
Om can also represent a triad of father, mother, and spiritual teacher, explains Breuer. Another Om meaning interpretation is "everything and everyone," says Elaisha Jade, a meditation teacher and founder of Your Mindful.
Similarly, a paper exploring the significance and history of Om found that, in several ancient Indian texts, Om is described as a "sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge," and represents a "Supreme Power.
Om can be practiced as part of a chanting or sound meditation also called Kirtan , says Jade. Also cool: Research published in the International Journal of Yoga suggests that Om chanting meditations may help deactivate the right amygdala , a part of the brain associated with negative emotions, says Jade. In short, Om chanting meditations could potentially help ease negative thoughts, anxiety, and stress, she says.
Traditionally, many people open or close a meditation or yoga practice with Om, says Jade. Sometimes Om is also followed by the chant "shanti, shanti, shanti" more on that translation in a bit to help connect you to your practice on a higher level, she explains. Many also chant Om with the help of a mala or sun salutation , to maintain their awareness in their practice.
Think of it as a three-part chant, says Jade. Lead with an ah sound, then gently slide into an oh sound, and end with an mmm humming sound that tapers off peacefully, not suddenly, she explains. It shouldn't feel forced or timed, but instead drift and open up gradually and close the same way," she says.
It's ultimately up to you whether you'd like to explore Om chants in meditation alone or with a guide, but Jade recommends doing so under the supervision of a qualified teacher who can really help you develop the practice properly. In addition to Om, there are several other phrases that have become widely associated with chanting and sound meditation, says Jade.
Below are a few detailed translations:. Deeper translation : This chant, sometimes referred to as the "Compassion Buddha mantra," is said to encapsulate Buddhist teachings, with a particular focus on the belief that we are all capable of transforming ourselves, says Jade.
It is said to mean that in practicing 'the path,' there is a union of method and wisdom that cannot be separated. Log in Sign Up. Save Word. Definition of om Entry 1 of 2. OM abbreviation. Definition of OM Entry 2 of 2.
First Known Use of om Noun , in the meaning defined above. History and Etymology for om Noun Sanskrit. Learn More About om. Time Traveler for om The first known use of om was in See more words from the same year. From the Editors at Merriam-Webster. Statistics for om Look-up Popularity.
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