OM symbolizes deep realities: OM Mantra itself is not a mere human
invention, going along with particular cultures or groups. Rather, the
OM Mantra (or AUM Mantra) is a symbol of deep realities that already
exist. For example, the deep vibration quality is definitely
experienced by the mystic traveler, whether or not one has ever heard
of the OM mantra as such. The levels of gross (A), subtle (U), and
causal (M), and the states of waking (A), dreaming (U), and deep sleep
(M) are definitely there, regardless of the symbolism captured in the
mantra when stated as AUM Mantra. It is these realities that are most
useful in our spiritual practices. (See the article AUM and the 7
levels of consciousness)
Making the experience richer: If the OM mantra is repeated just for
the feeling, having no sense of meaning at all, the experience can be
quite pleasant, calming, and balancing. However, if one has a sense of
the deeper meanings of the mantra, and different methods of using it,
then the experience can be even richer and more revealing as one
progresses in yoga meditation.
Practice one of the seven: Following are seven meanings and methods of
using the mantra. By experimenting with the various methods, one of
them may emerge that feels most personally in tune. It might be best
to practice only one of the seven methods of OM mantra for a while.
Gradually the other meanings will come, as they all merge into a
unified experience.
Integrate the insights: The use of this mantra can be profound. At
first, it is best to use the mantra gently and for short periods of
time. The insights from the OM mantra can be significant, and it is
good to integrate the insights gradually with daily life.
See also the article:
Bindu: Pinnacle of Yoga, Vedanta and Tantra
1. Pulsing Repetition
Use a speed that is natural and comfortable: There are many rhythms in
the body and mind, both gross and subtle. Imagine the sound of OM,
rising and falling, at whatever speed is comfortable and natural. It
may be very fast, several cycles per second. Or it may be slower,
several seconds for each cycling of OM Mantra. Or it might become
extremely slow, with the mmmmmm... sound continuing in the mind for
much longer periods, but still pulsing at that slow rate.
Imagine it somewhat like one of these vibrations:
OMmmOMmmOMmm...
OMmmmmOMmmmmOMmmmm...
OMmmmmmmmOMmmmmmmmOMmmmmmmm...
Meditation time and daily life: This kind of awareness of the OM
mantra can be used both at meditation time and during daily life. The
OM mantra is allowed to be somewhat of a constant companion. It brings
a centering, balancing quality to daily life. This does not mean being
in a dull, lethargic state. Rather, done well, it brings clarity of
mind and a greater ability to be in the world, and selflessly serving
others.
Breaking habit patterns: This is not intended as a blocking mechanism
to prevent dealing with one's thought process or with the challenges
of life. It is not a method of escapism. However, it definitely can
have the effect of bringing focus to the mind, which can break a
pattern of disturbing or distracting thoughts coming from the noisy or
chattering mind. In this way, one has a greater openness to being
aware of positive thoughts and spiritual realities that are always
there.
2. With the Flow of Breath
One method: Imagine the sound of OM Mantra internally, in the mind
only, making no external sound. Allow the mantra to flow with the
breath. Repeat like this:
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."
*
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: "OMmmmmmmm..."
Another method: Alternatively, imagine the OM mantra only on
exhalation, if that feels more comfortable:
*
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: " (silence) "
*
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: " (silence) "
*
Exhale: "OMmmmmmmm..." Inhale: " (silence) "
Mind, breath, and mantra in unison: In this practice, you come to
experience the mind, breath, and mantra flowing in unison. This
synchronization has a beautiful effect on meditation. Simply allow the
OM Mantra to come and go with each inhalation and exhalation. Allow
there to be no gap, no space, no pause between inhalation and
exhalation, or between exhalation and inhalation.
