Omkar - chanting for inner peace

Omkar or simply Om (Sanskrit :ओंकार or ॐ ; Pronounced as 'Aum' - more details at this wiki entry ) is the sacred of all mantras and sounds. The syllable 'OM' is considered the manifestation of entire universe/the cosmic entity as a whole. It also encompasses both the inner (the world that exist within ourself) and outer world (the tangible world). 

Chanting of OM creates reverberation in our body that resonates with the frequency of cosmic consciousness. As we know it well from the Laws of Physics,that resonance occurs when two interconnected objects share the same vibrational frequency. When one of the objects is vibrating, it forces the second object into vibrational motion. When we chant Omkar or Om, it reverberates our entire body,mind and soul in resonance with the cosmic consciousness. As a corollary to the above mentioned physical law : since the body,mind and soul resonates with cosmic consciousness they are connected with each other. This means that one can unite with Cosmic consciousness/the cosmic universe by simply chanting OM (deep concentration is required to get to this state and this is called meditation). This capability of human mind to connect with the cosmic universe enables it acquire all data from the entire universe. It also enables one to know the past,future and present and also see the distant objects without opening the eyes. This is how the yogis and saints achieved omniscience and even omnipresence and omnipotence. The syllable 'OM' is not linked to Hinduism or any other religion. It is available to/in every living being to experience the oneness with the cosmic consciousness.

Regular Chanting of Omkar pacifies a wandering mind which is often pestered by unwanted/trivial thoughts. It is the cynosure to meditation.There are several techniques to achieve a meditative mind (like concentrating on breathing, on a picture,on objects/forms that we like etc..,). Of all the methods, the quickest means to achieve a concentrated mind is by chanting Omkar.

How to do Omkar chanting ?

1) Sit in padmasan or any other sitting posture that you are comfortable with. This can be done even while you are sitting in a chair or on travelling.

2) Close your eyes.

3) Do 2 to 3 cycles of ujjai breathing (this is to clear the nasal passage/throat and to get a mellifluous rythmic OM while chanting).

4) Chant 'OM' by saying a 'Au' and prolonged 'M'

5) Repeat the chanting for 2 to 3 mins or as long as your wish.

6) As you continue to chant, syllable 'Au' should be pronunced for shorter duration of time while prolonging the syllable 'M'

7) You will feel the vibration in your body as you continue doing this.

8) After you have chanted the last cycle of Om, close your lips and continue to feel the vibration in your body for a few minutes.

9) Imagine God/any object/any form that you like, at the centre of your heart and continue to feel the remanant vibration from your chanting.

10)Stay in this state for 2 to 3 mins and finish with two to three chantings of Omkar.

Recommendations:

1) Don't shout, chant in a calm manner.

2) Don't chant too feebly that you barely could hear yourself. Chanting should be optimum in the sense that you must be able to hear what you chant.

3) Best time to practice Omkar is early mornings.

4) Omkar should not be practiced without practicing kabalbhati and ujjai.

5) All the pranayama techniques must follow Omkar (this to have a calm mind before doing pranayamas)


Recommended books on Yoga: