When the time came to choose a symbol for Yoga on High, we were of at least two minds. The asanas, the yoga postures, are so beautiful, and they represent transformation, joy, and all of the mysteries of embodiment in the physical world. We thought we might choose one of our favorite asanas. And yet, as wonderful as the postures are, Yoga is so much more than the physical forms. We wanted our Yoga center and programs to be epitomized by the biggest, most spacious representation of Yoga. And so it was a simple choice in the end. We chose the sacred symbol Om.

Om is represented by the pictograph encircled in our logo. “Most spiritual authorities regard Om as the vocalization of an actual “sound,” or vibration, which pervades the entire universe and is audible to yogins in higher states of consciousness.”1 The symbol is sometimes used to represent Hinduism, but it actually refers to an immense concept of God that encompasses all belief systems. Om is a sound and symbol for what the Judeo-Christian tradition recognizes as the Word. Om is the symbol of absolute reality, the Self or spirit.

Although it is only one syllable, Om is said to be composed of the letters “A”, “U”, “M” and the nasal humming of the letter “M.” “A” corresponds to the waking state, “U” corresponds to the dream state, and “M” corresponds to the state of deep sleep. The humming at the end – the aftersound – represents ultimate reality. The sounds of these letters represent the whole of the Sanskrit alphabet. If you chant Om, you can feel these four aspects of the sound in the body. The sound “A” arises from the belly and can be felt from there up through the throat. “U” reverberates from the chest into the mouth. The delicious hum of “M” can be felt within the head as its vibration travels right out through the crown. The next time you chant Om or hear it chanted, notice whether you feel the aftersound vibrating your whole being.

Om is also the oldest, best-known, traditional mantra. A mantra is a powerful, vibrant sound that gives an individual direct access to its specific qualities. These qualities are enhanced within a person through regular repetition and practice in meditation. The word mantra may be also be defined as “prayer.” It is said in the Yoga Sutras that chanting Om helps to clear away obstacles and to focus the mind on truth, on the true nature of reality. Om doesn’t just mean truth. Repeating it can actually lead to spiritual experiences and insight.

Most of the teachers at Yoga on High chant Om at the beginning or end of class for a number of reasons. Its powerful vibrations are calming and centering, and they help us focus on the present moment. It also knits the class together as a group as we create one large sound from many sources. As a sacred sound, it marks the beginning of what to us are sacred practices. On a purely physical level, it feels wonderful, and the whole body eventually vibrates with it like a subtle internal massage. It is always interesting to feel how much more vibrant the Oms feel at the end of class when the body is more relaxed and the mind is calmer. These Oms become a powerful confirmation of the profound change brought about by practicing Yoga.

An ancient, sacred scripture, the Maitrayaniya-Upanishad, conveys the meaning of Om for the yoga practitioner. “It is by means of this numinous sound that the yogin focus his attention to the point where he can transcend the finite consciousness in its entirety. The aforementioned Upanishad likens the body to a bow, the syllable Om to an arrow, the focused mind to the arrow’s tip, and the ultimate Mystery as the target.”2 This scripture also observes, “Just as a spider climbing up by means of its threads finds open space, so indeed the meditator climbs up by means of Om and finds autonomy.”3