So Hum Mantra Meditation Technique
So Hum Mantra Meditation
Background of SoHum Meditation:
The simple, yet profound, So Hum Meditation technique is probably one of the most popular Mantra Meditations. It emerges from the Yoga school of Hindu Philosophy and belongs in the category of Japa Meditations (Meditations that require the chanting of Mantras).
The So Hum (aka So Ham, Soham or Sohum) Mantra Meditation, done sincerely, is very effective in bringing about a complete transformation of individual consciousness. So Hum literally means “I am That” (So = “That” or “Thou” or “Divinity”; Hum = “I am”) and the mantra’s aim is to bring about this union (yoga) between your individual consciousness and Divine Consciousness. Another way to interpret this purpose, is that the meditation brings about the realization that all that you see is yourself — The Observer is the Observed.
So Hum Mantra Meditation Video
YouTube Direct Link –> Best Mantra Meditation Technique – SO HUM
Tools Required for This Meditation:
- An alarm clock, stop watch or other time device
- Or you can use a traditional bead necklace (Mala) to count repetitions if you prefer.
Benefits:
Primary Benefits:
- Realization of your Divine Nature.
- Realization of the non-dual Nature of Reality.
- Stress Reduction, Relaxation, Peace and Tranquility.
- Spontaneous Joy and Happiness.
Secondary Benefits:
- Promotes Self-Healing.
- Builds mental focus and concentration.
Cautions:
None.
Practice Instructions for SoHum Mantra Japa:
Follow the step by step guided meditation below to practice this technique.
- Sit in a comfortable cross legged position. You may also sit on a chair or lie on your back to practice this meditation.
- Set your alarm or other time device for 10 to 20 minutes. If using a Mala do an appropriate count (for a traditional 108 bead mala its about 1 full cycle through the mala)
- If sitting, elongate your spine upwards, lengthen your neck and subtly bring your chin back and in, like a soldier at attention. This will align the spine with the back of your head.
- Place your hands in Gyan Mudra (Gesture of Knowledge). Which is thumb and index finger lightly meeting, wrists resting gently on the knees and palms facing upward. The other 3 fingers are extended.
- Take 5 deep, slow breaths though the nose. This will oxygenate your blood and relax you.
- Try to remain as still as possible.
- Now inhale slowly while saying the sound “Soooooooo” mentally and then slowly exhale while silently saying the sound “Hummmmmm”.
- After spending about half the time in meditation as described above, start with every cycle to feel your awareness expanding and merging with the Universe Consciousness. So as you continue to chant silently the mantra in rhythm with your breath, feel its real meaning acting upon you.
- Continue for the duration of the meditation.
- As the end of the meditation, try to remain with the all inclusive awareness and the sense that all is included in you.
SoHum Meditation Tips and Variations:
- Another way to practice So Hum Mantra Meditation is to visualize life, light and Divine energy flowing into you when you inhale and mentally say “Soooooo” and to feel your ego-centric limited consciousness flow out and evaporate into the atmosphere as you exhale and mentally say “Hummmmm”. This variation is also consistent with the meaning of the Mantra.
- At you develop this practice increase the exhalation phase such that it grows to about two times the inhalation phase.
Secret of the SoHum Mantra:
Where did this Mantra come from? That is the secret of this Mantra. It is actually the sound of the breath during inhalation and exhalation. Inhalation sounds like “Soooooo”, while exhalation sounds like “Hummmmm”. So this is the music of life and by practicing this meditation we can learn to dance in tune with it.
Other Yoga & Meditation Sites with Helpful Techniques:
Internet Resources for So Hum Guided Mantra Meditation Technique:
Definition of Mantra in Wikipedia.
When you inhale & exhale to clarify are you inhaling through your nose or mouth then are you exhaling through your nose or mouth?
Thanks
All the breathing is done through the nose. Chant So Hum mentally only. I will clarify the instructions as well :-).
Bhai Anmol, It(Article) is like your name Anmol ratan.
I have been doing SoHam mantra for past few years and i was also searching for the ‘Complete set of Instructions to do this SoHam’.
I was searching for instruction to do SoHam Mantra with GYAN Mudra in Meditation. But your article is the best answer for my question.
When i read the article for the first time a question raised in my mind that “Is Anmol ji wrote this article for me or what”.
Thank you very much for the complete information.
I hope you wrote more articles like this.
this program is excellent its very in depth and I have learned so much thank you for making it.
When doing the breathing do i inhale through nose and exhale through mouth or inhale and exhale from nose ?
I think i m lazy :-) but there is so many people inspire me and yes ill do and i am 19.
onli for prasnl
I think this can bestow psychic powers am I right?
i have a question , is soham equal to sohang?
i like this i can do this anywhere.