Sacred sounds are an age-old way to spiritually connect to something greater, transcending our everyday consciousness. These may be words, hymns, music, or any other form of sound found in many religious traditions, Tantric and Yogic philosophies, and classical music, as they help to shape and build up our spiritual experiences.
Sacred sounds can take the form of mantras or chants, which may be singular words or even a combination of sounds and words repeated. Chanting prayers and incantations can also be considered sacred sounds, present in various cultures, beliefs, and times across the globe, being essential components of various cultures.
By connecting with these spiritual utterances, we can touch the divine and elevate our spiritual consciousness.
The act of chanting is viewed as a way to access an indescribable strength – the strength to heal, alter circumstances, achieve good outcomes, and in certain cases, wield power for darker ends. It is often viewed as an opening to a Higher Power, with the belief that an answer will come in response.
Youth today are flocking to join chanting classes, seeking to not just reduce stress, but also to have a few moments of solace.
Chanting Oṃ: Tranquility, Stress Reduction, and Inner Peace
When speaking of Hinduism, the recital of “Oṃ” or “Aum” is impossible to overlook. This profound mantra or chant in Sanskrit is the cornerstone of various meditation practices. Its composition is comprised of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au, and ma, thus leading one to ask why “Oṃ” commands such reverence.
Hindus regard “Oṃ” as the original sound heard at the moment of the universe’s creation, regardless of the theory of creation accepted. It is perceived as a persistent reverberation throughout the universe, an age-old resonance.
In 2009, researchers from India studied the properties and benefits of chanting “Oṃ” and concluded that it could serve as a calming agent for individuals in stressful situations, and an enhancer of inner peace.
They postulated that “Oṃ is a spiritual mantra, unique in producing tranquillity. Chanting the mantra “Oṃ” banishes all psychological tension and worldly considerations.”
hellomyyoga is coming with a workshop, “The Essence Of Oṃ”, with Harshvardhan Jhaveri, where you’ll study and have in-depth learning about Oṃ. You would also love to check out our upcoming online yoga programs based on Ancient India’s yoga and ayurveda.
Also Read: Aarti: A Divine Form Of Worship
Exploring Vibrations Of Oṃ Mani Padme Hum Chant
Buddhism has its own distinctive set of chants, and this may vary across the different regions of Asia. A prominent chant from the Tibetan branch is the “Oṃ Mani Padme Hum” (incorporating the “Oṃ”).
A 2013 scientific paper explored the consequences of this chant and observed that sound waves are much faster in water than in air, and since our body is roughly 60% composed of water, prior research had already determined that even snails with no auditory apparatus reacted to the chant.
The study validated that the mantra “Oṃ Mani Padme Hum” consists of frequencies that create resonant vibrations when chanted. This resonance occurs as a result of constructive interference between the frequencies of each syllable, which could be the source of the therapeutic or healing effects the chant has on the body.
Praise Songs From Africa
In African culture, children are taught traditional chants to help instil in them a greater understanding of their heritage and lineage. Referred to as “praise songs,” this form of poetry also acts as an introduction between members of the same community.
This has served as the inspiration for many of the continent’s most renowned musical genres, such as izibongo and isicathamiya, the latter being a form of Zulu a cappella.
Also, read Nature: A home for True Happiness.
The Chants Of Native Americans
In many Native American communities, music serves as an integral part of their history and education. Chanting is a particularly significant element of the culture, and its stories tell epic tales about their spiritual entities, cultural and historical figures, and others who have become a fundamental part of their heritage.
Passed on from one generation to the next, these chants are said to contain spiritual powers that can be utilised for a variety of purposes, such as healing, hunting success, and social ceremonies.
Join the online yoga courses by hellomyyoga
To Sum Up:
Though many of its effects remain yet to be discovered, experts in healing and mental health professionals agree that chanting has profoundly positive effects on the brain. This practice is not only soothing to the soul; its resonant vibrations are believed to expel any negativity that lingers.
People who chant regularly have noted an uptick in mental clarity, concentration, and overall tranquillity, with an observable decrease in both their heart rate and the intensity of their stress.
In conclusion, despite the contrast in tunes and accents, all these diverse chants from different traditions appear to have the capacity to condition the body in one way or another, and sometimes even regardless of the influence of the mind.
hellomyyoga and Chitra Ganesh, an experienced Vedic Chant Teacher, are bringing a 7-month-long Gītā Chanting program, beginning 4th February, where the first session is free. In every session, you will learn the Bhagavad Gītā Shloka Chanting and its deeper meaning.
