So Hum Mantra Meditation
So Hum means 'I am that' and is said to echo the natural sound of the breath. Silently pairing the syllables with the breath gives the mind a gentle anchor and is a lovely introduction to mantra meditation.
- Time
- 10–20 minutes
- Level
- Beginner
- Position
- Seated
- Best for
- Busy minds, spiritual practice, deepening focus
Step by step
How to practise
- 01
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
- 02
Breathe naturally through the nose.
- 03
As you inhale, silently hear the sound 'So'.
- 04
As you exhale, silently hear the sound 'Hum'.
- 05
Let the mantra follow the breath — don't change the breath to fit the mantra.
- 06
When the mind wanders, return to So… Hum…
- 07
After the timer, sit quietly without the mantra for a minute.
Make it work for you
Small adjustments make the biggest difference. Keep every breath comfortable.
Tips
- Keep the mantra soft and effortless
- A mala (bead necklace) can help track rounds
Common mistakes
Repeating the mantra mechanically or speeding up the breath.
Why practise it
Mantra repetition helps many people stay focused and calm.
In the tradition
So'ham appears in Vedantic and tantric texts as the 'natural mantra' (ajapa japa) of the breath.
Practise with care
Safety
Very safe for most people.
Educational guidance, not medical advice. If you are pregnant or managing a heart, lung, blood-pressure or mental-health condition, check with a qualified professional first.
Questions
What does So Hum mean?
It translates as 'I am that', expressing unity of the individual with the universal.
Keep exploring
All meditationsBreath Awareness Meditation
The simplest meditation: rest your attention on the breath and gently return each time the mind wanders.
Morning Meditation
A short morning practice combining breath, body awareness and a simple intention (sankalpa) for the day.
Trataka (Candle Gazing Meditation)
Gaze steadily at a candle flame, then at its afterimage — a classic yogic concentration practice.