Mantra Guide
Soham
so'ham
I am That.
Word-by-Word Meaning
I am That. The individual self is identical with the absolute reality.
Japa Counter
When and How to Practice
Best time: Any seated meditation window
Repetitions: Breath-synchronized (So on inhale, Ham on exhale)
- Ideal for subtle, non-devotional contemplation.
- Avoid strain; let mantra follow natural breath.
Context
Traditions: Vedanta, Yoga
Purpose: self-inquiry support, breath-linked meditation, non-dual remembrance
Sources: Upanishadic contemplative tradition, Hamsa mantra streams
Sound and Philosophy
Soham is classified as an ajapa-mantra (unrecited recitation) because it mirrors the natural sound of breathing without deliberate vocalization. The Vijnanabhairava Tantra (verse 155) and the Hamsa Upanishad both treat it as a means of recognizing the non-difference between the individual breath-self and universal consciousness. In Nath tradition, Soham practice is central to the Hamsa Vidya, where the practitioner traces the breath's movement between the muladhara and sahasrara to dissolve the sense of separation between jiva and Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soham a breathing technique or mantra?
Both. It is a mantra naturally synchronized with breath and used as a contemplative bridge into witness-awareness. Unlike mantras that require deliberate vocalization, Soham is understood as the sound the breath itself makes, which is why it is called the ajapa-japa (the unrecited recitation).
Who should use Soham?
It suits seekers drawn to inquiry-based or non-dual meditation styles, particularly those in the Advaita Vedanta or Nath Yoga traditions. Because it requires no vocalization and no deity focus, it is also useful for practitioners who prefer a direct, stripped-down contemplative approach.
What is the relationship between Soham and Hamsa?
They are the same mantra in reverse. The inhale sounds 'So' and the exhale 'Ham,' forming Soham (I am That). Read in reverse, Ham-Sa becomes Hamsa, the swan symbolizing the discriminating self. The Hamsa Upanishad explores this reversal as a contemplative technique for realizing the identity of individual and universal consciousness.
How many repetitions does Soham require?
Traditional texts state that every living being performs 21,600 Soham repetitions daily through the natural breathing cycle. Conscious practice simply means becoming aware of what is already happening. There is no fixed count; the practice is sustained awareness of breath-as-mantra for the duration of the sitting.
Can Soham be combined with self-inquiry (atma-vichara)?
Yes. Ramana Maharshi acknowledged Soham as a valid preliminary practice that naturally leads toward the question 'Who am I?' As identification with the breath-mantra deepens, the 'I' in 'I am That' itself becomes the object of inquiry.