SOHAM
SOHAM is a mantra signifying "I Am That I Am".
"Soooo..." is the sound of inhalation and "Hummm..." is the sound of exhalation.
SOHAM has been called the Universal Mantra because its vibration is already part of the breath, and everybody breathes. Through the breath, we contemplate our oneness with the supreme consciousness. This natural mantra, the mantra of true self, does not belong to the East or the West, or to any religion. Every time the breath comes in and goes out, one repetition of the SOHAM mantra takes place. Whether one is Christian, Jew, Hindu or Muslim, one repeats this mantra unconsciously thousands of times every day.
The heart is considered to be the source of SOHAM. It is from the heart that "So" and "Ham" arise, and again in the heart that they subside. Between the inhalation and the exhalation, and between the exhalation and inhalation, there is a "space" which is absolutely still and free of thoughts. That space is the space of truth. When breathing in and out, listening to the "so" and "ham", the awareness should be on that space for as long as it lasts. As the awareness is maintained, the space will gradually expand.
Through the ever-ongoing process of breathing, our 'self' keeps repeating this mantra "I Am That"--a mantra that needs not be repeated consciously because it is continuously repeating itself on its own, in all of us. SOHAM is the inherent in everybody. Follow your breath and listen to the SOHAM with awareness and realize the true self present in you which always says "I Am That".
You do not really need to practice it, because you already are "That". All that is needed is to become aware of it. No faith is required.
The practice of SOHAM is recommended in the Upanishads and the Vedas and its meaning "I Am That I Am" is mentioned in Judaic Christian scriptures as well:
"Soooo..." is the sound of inhalation and "Hummm..." is the sound of exhalation.
SOHAM has been called the Universal Mantra because its vibration is already part of the breath, and everybody breathes. Through the breath, we contemplate our oneness with the supreme consciousness. This natural mantra, the mantra of true self, does not belong to the East or the West, or to any religion. Every time the breath comes in and goes out, one repetition of the SOHAM mantra takes place. Whether one is Christian, Jew, Hindu or Muslim, one repeats this mantra unconsciously thousands of times every day.
The heart is considered to be the source of SOHAM. It is from the heart that "So" and "Ham" arise, and again in the heart that they subside. Between the inhalation and the exhalation, and between the exhalation and inhalation, there is a "space" which is absolutely still and free of thoughts. That space is the space of truth. When breathing in and out, listening to the "so" and "ham", the awareness should be on that space for as long as it lasts. As the awareness is maintained, the space will gradually expand.
Through the ever-ongoing process of breathing, our 'self' keeps repeating this mantra "I Am That"--a mantra that needs not be repeated consciously because it is continuously repeating itself on its own, in all of us. SOHAM is the inherent in everybody. Follow your breath and listen to the SOHAM with awareness and realize the true self present in you which always says "I Am That".
You do not really need to practice it, because you already are "That". All that is needed is to become aware of it. No faith is required.
The practice of SOHAM is recommended in the Upanishads and the Vedas and its meaning "I Am That I Am" is mentioned in Judaic Christian scriptures as well:
"Watch the Soham.
Those who contemplate Soham ceaselessly,
discarding worldly entanglements,
they attain the supreme state
and their worldly bondage is destroyed."
Those who contemplate Soham ceaselessly,
discarding worldly entanglements,
they attain the supreme state
and their worldly bondage is destroyed."
