Om jap — quick facts
| Also called | Pranava, Omkara, Udgitha |
|---|---|
| Sounds | A · U · M + silence |
| Sources | Mandukya Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita 8.13, Yoga Sutra 1.27–28 |
| Suitable for | Everyone — especially if you are unsure which name to chant |
| Traditional mala | Rudraksha or Sphatik (crystal) |
| One mala takes | About 10–15 minutes with long, slow Oms |
How to chant Om correctly
- Sit comfortablyKeep the spine upright and the shoulders relaxed. Close your eyes or keep them half-open on the counter.
- Breathe in deeplyTake a slow, full breath through the nose.
- Chant “A–U–M”Begin with an open “aaa” from the belly, let it round into “ooo” in the chest and throat, then close the lips into a long humming “mmm”. Many teachers suggest the “M” be about as long as “A” and “U” together.
- Rest in the silenceAfter the hum fades, stay a moment in the silence before the next breath. That silence is part of Om.
- Tap once per OmTap the mala (or anywhere in Focus mode) after each Om. With the bead click off and Focus mode on, you can chant with your eyes closed.
Benefits of Om chanting
Long, slow Om chanting naturally lengthens the exhalation and brings a gentle hum through the chest and head. Practitioners describe a calmer mind, steadier breath, better concentration before study or meditation and easier sleep. Spiritually, Om is the bridge from sound to silence — a simple doorway into meditation.
Turn on Om ambience in Settings for a soft background drone while you chant.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I chant Om?
A common practice is 108 times (one mala), once or twice a day. Beginners can start with 11 or 21 slow Oms and increase gradually.
Is it Om or Aum?
Both are correct. Om is written ॐ and is pronounced as the three sounds A-U-M blending into one, followed by silence.
Can anyone chant Om?
Yes. Om is universal and can be chanted by anyone. If you are unsure which name of God to chant, the saints often suggest simply chanting Om, Om, Om.
What is the best time to chant Om?
Early morning and evening are traditional, especially before meditation. Chant on an empty or light stomach, sitting comfortably.
What is the difference between this and the Om Namah Shivaya counter?
This counter is for chanting the single syllable Om. The Om Namah Shivaya counter is for the five-syllable Shiva mantra. Your counts are tracked separately for each mantra, and all of them add up in your lifetime total.