Om (also written Aum) is the most famous mantra in the world. It is chanted at the start and end of yoga classes, woven into Hindu, Buddhist and Jain prayers, and often described as the sound of the universe itself.
Om in the classical texts
The Mandukya Upanishad, one of the shortest and most important Upanishads, is devoted entirely to Om. It describes the syllable as having four parts:
- A (ah): the waking state
- U (oo): the dreaming state
- M (mm): deep, dreamless sleep
- The silence after: turiya, the "fourth", pure awareness underlying the other three
In the Yoga Sutras (1.27–1.28), Patanjali calls Om (pranava) the expression of Ishvara, the divine, and recommends repeating it while reflecting on its meaning.
Why the silence matters
Many teachers say the most important part of Om is the silence at the end. The sound gathers your attention; the silence lets you rest in it. Chanting Om is less about the noise and more about the stillness it leaves behind.
How to chant Om
- Sit comfortably with a long spine. A cushion under the hips helps.
- Breathe in slowly through the nose.
- Chant on the exhale, letting the sound move through three parts:
- Aaa, opening from the belly, mouth wide
- Ooo, rising into the chest, lips rounding
- Mmm, lips closed, a hum that vibrates in the face and head
- Rest in the silence for a breath or two before the next round.
Try three to nine rounds. Let the "mm" last longer than the other sounds.
What people notice
A long, humming exhale naturally slows the breath. Many people find chanting calming and focusing. Humming breath practices such as Bhramari work in a similar way, and some research suggests humming increases nasal nitric oxide, which may support airway health.
Om and healing
You will sometimes read that Om "vibrates at 432 Hz" or "heals" specific conditions. These claims are not supported by evidence. Chanting can be a deeply restful practice, and that is reason enough to enjoy it. If you are dealing with a health condition, use it alongside proper care rather than instead of it.
A two-minute practice
Before your next yoga session, chant Om three times. After the last one, sit in silence for five breaths and simply notice how you feel.
The Om symbol
The written symbol ॐ is one of the most recognisable images in the world. Its curves are often read as a map of the four states of consciousness described in the Mandukya Upanishad:
- the large lower curve: waking consciousness
- the middle curve: dreaming
- the upper curve: deep sleep
- the crescent (maya, illusion) separating the dot from the rest
- the dot (bindu): turiya, pure awareness beyond the other states
Whether or not you take this symbolism literally, it is a beautiful reminder that awareness continues beneath all our changing states.
Om across traditions
Om is shared across several Indian traditions, with different emphases:
- Hinduism: Om is called pranava, the primordial sound, and opens most prayers and recitations of scripture.
- Buddhism: Om begins many mantras, such as Om mani padme hum, the mantra of compassion associated with Avalokiteshvara.
- Jainism: Om is understood as a condensed form of the five revered beings of the tradition.
- Sikhism: the closely related Ik Onkar, "One Creator", opens the Guru Granth Sahib.
Chanting Om in a group
Chanting Om together at the start of a yoga class serves a practical purpose: everyone's breath slows and synchronises, and attention shifts from the outside world to the room. Do not worry about your voice. Some people prefer to listen, hum quietly or simply feel the vibration, and all are welcome.
Om in meditation
Beyond chanting aloud, Om can be used silently:
- Whispered Om: chant softly, barely audible, focusing on the vibration.
- Silent Om: repeat it mentally with each exhale.
- Listening: after several rounds, simply listen to the silence, as the Mandukya Upanishad suggests.
Patanjali recommends repetition with reflection on meaning (japa with bhavana). Rather than repeating Om mechanically, you can rest your attention on what it symbolises for you: wholeness, peace or connection.
Respecting the sound
Om is sacred to many people. Using it in practice is welcomed in yoga traditions, but it is respectful to learn its meaning and avoid treating it as a decoration. Teachers often suggest chanting with sincerity rather than performance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce Om?
As A-U-M, three sounds blending into a long hum. Many people find the "mm" vibration most noticeable in the lips, face and head.
How many times should I chant Om?
Three times is traditional at the start and end of a practice. For meditation, 9, 27 or 108 repetitions are common, often counted on a mala.
What is the difference between Om and Aum?
They are the same mantra. "Aum" spells out the three sounds; "Om" is the more common written form.
Is chanting Om the same as humming bee breath?
They are related. Both use a long, humming exhale. Bhramari focuses on the humming sound itself, while Om adds the opening vowels and spiritual meaning.
Updated 9 October 2026 by the YogiSoul editorial team. Read our editorial policy and wellness policy.