The speed naturally slows: As you gently allow the OM mantra to flow
with the breath, the mind becomes calm. When the mind becomes calm,
the body relaxes, and the breath becomes even soother and slower. That
rate of speed at which the OM mantra is being repeated naturally slows
down. It is not a matter of forcing the mantra to slow, but rather,
this slowing comes quite naturally. Allow the mind to stay wide awake
and alert, as the OM mantra and breath become naturally slower and
slower. Meditation will deepen.
3. As the Object Called Universe
Words have an object and meaning: Words usually have a corresponding
object and meaning to go with that word. If you hear the word chair,
then the concept of chair-ness arises in your mind. Some specific
chair will probably come to mind. It may be a wooden chair or a metal
chair, for example. It may be large, small, or this or that style, and
it may be new or old. So, three things are there: 1) the word chair,
2) the concept of chair-ness, and 3) a specific chair.
The object that goes with OM is the universe: When the word OM is
heard, what is the concept and object that comes to mind? What is that
thing that goes along with that word, OM? The concept that goes with
OM is the one-ness or entirety of the universe. The object that goes
with the word OM is the entire universe, as a single unit, including
the gross, subtle, causal planes of reality, both manifest and
un-manifest. It means that whole, as if it was one, single object. It
is that infinitely huge object, which is the object that goes with the
word OM.
Awareness expands to contain the object: With attention turned inward,
and reflecting on chair, the concept and image of chair arises. In the
same way, do the same thing with the word OM, and allow your awareness
to expand, as if it could contain the whole universe to go with that
word.
Stretching the attention: There is a feeling of stretching, as if the
attention had to get bigger and bigger, to contain the whole, the same
way as the chair has a back, a seat, and legs, yet is collectively a
chair. Continue to repeat OM, and continue to expand, so as to allow
your attention to contain the whole of the object called OM.
4. Sound Vibration of the Universe
The subtle sound is always there: A vibration exists, underneath all
of the grosser aspects of being, like a substratum. The subtle sound
of OM Mantra is constantly there, and when heard in deep yoga
meditation, sounds like a continuous vibration, ever sounding out
mmmmmmm.... At a deeper level, it is extremely loud and serene.
*
Emerging from OM: The reality symbolized by OM Mantra is the
ground vibration out of which all other vibrations, sounds and mantras
emerge.
*
Receding into OM: That vibration represented by OM Mantra is the
substratum into which all those vibrations, sounds, and mantras recede
when followed back to their source.
Similar words: Some say that this everlasting, all pervasive vibration
of OM Mantra is also the source and intent of Amen, Amin, and Shalom.
Some say that this sound is the Word of God.
Silence from which OM emerges: Eventually, this leads to a deep
stillness and silence, which paradoxically, is experienced as the
silence from which the sound of OM itself emerged. In the sections
below, the silence is described as being the fourth state, beyond the
three sounds of A, U, and M, which are contained in OM Mantra.
However, in this practice, as you internally repeat the sound of OM,
imagine that underlying vibration of the universe, as if it were
coming from all places, and through all things.
Listen to the vibration while remembering OM: There is a sound that
can relatively easily be heard in your ears that is more surface
level, coming from the brain. Some people experience this as a buzzing
or ringing sound. By listening closely, the mmmmmmm... sound can be
heard, like the end of the OM mantra (Or you might hear it as
eeeeeeeee....) Listening to this vibration, with the awareness of OM
is a good way to start with the vibration aspect of OM. Gradually, it
will expand to deeper sound of the mantra. Listening in this way can
be particularly enjoyable and insightful when recalling some of the
other meanings of OM Mantra at the same time.
Allowing thoughts to come and go: While listening, it is best to
gently allow other thought patterns to come into the field of
attention, and then allow those thoughts to drift away. There is not
really any intent of doing anything with these thoughts, either
engaging them or pushing them away. In other words, the listening for
OM is not used to suppress thoughts and emotions. Rather, attention is
allowed to expand, but at the same time, non-attachment is learned by
staying with the vibration, and letting go of the thought patterns.
