Vedic Mantra · Universal Self / Brahman
सोऽहम् मंत्र — मैं वही हूँ
Soham Mantra
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
सोऽहम् (So = That; Ham/Aham = I) श्वास के साथ: So (श्वास लेते), Ham (श्वास छोड़ते)
Transliteration
Soham (So = That; Ham = I) With breath: So (inhale), Ham (exhale)
Meaning
I am That (Brahman/Universal Consciousness). Soham is the natural mantra of the breath — it is the sound that the breath itself makes: So on inhalation, Ham on exhalation. It is the mantra that everyone chants 21,600 times daily without knowing it.
Last updated: 20 April 2026 · Traditional Vedic mantra
Benefits of Soham Mantra
- ·The most natural mantra — requires no counting, no beads, just conscious breathing
- ·Directly affirms the identity of individual consciousness (Atman) with universal consciousness (Brahman)
- ·Extremely powerful for self-inquiry and Advaita Vedanta practice
- ·Can be practiced anywhere — walking, commuting, working — silently synchronized with breath
- ·Dissolves the ego and the false sense of separation from the divine
- ·Foundation of Kriya Yoga and many tantric breath practices
How to Chant
- 1.Sit comfortably. Breathe naturally without controlling the breath
- 2.As you inhale, mentally hear/say "So" — feel "that" entering you
- 3.As you exhale, mentally hear/say "Ham" — feel "I am" merging with everything
- 4.Do not force — simply listen to the breath making this sound naturally
- 5.Start with 10 minutes; gradually extend to 20-40 minutes
- 6.Advanced: practice Soham while being aware of the brief pauses between breaths
Best Time
Any time — this mantra is tied to the breath, so it is always available. Best for morning meditation.
Recommended Count
No counting needed — the breath counts itself (21,600 times per day naturally). For formal practice: 10-40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the difference between Soham and Om?
Om is the cosmic sound of creation — chanted outwardly, it harmonizes the practitioner with the universe. Soham is the intimate, internal affirmation of identity with that universe — practiced silently with the breath. Om is more devotional and outward; Soham is more inquiry-based and inward. Many teachers recommend Om for worship and Soham for self-inquiry (Atma Vichara).
Q.Is Soham the same as Hamsa?
Yes. Reversed, Soham becomes Hamsa (Ham + Sa = Hamsa). Hamsa (the swan) is one of the highest spiritual symbols — the bird that can separate milk from water (truth from illusion). The Hamsa mantra (Ham on inhale, Sa on exhale) is the same practice as Soham, just with opposite breath assignment. Both affirm "I am That."