OM Mantra Meditation, Mala Beads, Tingshas and Tibetan Singing Bowls

OM Mantra Meditation, Mala Beads, Tingshas and Tibetan Singing Bowls

OM Mantra Meditation

The ancient Sanskrit mantra/vibration, traditionally chanted on it’s own, or at the beginning/end of yoga classes or longer Mantra’s – “OM”, has a very powerful meaning and significance.

It is said it helps to foster a deep connection to your inner-self and resonates a high spiritual and creative energy, creating a sense of harmony and unity within MIND, BODY and SOUL.

The ancients believed it to be the a cosmic vibration that given birth to all the other sounds, the basic sound of the universe.

When you pronounce it correctly, it consists of FOUR syllables, actually A-U-M

A- The stretched-out soft A sound begins at the back of the throat and as it is stretched out, you can begin to sense or feel the chest and solar plexus vibrating. Linked to the Conscious Mind.

U- The stretched out “OO” sound gradually resonates along the upper palate creating vibrations in the throat. Linked to the Sub-Conscious.

M- The prolonged “mmmm” sound, the last syllable, is created by the transition to the deep silence of the infinite. Linked to the Unconscious

Many practitioners believe that the sounds of “OM” correspond to three principles (gunas) of nature and is one of the most powerful chants to gain peace of mind, body and soul.

  • A= Tamas, darkness, inertia and ignorance- (Waking state – Consciousness)
  • U= Rajas, passion, activity and dynamism – (Dream state – Sub-Conscious)
  • M= Sattva, purity, truth and light (State of deep sleep – Unconscious)

Many Buddhists also chant “Om” while rotating high energy Malas made of 108 high energy beads, especially those made of natural stones or crystals.

TingSha’s or Tibetan Singing Bowls will often be etched in either Sanskrit or Tibetan Symbols with the OM Mani Padme Hum Mantra

From the Dalai Lama:

It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast ….

  • The first, OM … symbolizes the practitioner’s impure body, speech, and mind; it also symbolizes the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha….
  • The path is indicated by the next four syllables.
  • MANI, meaning jewel, symbolizes the … altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassionate and loving….
  • The two syllables, PADME, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom….
  • Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable HUM, which indicates indivisibility….

Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha….

Why not check it out for yourself!