Exploring Santosha
Watching for Boredom Within Contentment
Humans have a love affair with drama. The action, suspense, fall from grace, and the phoenix rising again from the ashes. Even in the surprisingly few times life is not delivering us the drama of one fire to tend and another to put out, we go looking for a spark. And then we blow. Why? Because the adrenaline fire of drama is exciting and oh so familiar. No fire feels boring, so the subconscious returns to what is known, even if it is agonizing, in order to feel alive.
The Yoga Sutras encourage the practice of santosha or ‘contentment with oneself and others.’ Far from boring, this practice requires a totally different kind of engagement with the unfolding drama of life than our typical role as flame fanner or fire extinguisher. Maybe those yogis knew how can we feel challenged and alive without burning down the house. Maybe can we cultivate a state of equanimity without it feeling boring.
Webster’s dictionary defines boredom as “the state of being weary and restless from a lack of interest.” Just try to practice santosha or contentment with a lack of interest! Notice first the impulse to ‘do’ but resist the urge to move into dramatic action. Next, observe the tendency to ‘analyze’ but surrender what has been as a good rehearsal. Finally, attempt to be completely absorbed in the action of the fire in front of you – its variety, intensity, and vibrancy – without reaching into the flame.
A different kind of internal spark alights when we practice contentment. Whereas boredom is passive, santosha is unequivocally active. Patanjali’s injunction to be content with oneself and others begins to loosen our overbearing direction of life’s drama. Rather than follow the compulsion to act at every turn – fixing, helping, analyzing, changing, improving, eliminating – we can watch until these urges subside.
Of course we must guard the danger of a swinging pendulum, from one extreme to the other, being neither frenetic fire dancer nor comatose marshmallow roaster. The still point in the middle is where we balance sensory desires and distractions with attentiveness and nonattachment . The lifetime quest of the true Yogi is the effortless embracing of equanimity and receptivity to the Divine moving into manifestation in ever-new form.
Liberation comes when we ‘no longer feel the need to act’ according to Nischala Joy Devi’s translation of Sutra 11.27 in The Secret Power of Yoga. Then, she writes, our constant companions are joy, faith, and clarity. A truly exciting and creative project usually requires that we embrace an uncertain ending. If we refuse to blow on the spark of drama, no matter how familiar the fire feels, we allow santosha to show us the way to peace. In this way we befriend the unknown and watch the magic of our story unfold.
This article is part of an ongoing series on the yamas and niyamas. For the full 10-part series click on each link below:
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What Is the Om Mantra: Origin and Meaning
The mantra “Om” is much more than a simple syllable in yoga practice; it is an ancestral link with the universe and the divine. This article explores the secrets of this powerful mantra, delving into its origin, pronunciation, and meaning in yoga and spirituality.
Table of Contents
- Meaning of the Om Mantra
- What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
- How Is 'Om' Pronounced Correctly?
- What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
- Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
- Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
- What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
Meaning of the Om Mantra
The Om mantra, symbolized by the sacred ॐ, is one of the most ancient and revered mantras in the spiritual traditions of India. It represents the essence of the universe, being a primordial sound that encapsulates truth and ultimate reality. In its vibration, Om encompasses everything that exists and everything that does not exist. This sacred sound is a synthesis of the spiritual and the material, symbolizing the union of the individual soul with the Divine, the Brahman, the ultimate reality.
More than just a syllable, Om is a symbol of connection and unity. In spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation, chanting Om helps align individual energies with those of the universe. Each repetition of Om is a reminder of our relationship with creation and a call for harmony and inner peace. It acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, facilitating the path to enlightenment and profound self-understanding.
What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
The origin of the Om mantra dates back to the ancient scriptures of India, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, which are thousands of years old. In these texts, Om is presented as a cosmic sound, the original sound of the universe from which everything else emerged. This concept is found in various Dharmic philosophies and religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where Om is considered the root of all spiritual knowledge.
In Hindu philosophy, Om represents the whole, the totality of existence, and is associated with the most important gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In Buddhism, especially in tantric traditions, it holds great importance as part of longer mantras. This universality of Om underscores its significance in spiritual and philosophical practices, being a symbol of unity, peace, and spiritual knowledge throughout the ages.
How Is “Om” Pronounced Correctly?
Correct pronunciation of Om is essential for its effect and meaning. The syllable is pronounced “AUM” and consists of three sounds: A (ahh), U (ooh), and M (mmm). These three sounds symbolize different aspects of divinity and existence. The sound “A” represents the beginning, creation; “U” symbolizes preservation, and “M” represents transformation or destruction. When combined, these sounds represent the complete cycle of existence.
When pronouncing Om, the sound begins with an open and deep “A,” which starts in the throat and opens toward the chest. The sound transforms into “U,” moving toward the palate and vibrating in the middle of the mouth. Finally, the “M” closes the mantra, with a vibration that resonates in the front of the mouth and skull. This process not only has spiritual significance but also helps align and calm the mind and body, preparing them for meditation or yoga practice.
What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
In yoga, Om represents much more than a simple chanting or meditation practice. It is a symbol of profound connection between the practitioner and the universe. By chanting Om at the beginning or end of a yoga session, the goal is to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit with universal energies.
This sacred sound acts as a catalyst for mental tranquility and concentration, creating a space of serenity and focus for practice. Om in yoga not only prepares the body and mind for the session but also symbolizes the intention to unify the individual self with the cosmic whole, facilitating a deeper and more enriching experience.
Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
Chanting Om in yoga classes serves several purposes. First, it creates a bond of connection and unity among participants, establishing a collective atmosphere of focus and serenity. Additionally, the vibrant sound of Om helps calm the mind and center attention, clearing mental and emotional noise.
Chanting Om is also considered beneficial for physical health, as the vibration generated can help relax muscles and calm the nervous system. This practice is not only a symbolic introduction or conclusion to the yoga session but also a powerful tool for deepening the spiritual and physical experience of yoga.
Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
Reciting the Om mantra has multiple benefits for both the mind and body:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: The vibration of Om induces relaxation, decreasing tension and mental restlessness.
- Improves concentration: The focus required to correctly chant Om helps enhance attention and mental clarity.
- Encourages spiritual connection: Repeating Om can intensify the feeling of spiritual connection and unity with the universe.
- Aligns body energy: The vibration of Om can help balance and align the chakras or energy centers in the body.
- Promotes respiratory health: Chanting Om involves conscious breath control, which can improve lung capacity and breathing.
What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
The Om symbol (ॐ) is a rich and complex visual representation of the Om sound. Each part of the symbol has a specific meaning: the lower curve symbolizes the waking state, the upper curve represents the deep sleep state, and the curve extending outward symbolizes the dream state. The crescent and dot at the top symbolize the transcendental state, a level of consciousness beyond conventional physical and mental states.
This symbol not only represents different states of consciousness but also the essential aspects of the universe: matter, soul, and God. The Om symbol is a visual reminder of the connection between the microcosm (the individual) and the macrocosm (the universe). In spiritual practice and daily life, the Om symbol serves as a constant reminder of our essential nature and our connection with everything that exists.
Whether through chanting or visual representation, Om is a timeless tool for those seeking harmony, balance, and a deeper connection with themselves and the universe.
