Meditation Part 5
November 29, 2025
Meditation as a Spiritual Practice Part 5
Many people may think it “weird” to chant the word “Om” before entering a meditation. But the ancient Hindu and Buddhist practice of chanting this curious word has a method in its madness. According to spiritual teachers down through the ages, “Om” elicits the energy of the universe by vibrating our bodies with the basic vibration of all creation.
The word “Om” causes a remarkable reverberation in our heads, especially in the middle of our forehead between our eyebrows. This area is said to be our “third eye” which, when activated, stimulates the frontal lobe right behind the brow. From there, the vibrations go to all other regions of the brain. The frontal lobe is the control center of attention and concentration. Though the third eye is a mystical concept, it is consistent with brain structure and function. The third eye is the ancient term for the location on the forehead, of perception, intuition, and sensing beyond ordinary sight. Chanting “Om” also causes vibrations in our chest. From the chest down, the vibrations continue. The word readies our entire bodies and spirits for the stillness and the spaciousness of non-thought.
Try just saying the word “Om” right now, you can actually feel the vibrations in your brow and behind it. When chanted with full lungs and with a lasting breath, it alters our consciousness.
In India, at the Kanah Shante Venam ashram, there is a domed pavilion for dedicated to meditation. The symmetrical building is made of stone and concrete. Our guide had us chant the word “Om” in this domed structure. The vibrations from our chants filled the entire room and reentered our bodies from the outside in.
When the vibrations of our bodies are in coherence with the Divine, we improve our consciousness. When we improve our consciousness, we make decisions in accordance with the universe and its life-giving laws. When in accordance with the universe, we are closer to our Source. When closer to our Source, we are free, full, and peaceful regardless of appearances. When free, full, and peaceful, we fulfill our purpose in our own way, by loving ourselves, our brothers, and sisters. In loving ourselves, our sisters, and our brothers, we aid in saving the collective consciousness of humanity. The collective consciousness of humanity can save our planet and our species.
Spiritual practice: Try chanting the word “Om” right now. See if you can feel the vibrations in your brow and behind it. When chanted with full lungs and with a lasting breath, see if it alters your consciousness.
Self-inquiry: How is it that your body is a temple?
Prayer:
Dear God, Draw me closer. Amen.
