So Hum Meditation
So Hum meditation is a form of mantra meditation. It has been practiced from ancient times in Vedic, tantric and yogic cultures. This meditation is ajpa Japa which means utterance of mantra without effort or mentally. The word So means that, or universal self and Hum means I, or individual self. So Hum is the sound of breath which inseparable existence of all living beings. The inhalation sound is So while the exhalation is Hum. This So Hum meditation can be practiced by everybody who can focus on sound of breath.
So Hum meditation is a tool that connect you and the universe. When there is deep connectivity, you will lose your identity remaining oneness. You will be answered to all questions of life.
How to Practice So Hum Meditation
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Sit in any comfortable meditative posture in Padmasana or Siddhasana.
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Keep hands on knees palm facing upward joining tip of index finger and thumb in china mudra.
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Make sure your back is erect in straight line with spine, neck and head in one line.
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Gently, close your eyes and lips.
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Now bring all awareness at your physical body. Visualize it from all directions, feel sensations and let it go.
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Focus the awareness in mental body. Be witness on thoughts,emotions,attachments likes and dislikes.
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Switch the awareness on your breath. Feel the natural flow of breath.
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Slowly, try to listen the sounds of breath.
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Chant So… with inhalation of breath and Hum… with exhalation.
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Continue till 20,30,45 minutes.
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When mind is wandered in thoughts again focus on So Hum mantra.
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When you finish the session, rub the palms and rest on eyes to feel warmness.
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Now slowly open your eyes looking the palms.
Benefits of So Hum Meditation
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Realize inner peace and tranquility:
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Help to improve concentration and focus.
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Enhance memory and mental clarity.
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Enhances spiritual growth.
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Improved mind-body connection.
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Promote blood circulation in the body.
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Keep mind concentrated.
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Increase mental clarity.
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Lowers stress levels.
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Increased mindfulness and happiness.
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Improved cognitive function.
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Sense of wellbeing and happiness.
Modern science say mantra create a vibration in body. The secret sound of mantra can affect positively but it shall be practice regularly. Our daily life is so fast and engage in technology where machine part of it. The ancient vedic technology of mantra changes our life. Because the mantra effects our mind to control emotions, negative thoughts, and make with harmony with universe. In modern times, the So Hum mantra is used in the practice of yoga. It acts as a natural mantra to control to help us breathe deeply and concentrate while practicing yoga. It’s also used in Kriya Yoga and Art of Living’s popular Sudarshan Kriya meditation technique.