Anyone who has attended hatha yoga classes outside of India at some time has probably been invited by the teacher to begin or end the class with a group chant of the sound of Om. Or maybe they’ve experimented with the use of Om in a meditation practice.

It can sound and feel beautiful, and when we hear it chanted by a group of monks it can have a deeply resonant effect on the body and the mind.

But what most people don’t realize is that the sound of Om has a very specific intention, and it’s not an intention that most of us would want for ourselves.

In this episode, Thom gives us reason to be more discriminate when it comes to making the sound of Om, as well as offering up a loophole, so to speak, that allows us to reference it without making the sound.  

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What Is Om and Why Is It Important?

[03:00] Pranava: The Secret Behind Om

[05:16] Omkara: The Spiritual Layer of Om

[08:05] Om and Its Impact on Daily Life

[10:05] The Influence of Om

[12:15] Financial Detachment and Om Chanting

[14:03] Replacing Om with Shri

[16:02] Strategic vs. Tactical Use of Om

[17:45] Why We Don't Use Om as a Mantra in Vedic Meditation

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Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.

This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.

You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona. 

Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee. 

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.