This is one way to gain access to the ability to be a neutral witness
of the stream of thoughts in the mind, as is sometime described as
being like watching leaves, sticks, and logs floating by in a river.
5. Gross, Subtle, and Causal Planes
Remembering four planes with OM: The OM mantra designates the whole of
the universe, including the gross, subtle, and causal planes (realms,
or levels) and the absolute reality of which they are a part. The
explanation below can sound a bit technical, but this truly is a very
practical use of the mantra, once you understand the meaning. It does
require working with the mantra and the meaning, but then it becomes
clearer and quite insightful.
Four parts of OM: The OM Mantra has four parts. First, is the sound
like "Ah," then "Uuuu," then "Mmmm," and finally the silence beyond
the mantra. Thus, the mantra is also written as AUM, as well as OM.
The three sounds, and the silence have the following meanings:
1.
The A sound refers to the gross world.
2.
The U part refers to the subtle realm.
3.
The M refers to the causal plane, out of which the gross and
subtle emerge.
4.
The Silence after these three, refers to the absolute reality
that is the substratum for each of the other three realities.
Start slowly in remembering the parts: When using the mantra in this
way, it is easiest to begin by remembering the mantra very slowly,
allowing time to be aware of each of the levels. Be aware of the four
parts of the mantra separately (though forming a continuous sound),
something like this:
AaaaaaUuuuuuMmmmmm.....
1.
When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the gross world, including the objects of the world, the people, and
your own physical being. Actually allow your attention to scan these
aspects of the world. Do not get caught up in these objects; just be
aware of this level of reality, and then let go of it, so as to go
beyond.
2.
When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware, as
best you can of the existence of the subtle or astral realm, including
whatever objects you might intuit. As with the gross world, do not get
caught up in these objects; just be aware of this level of reality,
and then let go of it, so as to go beyond.
3.
When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the causal, the background stillness out of which the subtle and gross
emerge, and into which they rest when not active. This can be
difficult to imagine. It might help to think of it like being the
canvas on which a picture is painted, or the screen on which a movie
is projected.
4.
When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the
absolute reality that permeates each of the other three layers. This
fourth level of the mantra the absolute reality, is experienced in a
shallow way at first, and only deepens with continued practice of
contemplation and yoga meditation. (To better understand this, please
refer to the paper on the Mahavakyas, the great contemplations. From
that, you will see how the mantra and the contemplations go together.)
top
6. Waking, Dreaming, and Deep Sleep
Four states of consciousness: The four parts of AUM also refer to the
levels of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, as well. The three sounds,
and the silence have the following meanings:
1.
The "A" sound refers to the waking state of consciousness.
2.
The "U" part refers to the dreaming state of consciousness.
3.
The "M" refers to the deep sleep state of consciousness.
4.
The Silence after these three, refers to the witness
consciousness that is observer of the other three states of
consciousness.
The question can arise of why a spiritual seeker cares about the
states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is said that the states
of deep sleep, samadhi, and death are very close together, that they
function at the same levels. To understand this further, it would be
good to read the paper on OM and the 7 levels of consciousness.
Begin by remembering slowly: As in the last practice, it is easiest to
begin by remembering the mantra very slowly, allowing yourself time to
be aware of each of the levels. With practice, it moves more quickly,
as attention longs to rest in the silence.
1.
When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the waking state of consciousness. This does not mean thinking of the
objects of the world, but rather, being mindful of your personal
waking state, in relation to the world and your inner mental and
emotional process. This simply means being aware of being awake.
2.
When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the dreaming state of consciousness. This does not necessarily mean
that you are experiencing those dreams, but that you are mindful of
the dream state that is beneath the waking state.
3.
When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the deep sleep state of consciousness. Be aware of how the mind is in
complete stillness in that state, where there is no active thought
process, no images, no pictures, and no words. All of these have come
to rest in a dormant, formless form.
4.
