The crown chakra, known in Sanskrit as Sahasrara, is the seventh and highest primary chakra located at the top of the head. It is often associated with the color violet and is represented by the sound om. The crown chakra is linked to concepts such as consciousness, enlightenment, and unity with the divine. So is om truly the sound of the crown chakra? Let’s explore this topic further.
Overview of the Crown Chakra
The crown chakra is considered the gateway to higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. When this chakra is balanced and open, we experience deep inner peace, wisdom, and a sense of unity with all of creation. Some key characteristics of the crown chakra include:
- Location: Top of the head
- Color: Violet
- Symbol: The Thousand-Petaled Lotus Flower
- Element: Thought
- Primary Function: Spiritual enlightenment, transcendence, bliss
The crown chakra enables us to attain a state of being beyond our normal, everyday experience. It allows us to tap into deeper wisdom and connect to the universal divine energy that permeates all of existence. When this chakra is blocked or imbalanced, we may feel disconnected, depressed, cynical or directionless.
The Significance of Om
In yogic philosophy, om is the primordial sound from which all of creation emanates. It represents the infinite universal consciousness or Brahman. Om is considered the universal syllable that contains all potential sound vibrations. Chanting om is said to harmonize the body and mind, promoting a state of inner peace. Some key aspects of om include:
- Written in Sanskrit as ॐ
- Sometimes spelled Aum
- Chanted during meditation, yoga and rituals
- Called the pranava mantra or mystical syllable
- Om chanting creates a meditative vibration through rhythmic intonation
Om contains three phonetic units which symbolize the trinity of Brahman, Atman and Saksit. It encapsulates the beginning, continuance and dissolution of the universe. Chanting om connects us to the universe’s fundamental vibratory nature.
The Crown Chakra and Om Connection
There is a close link between om and the crown chakra due to the unifying, expansive, spiritual nature they share. Here are some of their main connections:
- State of higher consciousness: Both om and the crown chakra transcend ordinary awareness and enable spiritual enlightenment.
- Divine energy: Chanting om is said to align us with the universe’s essential vibration. The crown chakra provides access to divine universal energy.
- Expansiveness: Om represents the infinite Brahman. The crown chakra relates to limitless consciousness.
- Unity: Om and the crown chakra dissolve separation and duality, bringing a sense of oneness and unity.
- Inner peace: Meditating on om can induce deep inner tranquility. A balanced crown chakra also causes inner stillness.
- Non-duality: Om and the crown chakra allow us to transcend the illusion of subject/object separation to experience non-duality.
Chanting om while focusing on the crown chakra integrates their shared qualities, which can catalyze a shift to expanded spiritual awareness.
| Aspect | Om | Crown Chakra |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Aligns with cosmic vibration | Provides access to higher states of consciousness |
| Key Characteristics | Primordial sound, infinity, source of creation | Unity, wisdom, transcendence, bliss |
| State Induced | Meditative, inward-focused | Enlightened awareness, universal oneness |
Evidence Supporting the Connection
Beyond philosophical links, scientific studies also reveal connections between om chanting and the brain’s crown chakra region. Some research has shown that chanting om:
- Activates parts of the parietal lobe, which manages higher cognition and self-awareness.
- Increases activity in frontoparietal networks associated with cognitive flexibility and introspective focus.
- Stimulates the somatosensory cortex, related to experiencing transcendental awareness.
- Increases gray matter volume in areas linked to attention processing and sensory integration.
- Correlates with activation of the temporoparietal junction which tracks the sense of self.
This research provides neurophysiological evidence that om chanting can stimulate crown chakra-associated structures related to spirituality, introspection, transcendence and unity consciousness.
How to Integrate Om into Crown Chakra Practices
Some ways to incorporate om chanting into crown chakra healing or activation include:
- Chanting om while visualizing violet light flooding the crown chakra at the top of your head
- Intoning om repeatedly during crown chakra meditation
- Chanting om while focusing your attention on the crown chakra region
- Listening to recordings of prolonged om chanting during crown chakra energy work
- Including the chanting of om in yoga postures designed to open the crown chakra
- Chanting om quietly to yourself throughout the day to activate crown chakra awareness
- Doing breathwork focused on om vibration while stimulating the crown chakra
- Praying or setting an intention using the om vibration for crown chakra alignment
By fusing om chanting with standard crown chakra practices, you reinforce the shared energies and qualities of both. This creates a synergistic effect to help unlock this chakra’s spiritual potential.
Potential Benefits of Integrating Om into Crown Chakra Practices
Some possible benefits of using om for crown chakra activation include:
- Greater spiritual awareness – Om links you to your highest self and the divine within.
- Expanded consciousness – Chanting om can induce transcendent aware states associated with the crown chakra.
- Increased inner peace – Om chanting produces a deep meditative calm and tranquility.
- Emotional healing – Om can clear emotional blockages inhibiting crown chakra energy.
- Enhanced intuition – The crown chakra governs intuition, which om chanting awakens.
- Unity consciousness – Om dissolves subjective boundaries, aligning you with universal oneness.
- Strengthened connection to Spirit – Chanting om while focusing on the crown chakra invites profound spiritual experience.
Conclusion
In summary, om does relate strongly to the crown chakra for several reasons. Philosophically, om represents the infinite, divine source that the crown chakra taps into. Neurologically, chanting om activates brain regions connected with higher consciousness and spirituality governed by the crown chakra. Integrating om into crown chakra practices enhances the shared qualities and energies of both. Through this synergy, combining om and the crown chakra can provide powerful benefits including greater spiritual awareness, inner peace, expanded consciousness and an increased sense of connection to the Absolute. So in essence, yes – om vibration truly resonates with the crown chakra through its unifying, transcendent qualities.
