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.
Hi Vikram,
Yes it is possible that Prosperity Meditation can raise blood pressure. Yes Anuloma Viloma will be fine to do.
Best,
Anmol
dear anmol, is it possible that by doing prosperity meditation, the one with left hand 60* raised with gyan mudra and right with surya mudra, may cause high blood pressure?? i did the same for 5 minutes for 5 days once in a day, on the sixth day, i could not do due to raised blood pressure, which was 210 / 100..in this case, anulom vilom will be ok?? if possible kindly send your reply copy to my mail i/d, pls..
Indeed this mantra has very energizing power. It does relaxes mind and all muscles of brain. A must for all to practice at least once at day to wash off all negative energies accumulated all day being among different levels of energies in society.
DEAR ANMOL, I WANT TO USE AN AUDIO CD INSTEAD OF MALA OR STOP WATCH TO CONCENTRATE ON MY BREATHING COUL YOU TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET THE AUDIO FILE OF SO-HUM CHANT I NEED BOTH FAST AS WELL AS SLOW CHANTS.IF U CAN REPLY THRU MAIL I WOULD BE VERY MUCH GRATEFUL TO YOU
THANKS A MILLION
I am often compelled to verbalize the sound of the HUM just a little, as the vibrations seem to work on a deeper energetic level for me. Is it bad to occasionally practice this way? Or does it tie my consciousness to my physical being… not giving full opportunity for this style of meditation to have best intended effect? Thanks Anmol :)
I need the “sohum” Mp3, if any one have it please do send me in my mail id droliainternational@gmail.com. I have done basic course and need it badly
Thanx in advance
Hi,
The mantra is chanted mentally for this meditation.
Best,
Anmol
hum is chanted mentaly or silent verbaly?