The Cycles of Life in a Single Om

Everything in life happens in cycles: nature, seasons, relationships, emotions, and even sensations. There is always a beginning, a middle, and an end.

In yoga, these cycles are represented through the granthis, which are the energetic knots or spirals of energy that keep us bound to this plane of existence. We can experience these cycles of energy through the vibration of the sound “om,” or “aum.” 

The first sound is the “Ah” sound, which represents creation. This is usually the first sound that a baby utters and the first letter of the alphabet. When we chant it, we can feel the “Ah” resonate at the base of the spine. It represents our unconscious and the energy of Brahma, the creator.

The second sound is the “U” or “ooh” sound, which represents our subconscious. It is symbolized through Rudra, the deity of sustenance. This we can feel at the heart center, which relates to our relationships and everyday connections in life. 

The third sound is the “Mmmm” sound, which represents shiva consciousness, or destruction and letting go. “Mmmm” is felt at the crown of the head, where we experience transcendence into the realm of super conscious—the silence after the om.

Chanting om with these cycles of creation, sustenance, destruction, and ultimate transcendence can help us move through the cycles of our own lives with grace and harmony. 

Find out about upcoming programs with Yogiraj Alan Finger at Kripalu.

This article originally appeared on ishtayoga.com.