When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the
consciousness that permeates all of the other three states of
consciousness. In other words, consciousness flows through the waking
state, the dreaming state, and even the deep sleep state (although
there is no active content in deep sleep). Imagine that you can
somehow be witness to waking, dreaming, and deep sleep from a higher
vantage point that is aware of all.
Focusing more inwardly: When using the OM mantra in this way, notice
how very personal the practice is, in that you are consciously
cultivating awareness of the levels of your own internal states. It
has an in here focus. By contrast, the use of OM with the levels of
gross, subtle, causal, and absolute reality (above) has more of a
focus out there. Ultimately, they merge into one awareness.
7. Conscious, Unconscious, Subconscious Mind
Levels of consciousness: The four parts of AUM also refer to the
levels of conscious, unconscious, and subconscious, as well as the
consciousness that permeates these. (Note that some psychologies or
systems use the words unconscious and subconscious in reverse, or use
different terms. The meaning is what is important, not the particular
choice of words). The three sounds, and the silence have the following
meanings:
1.
The "A" sound refers to the conscious level of mental functioning.
2.
The "U" part refers to the unconscious level of mind.
3.
The "M" refers to the subconscious level, the storage place of mind.
4.
The Silence after these three, refers to the pure consciousness,
which permeates the conscious, unconscious, and subconscious levels of
awareness.
Begin slowly: Once again, it is easiest to begin by remembering the
mantra very slowly. With practice, it moves more quickly, as attention
longs to rest in the silence.
1.
When the "A" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the conscious level of mind. The easiest way to do this, is to
contrast conscious to the unconscious. There is the conscious, that we
are aware of here, in this external world, and there is the
unconscious that is not seen in the deeper mind.
2.
When the "U" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware, as
best you can, that your mind is presently functioning at an
unconscious level as well. There is a tremendous amount of thinking
process normally going on, that is out of view. This is what
psychologists call primary process. It is going on behind the scenes,
much like the microprocessor in a computer that is invisibly doing its
work.
3.
When the "M" of OM mantra arises in the mind field, be aware of
the latent part of the mind, where all of the countless memories of
people, objects, and day to day information is stored. It is there,
like the information stored on a hard disk of a computer. Until it is
needed, it just sits there in a latent, dormant form (It is actually
in a formless form, somewhat like the data on the hard disk that is
stored only as raw data, with no images as such). Be aware of that
stillness, that is the storage of your deep impressions and habit
patterns.
4.
When the Silence comes to the mind field, be aware of the
consciousness that permeates all of the other three levels. In other
words, consciousness flows through the unconscious functioning.
Consciousness is there in the latent part of the mind, even though
those objects are not awakened into action at the moment. Eventually,
this Silence expands to being the awareness of the other three states.
It is at this stage that one is called a Seer, in that all of the
other levels of mind are witnessed from this vantage point.
Integration of the Practices
Three methods from same levels: Gradually, one comes to see that the
last three methods of using AUM (above) are manifestations of the same
levels of being. Notice how the "A" represents, Waking, Conscious, and
Gross levels. The "U" represents Dreaming, Unconscious, and Subtle
levels. The "M" represents Deep Sleep, Subconscious and Causal. The
Silence represents the fourth state, which is above or higher than the
other three. These are further described in the paper 4 Levels and 3
Domains of Consciousness.
AUM Name of level States of
Consciousness Levels of
Consciousness Levels of
Reality
A Vaishvanara Waking Conscious Gross
U Taijasa Dreaming Unconscious Subtle
M Prajna Deep Sleep Subconscious Causal
Silence Turiya /
Fourth Turiya /
Fourth Consciousness /
Self / Atman Absolute
Reality
The one great vibration: One comes to experience that the four aspects
of AUM, the vibration of the universe, the object that goes with OM
mantra, the flow with the breath, and the countless pulsings of the
gross and subtle, are all manifestations of that one great vibration
that is represented by OM mantra.
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