3rd-9th February 2025: Hamsa is the sound of the breath

Just lately I came across Marco Pino, a meditation teacher and blogger (path2yoga.net) who has researched and beautifully explains the Soham mantra (which becomes hamsa - read on). It can be used in meditation (anywhere anytime not just on the mat.)

You may have heard of the So'ham (or soham) mantra. A simple tool we can use silently as we watch the breath to help focus the mind on one point. From the Sanskrit words saḥ, which means “He” or “That,” and aham, which means “I am.”  And therefore so'ham means  “I am That.”  “That” or “He” refers to that which is beyond time, space, and causation: the absolute truth, ultimate reality, the higher Self, the supreme or cosmic consciousness, Brahman or God.

Anybody can use soham regardless of their faith or belief system. It is said to be the natural sound of the breath.  Close your eyes right now and listen. You may hear these two syllables with each breath. 

According to Swami Muktananda, in his book, I Am That, ham is the sound of the inhalation and sa the sound of the exhalation which is so-ham reversed. (There are many schools of thought on which way around this is). It then becomes the hamsa mantra. Hamsa in sanskrit means swan and is an important symbol in Hindu mythology representing grace, purity and discernment. 

​I read out in class this week Paramahansa Yogananda,s beautiful commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, he says:

"He who can glide like a swan in the waters of life without wetting the feathers of his faculties in a deep sea of attachment, who is not excited while riding on the sunny crests of the waves nor afraid while floating down the dark currents of evil happenings, has a wisdom ever poised, unwavering."

Paramahansa (Parama-hamsa) actually means Supreme Swan. Param: greatest, highest, supreme; and Hamsa: swan.

Hamsa, the sound of the breath. A universal and simple mantra for meditation and as always, steeped in history, philosophy and meaning. Close your eyes and listen.