Chant ‘Om’ to increase concentration and gain inner peace

I’M STUDYING mechanical engineering but have doubts whether it is the right career choice for me. I am struggling to concentrate. What do you suggest to rectify this weakness? L

VEDIC astrology says you should have a strong Saturn in your chart linked to the 10th house (of profession) to achieve success in mechanical engineering.

This is evident in your birth chart; so a career in this field is a good option for you. Try “Om” mediation to improve concentration.

Om (Aum) is one of the most sacred sounds in Sanskrit. It is said to be the sound or vibration of the universe. Science has proven life comprises energies (vibration), from the smallest particle to the movement of galaxies.

Mind-expanding experts have passed on the knowledge that if one were to step outside of the universe and listen in, Om would be the reverberating sound.

Om should be recited slowly, to put you into a naturally meditative state. Remember that you are not just reciting a sound or phrase; you are creating a vibration within your body, mind and soul.

There are many ways of chanting Om. Since you are new to chanting it, use the following method:

An Om (AUM) mantra should be chanted for about 10 seconds in the following way:

A – 2.5 seconds (pronounced

MAHESH BANG

‘oo’), with rounded open lips.

U – 2.5 seconds, partially close the lips.

M – 5 seconds, with lips completely closed.

Take a deep breath and with one continuous exhalation, chant Oooooooo…hhhhhhhhhh… Mmmmmmm…(aauummmm). Each breath should last as long as possible.

When practising, sit in a comfortable, cross-legged position and keep your back straight and body relaxed. Inhale deeply and chant while exhaling.

While chanting, focus your mind on the Ajna chakra (the third eye, between the eyebrows).

If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to focus on the mantra and Ajna chakra.

Practise daily for one minute and gradually increase to five minutes or more.

At the beginning and end of a yoga class or meditation practise, the Om mantra is usually chanted three times.

The sound vibration of the mantra purifies not only the energy in the room, but also the person chanting. The sound resonates throughout the whole body, creating calm and a peaceful state of body and mind.

When you feel low, take a seat and chant Om loudly, continuously, with long breaths for a few minutes.

This practise will relax every atom in your body, including your mind, and leave you feeling light, and full of vitality and strength.

You can also repeat the mantra in your mind and enjoy the same purifying effects.

There are many ways to chant Om:

Chanted aloud, you’ll feel the omnipotence of the Supreme Being.

Chanted softly, you will feel the delight of the Supreme Being.

Chanted silently, you will feel the peace of the Supreme Being.

It is best to chant loudly so the sound can vibrate in your physical ears and fill your entire body. This will convince your outer mind and give you a greater sense of joy and achievement.

Chanting aloud also touches and calls forth the cosmic vibration of the Supreme sound.

Remember, the “M” sound should last at least three times longer than the “AU”.

Chanting the Om mantra for five minutes a day can have remarkable effects. It will calm your mind and settle your thought process.

The proper chanting of Om is also a form of yoga. It:

Moves energy from the lower chakras of the body up to the highest chakra or energy centre (the sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head).

Cleanses the mind. Controls the emotions. Improves your concentration, memory and understanding capacity.

Relaxes you physically, mentally and emotionally.

Charges the surrounding atmosphere.

Is the best exercise for the mind and helps with depression, leaving you happy.

Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888