Shreeguru Dr. Balaji Tambe’s SOM Program has the potential to change the practitioner’s life in a way that fulfils each person’s unique needs in ways material and intangible. It leads them to their highest selves, where they can communicate within. The foundational step is tuning in with AUM (OM). The following is a summarised form of the 1st of 3 Stages of the SOM Program, written by Shreeguruji, for those who want to begin this journey, and others who want to refresh their foundational understanding.
SOM – Santulan Aum (Om) Meditation is simple yet powerful, easy yet extraordinary. The recipe is a process, not simply intellectual, but meant to be experienced and realised. The secret of self-realisation is offered here for success in every aspect in the course of one’s life. SOM is for one and all – a student, a housewife, a mother, a teacher or a successful business leader. Everybody will benefit from SOM.
STAGE 1 – Tuning with Aum (Duration: 3 months)
Broadly, there are four aspects that make up LIFE. If we identify these aspects then we can find out how to fulfil each of them.
1. Sustenance – food, health, protection and fearlessness
2. Infrastructure – wealth and prosperity, a place to stay, community support
3. Creativity – development, expansion and comfort for all beings.
4. Spirituality – natural intelligence, communication with the self, a universal vision and freedom.
The SOM Program helps the practitioner fulfil all these goals. However, a basic level of preparation makes it easier and more effective. The first stage of the Santulan Aum (Om) Meditation (SOM Program) is to learn to sing Aum.
In Yoga and the Ancient Indian spiritual systems, the sound Aum is the representation of The Supreme – Universal Consciousness, on the material plane. This is the sound of the vibration of all activity and all life force. It can be heard in a quiet moment, not necessarily with the ears, when one is turned inwards. People have developed methods to hold on to Aum and ‘go’ towards that Supreme Energy or Supreme Source.
Experiencing Aumkaar and using it to connect with the Universal Energy is a key practice. The experience of Aum and merging with Aum is the point of Moksha/Nirvana or Freedom. We need the body, mind, senses and intellect to come to one point if we are to connect with The Supreme. All these must focus on Aum.
The sound consists of three parts A-U-M.
In the beginning, to practice, one can produce a little inward push at the abdomen or navel to say A. Hold it and as it moves upwards it will tend towards U. And then to end it, take the M into the head, so it occupies the entire space around. It is very important to simultaneously listen and tune in with the sound while singing. It has to be sung from the navel to the crown or top of the head. It travels through the spine.
This video by Shreeguruji shows how to sing AUM
The best natural time to sing Aum is early morning. Take a wash and sit down to sing. Those who have a little resistance in the abdomen in the mornings should go to the toilet and then wash their hands and feet or take a shower before singing. It is important to practice Aum before one is in contact with the outer world – TV, newspapers, or talking to others. 10 to 15 minutes is all it takes. Similarly, at night, do the same just before sleeping.
In singing Aum we should not have tension. E.g. ‘I have to leave at 7.10 am and now it is 7.00 am and I must sit down and do exactly ten minutes of Aum’. This stress is unnecessary. It need not be a very strict discipline of time, but at the same time it should not become indiscipline either.
All this needs to be practised initially with the supervision of somebody who knows how to sing Aum properly, because written descriptions are not enough to learn correctly. Ultimately, one is to be guided by a Master at singing Aum. Those who sign up to learn the SOM Program can be guided on Aum singing by a disciple of Shreeguru Balaji Tambe.
One can begin by listening to this AUM singing (along with the basic yogic beeja mantras) by Shreeguruji
Once Aum singing is learned at a basic level, the entire Santulan Aum Meditation Program can be taken up easily and with great benefits. Tuning in with Aum is the first step to practice the SOM Program.
Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shantih.