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Is there anyone out there that has a good explanation of what So Ham actually means in sanskrit? I do teach this mantra but each time I do I feel that my explanation is a bit weak . I ask students to follow the natural sound of their breath sooooo as they inhale and Ham (said hummmmm) on the exhale.

The translation of this in sanskrit is 'I am that'.

Can anyone tell me more about this translation and how to put it into context for me and my students?

Namaste

its been explained to me as the vibratory sound essence of the breath, and is part & parcel of the mantra OM. (sO huM). So every time we take a breath we're chanting OM.

Its also called the natural mantra.

thats about all i've been taught on it, i think thats because it is that simple. it needs nothing more to complicate it.

Great question David, what a cool forum.

The Soham mantra is also called the Hamsa mantra. Hamsa poses the question, Who am I? Soham provides the answer, I am that.

While the English translation may not be as important as the quality of the sound vibration, Soham translates as I am that. When remembered repeatedly, it declares I am that I am that I am that I am.

Hope this helps.

Check this out, it's a good explanation...

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Be the change you want to see in the world

Bugger I thought we were saying some ham!!

ROFL!

some ham - the non veggie yogi's meditation!

quality

LOL that's FUNNY.

We had a teacher at our centre who encouraged students to "change their lives from ho-hum, to So Hum"

Hahahahaha

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Qi Yoga

I don't really understand this - I am? I am...what??

Can anyone please explain?

Hi Fong,

sometimes its easier to remember what we are by recognising what we are not.

we are not anything that we can experience. that we can watch. anything that changes

from the obvious "i am not my body" to the subtle "i am not my emotions"

i am that essential nature, that perfect energy within.

i am the Atman.

with prem

Reuben