Hour 39 Meditation – The Cosmic Sound of Omkar Meditation
The Cosmic Sound of Omkar Meditation
Overview: The Silent Sound
What is the universe’s sound?
Vibration existed before matter and light. According to ancient seers, that primordial vibration was OM. The noiseless sound. Anahata Nada, the unstruck resonance.
Omkar Meditation is the art of tuning into this primordial frequency, the eternal hum that underlies all creation. It is more than just a mantra; it is the source of all mantras and the lifeblood of the universe.
“The self is the arrow, Brahman is the target, and OM is the bow.”
— Upanishad Mundaka
What is Om (AUM)?
Three syllables make up the seed sound (bīja mantra) OM, which is also written as AUM:
Pronunciation of Sounds
Symbols
| Sound | Pronunciation | Symbolism |
| A | “Ahh” | The waking state (Jagrat) |
| U | “Ooo” | The dream state (Swapna) |
| M | “Mmm” | The deep sleep state (Sushupti) |
| Silence | — | The absolute, Turiya — pure consciousness |
Together, these four elements represent the entire spectrum of human consciousness.
Omkar’s Philosophy: AUM as Creation
| Element | Associated Energy | Cosmic Principle |
| A | Brahma | Creation |
| U | Vishnu | Sustenance |
| M | Shiva | Dissolution |
| Silence | The Absolute | Beyond all |
OM is not a religion. In the depths of meditation, it is directly experienced. It brings the body, mind, and spirit into harmony with the cosmic order when it is chanted or meditated upon (Rita).
Omkar Meditation: What Is It?
The internalization and contemplation of OM constitute Omkar Meditation. It entails:
- Chanting OM either silently or loudly
- Paying close attention to its vibration
- fading into the quiet that comes after the sound
It is a voyage from form to formlessness, from sound to silence.
Techniques for Omkar Meditation
1. Meditation with chanting
- Take a seat comfortably in a meditative position in a peaceful area.
- To relax, take a few deep breaths.
- Start by deeply and slowly chanting OM:
- The navel resonates with “A.”
- “U” rises to the chest.
- The letter “M” vibrates in the brain.
- Silence at the end.
- Every cell in your body is vibrating.
- For 15 to 20 minutes, repeat.
2. Nada Yoga, or Silent Listening
- Listen to the internal or recorded sound of OM.
- Take note of the silence that follows each repetition.
- The true objective—the entryway to Turiya—is this silence.
3. OM’s Mantra Japa
- Silently repeat OM in time with the breath:
- Inhale: get the chant ready in your mind.
- Say “OM” in your head as you exhale.
- Allow the sound to come from within, felt rather than forced.
4. Visualization of OM
- As you chant or listen to OM, picture:
- A bright light at the heart or third eye
- The blooming cosmic lotus
- A vast, silent sky
The Science of OM
What yogis have always known is starting to be validated by modern science:
| Area | Observation |
| Neuroscience | Chanting OM deactivates the limbic system (stress center) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. |
| EEG Studies | OM meditation shows increased alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and deep meditation. |
| Vibration | The hum of OM resonates through the vagus nerve, promoting healing and calmness. |
Omkar Meditation’s Advantages:
| Physical Benefits | Mental/Emotional Benefits | Spiritual Benefits |
| Reduces stress and anxiety | Sharpens focus and clarity | Connects to the Absolute (Brahman) |
| Balances blood pressure | Harmonizes emotions | Awakens subtle spiritual vibrations |
| Strengthens vocal cords | Induces mental stillness | Dissolves ego in universal presence |
| Improves breathing rhythm | Releases suppressed tension | Leads to transcendental states |
OM in the Scriptures and Traditions
| Scripture/Tradition | Reference and Significance |
| Mandukya Upanishad | The entire book on OM and the four states of consciousness |
| Bhagavad Gita | Krishna says, “Among words, I am OM.” |
| Patanjali Yoga Sutras | OM is the symbol of Ishwara (God-consciousness) |
| Shiva Agamas | OM is the source of Shakti and Shiva’s union |
| Osho’s Vision | OM is not just sound, but existence’s signature—the music of the beyond |
“OM is the music that never started and will never stop.” Osho
OM’s Vibrational Journey
| Chakra | Effect of OM Chant |
| Muladhara (Root) | Grounding, security |
| Swadhisthana (Sacral) | Emotional balance |
| Manipura (Navel) | Power, self-confidence |
| Anahata (Heart) | Compassion, love |
| Vishuddha (Throat) | Communication, clarity |
| Ajna (Third Eye) | Intuition, wisdom |
| Sahasrara (Crown) | Divine connection |
These centers are gently energized and energy blocks are cleared with each chanting session.
OM and the Breath 🕉
You can combine OM with prana’s organic flow. This works particularly well in:
- Pranayama: Chant OM after rounds of Nadi Shodhana
- Kundalini Practice: Use OM to stabilize energy after rising
- Yoga Nidra: End with internal OM to anchor awareness
OM in Everyday Life
It is also possible to incorporate Omkar meditation into everyday situations:
| Moment | Practice |
| Morning wake-up | Chant OM before rising from bed |
| While walking | Inhale-OM-exhale rhythm |
| Before meals | Mentally say OM to sanctify food |
| During stress | Pause and chant OM 3 times softly |
| Before sleep | Internal repetition of OM |
Introspective Questions to Promote Inner Growth
- Can I feel the OM vibration in my head, spine, or chest?
- Do I give in to the silence that follows each OM chant, or do I give in to it?
- Should I recite OM as a ceremonial practice or as a genuine gateway to the Absolute?
- How has my emotional equilibrium changed as a result of regularly chanting OM?
- Even in the silence outside, am I starting to hear the inner sound (Nada)?
Concluding Thought: Melting into the Universe’s Hum
OM isn’t a word. There isn’t even a sound. It’s a portal.
A doorway that opens each time you chant, opening inward rather than outward.
Breathing slows, the mind becomes still, and the seeker vanishes as you recite OM.
It has been replaced by nothing but presence, being, and the incessant hum of the universe vibrating in you, as you, and through you.
Think of the Supreme Self as the target, the soul as the arrow, and OM as the bow. Pull the arrow back and launch it directly into the center of truth.
— Upanishad Mundaka