I hear aum sound from my right ear. Please tell me how to concentrate on that sound.

—Alia, Nepal

Answer

Dear Alia,

The key to concentration is first relaxation (we often tense up when we attempt to concentrate). The second is the calm welcoming and joy to hear the sound; the third is, of course, the concomitant EARNEST DESIRE to commune with the AUM sound. This can be enhanced with the understanding that the AUM sound, though at first “merely” a sound, is, in fact, the “silent” voice of Divine Mother.

In Christian teachings, the AUM sound is described as the COMFORTER and the WORD. It is the HOLY GHOST vibration.

Our guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, taught that when hearing AUM you can know that you are in contact with God. We should seek to go beyond only HEARING the sound of AUM but communing with God through the manifestation of the primordial sound of creation: the TRUE AND FAITHFUL witness of God’s presence IN and AS the very creation itself.

Invite, therefore, AUM to fill your mind, heart and body. Offer yourself into the AUM vibration to dissolve ego into the true SELF. Be of good cheer and “hear” the good news: TAT TWAM ASI. (“Thou art THAT!”)

Blessings and joy to you,

Nayaswami Hriman

Seattle WA USA