So Hum
'I am that.' The natural mantra that moves with your breath.
Quick answer
So Hum means 'I am that' — a Sanskrit meditation mantra that follows the natural sound of the breath, used for meditation and calming the mind.
- Tradition
- Hindu / Vedic
- Language
- Sanskrit
- Best time
- Any time. Especially loved for meditation and before sleep.
- Best for
- Meditation, Falling asleep, Grounding
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Original
Transliteration
So Ham
Translation
I am that.
Meaning
Literal
'That am I' — a recognition that the practitioner is not separate from the sacred ground of being.
Spiritual interpretation
So Hum is the mantra of the breath itself. 'So' is the natural sound of the in-breath; 'hum' the natural sound of the out-breath. To notice this is to notice that the mantra is already being chanted, silently, all day long.
What this mantra is used for
How to chant
Sit or lie down. Follow the breath. Silently think 'so' on the in-breath, 'hum' on the out-breath. There is no counting — the breath is the mala.
When to chant
Any time. Especially loved for meditation and before sleep.
Origin & context
The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra and other tantric sources.
Related mantras
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Frequently asked questions
How do I chant So Hum?+
Follow your breath. Silently think 'so' on the inhale and 'hum' on the exhale. Do not force the rhythm — let the breath lead.