A ncient Yogis were great observers of the human body. They discovered the whole science of Yoga based upon the mechanics of the body, breath, emotions, and consciousness. Amongst all the forms of Yoga, the breath practices popularly known as Pranayama are the most potent tools to calm the mental chatter and connect to the inner self. Right from the Upanishads to the other classical Yogic texts, we find that the breath work has got the prime position in the framework of the Yogic philosophy. Different types of Pranayamas are prescribed in different Yogic books. The Soham Pranayama occupies a unique position in the spiritual traditions of India. Ancient Yogis observed that our breath produces sounds and that is SO when we inhale and Ham when we exhale. Listening to this Soham sound in the natural flow of breath is considered a great Yogic Sadhana. It literally means - That I am. It symbolizes that the individual consciousness is interconnected with the cosmic consciousness.

 

Our breath incessantly chants this Mantra of Soham. This discovery is rooted in the Upanishadic Mahavakyas: Tattvamasi - That Thou Art and Aham Brahmasmi- I am the Ultimate Reality. The Chudamani Upanishad, Shiva Swarodaya , and Hatha Yogic texts prominently describe this spiritual practice. It is the mystic experience of the practitioners that in the deep meditative state the Soham sound gets reversed to Hamsa meaning the swan , a symbol of purity and liberation. The beauty of the Soham Japa is that the awareness is synchronised with inhalation and exhalation, leading to Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. After the sustained and regular Soham meditation, breath becomes a bridge between the body, the mind , and consciousness. The ordinary breath transforms into the mindful breathing. Awareness turns towards internal stillness from the external distractions. Examined from the neuroscientific standpoint, it is found that slow and rhythmic breath stimulates the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the rest and digest state of our body. This type of breathing enhances heart rate variability and builds a great emotional resilience.

 

It is proven that the reactivity of the amygdala is reduced and stress hormones come down. It is observed that the function of the prefrontal cortex improves and attention becomes sharp with great cognitive control. Psychologically, mindfulness increases and anxiety decreases. The regular practice cultivates emotional balance and responsive behavior. Self awareness takes the centre stage in the process and the decision making becomes calculated and measured. It is the experience of the practitioners of the Soham Sadhana that the illusion of separateness disappears and one feels as the inseparable part of the infinite web of consciousness.

 

Meditation turns from doing to being. Breath synchronicity activates the larger parts of the brain and the brain becomes neuroplastic ready to adapt and respond. Thus, Soham Japa is more than a Mantra, it is a natural rhythm and pulse of life being expressed in the form of breath . It integrates our entire existence right from the body to the emotions and intellect. It is considered the great path to self realisation. The natural sound of the breath reminds us that we are the inseparable part of the Divine .