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
- 1
Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
- 2
Breathe naturally through the nose.
- 3
As you inhale, silently hear the sound 'So'.
- 4
As you exhale, silently hear the sound 'Hum'.
- 5
Let the mantra follow the breath — don't change the breath to fit the mantra.
- 6
When the mind wanders, return to So… Hum…
- 7
After the timer, sit quietly without the mantra for a minute.
Best for
Busy minds, spiritual practice, deepening focus
Why practise it
Mantra repetition helps many people stay focused and calm.
Make it work for you
Tips & common mistakes
Tips
- Keep the mantra soft and effortless
- A mala (bead necklace) can help track rounds
Watch out for
Repeating the mantra mechanically or speeding up the breath.
Good to know
Questions
What does So Hum mean?
It translates as 'I am that', expressing unity of the individual with the universal.
So'ham appears in Vedantic and tantric texts as the 'natural mantra' (ajapa japa) of the breath.
What helps
Props that make this easier
- Meditation cushion (zafu) Lifts the hips so you can sit tall without strain. View on Amazon
- 108-bead mala One bead per mantra or breath; one round is 108. View on Amazon
- Lavender eye pillow Gentle weight and darkness to help the eyes and mind settle. View on Amazon
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