Yoga

5 Facts You May Not Know About ‘OM’

By Melanie Levine

1. The sound of OM encompasses all words, all sounds in human language
 
OM is a matrix of all sounds, when in its diversified form gives rise to all words used in language.
 
Linguistically, all audible sounds are produced in the space within the mouth beginning at the root of the tongue and ending at the lips. The throat sound is A, and M is the lip sound; and the sound U represents the rolling forward of speech articulation which starts at the root of the tongue, continuing until it ends in the lips.
 
To pronounce OM correctly, remember, the sound vibration is pronounced “oom” as in home.
 
2. AUM and OM
 
In Sanskrit, the sound “O” is a diphthong spelled “AU”. A diphthong is the blending of two vowel sounds where both are normally heard and make a gliding sound. As a result, the difference between OM and AUM is simply one of transliteration.
 
3. AUM represents the 3 Fold Division of Time
 
            A – is the waking state
            U – is the dream state
            M – is the state of deep sleep
 
At the end of AUM is a pause, a silence. This represents the state known as Turiya, or Infinite Consciousness
 
4. The visual symbol represents the meaning of AUM
 
The symbol OM visually consists of three curves, one semicircle, and a dot.
 
The large bottom curve symbolizes the waking state, A.
The middle curve signifies the dream state, U.
The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep, M.
 
The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, Turiya.
 
The semi circle at the top represents Maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. It signals to us that it is the illusion of Maya that is an obstacle to realization of the Highest.
 
 
5. OM is associated with Ganesha
 
The physical form of Lord Ganesha is said to be that of OM.  The upper curve, of OM, is identified with the head or the face of Ganesh. The Lower curve his belly. The twisted curve, on the right side of OM is the trunk.
 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2776/5-Facts-You-May-Not-Know-About-OM.html

Mantra

Some believe the word ‘mantra’ comes from two Sanskrit terms, ‘man’, meaning mind and ‘tra’, meaning to liberate. Hence, a mantra is a repeated word or sound which aims to liberate the mind. Another interpretation of the definition is that ‘man’ comes from ‘manas’, meaning ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ comes from ‘trana’, meaning to protect, so mantra could be defined as something which protects the mind.

This is based on the premise that most people have some internal chatter or thoughts in their minds which are causing them distress. If you take some time to examine your thought processes for a few minutes, you may notice a tendency to either replay past events (with the hope of processing or resolving them) or plan/dream about future events (with the desire to attain). Remembering unpleasant events in the past and feeling the frustration of an unfulfilled desire creates psychological and physical stress.

In its simplest form, a mantra, when repeated, offers a helpful diversion from these thought patterns and encourages the mind’s ability to focus on the present moment, where there is usually less to be worried about.

http://www.yogawirral.co.uk/mantra.html

Mantra Yoga

Yoga aims to increase the flow of prana or life force energy through the human system and one way of doing this is through the use of sound vibrations. This is known as Mantra Yoga.

Om Namah Shivaya

( pronounced as Aum Num-ha Shi-why)

Om Namah Shivaya is known as the great redeeming mantra also known as five-syllable mantra

The meaning :  
It means  “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It  is the name given to consciousness that dwells in all. Shiva is the name of your true identity- your self. 

According to Hindu mythology there are three Gods who run this creation. The Brahma - who creates the universe, the Vishnu - who preserves the Universe and the Shiva- who in the end destroys the universe. Among the three deities, Shiva, though considered as destroyer, also symbolize the  - the inner self which remains intact even after everything ends. 

In this mantra the chanter bow to Shiva- his true self.

              Om Namah Shivay is a very powerful mantra. This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or old, rich or poor and no matter what state a person is in, it will purify him.

http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/Om_namah_shivaya.htm

Yoga Types

Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga emphasizes on the love and devotion to the Almighty. The individual performing this type of Yoga concentrates on the existence of Almighty. He/she learns to show love, compassion to the creatures co-existing with him/her, apart from keenly worshipping the Lord. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced in a number of ways, such as praising the God by singing, chanting slogans, reading religious books, listening to prayers and by watching religious movies. 

Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga was founded by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century in India. This type of Yoga is all about the combination of two extremes - ‘ha’ (the Sun, regarded as the positive current) and ‘tha’ (the Moon, regarded as the negative current). It involves the performance of physical postures (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayams), meditation, mudras and purification procedures known as ‘Shatkriyas’.

Jnana Yoga
The Yoga of true knowledge, Jnana Yoga aims to detach the person performing it, from all the temporary things of the life. The person doing it attains tranquility, control over his/her mind, sense, faith, ability for concentration and the endurance to withstand the play of opposites by Mother Nature. By practising Jnana Yoga, the individual stays single-minded in all situations and attains self-control. 

Karma Yoga
As the name suggests, Karma Yoga is the dedication of all the actions (karma) and their fruits to the Almighty. This type of Yoga purifies one’s heart, and helps attain the knowledge of one’s own self. The aim of a Karma Yogic (one, who performs Karma Yoga) is to provide selfless service to the poor and the needy, without expecting money, fame, power, respect and honor in return of the service.

Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga aims at drawing the untapped energy (Kundalini), coiled at the base of the spine, by using a set of technique that uses the person’s mind, senses and body. Apart from the physical postures (Asanas), the person performs meditation, chants mantras in order to awaken each of the seven chakras of the body. The Asanas are coordinated with the hold of breath control.

Mantra Yoga
Mantra Yoga, as the name suggests, makes use of mantras to attain a peace of mind and increase the concentration power. The mantras are chanted by the person in a thoughtful way, in order to attain certain goals. Mantra Yoga helps eliminate a number of disorders, including psychosomatic ailments and the problems of anxiety, stress and tension. It boosts the person’s self-confidence as well.

Purna Yoga
Known as integral Yoga, Purna Yoga offers wisdom and techniques for the unison of the body, mind and soul. It emphasizes the Karma of your everyday life. It involves meditation, pranayams and the performance of alignment-based Asanas. Purna Yoga is an improvisation of the traditional systems of Yoga.

Raj Yoga
Raj Yoga is the best way for the complete and holistic healing of one’s mind and soul. This type of Yoga helps a person to alleviates himself/herself from the emotional and mental conflicts. Also called Astanga or eight-limbed Yoga, Raj Yoga helps the person to be in harmony with the co-existing creatures and the environment.