In the vast tapestry of spiritual traditions, few sounds resonate with as much quiet power as the mantra Soham. If you’ve ever come across this term and wondered, What is the meaning of Soham you’re not alone. This deceptively simple Sanskrit mantra carries profound philosophical and meditative significance.
The Literal Meaning of Soham
Soham (सोऽहम्) is a Sanskrit phrase that translates roughly to "I am That" or "I am He/That Supreme Reality." It is a powerful affirmation of the non-dualistic truth that the individual self is not separate from the universal consciousness.
"Sah" means “He” or “That,” referring to the universal spirit, ultimate reality, or divine.
"Aham" means “I” or “Self.”
So together, Soham expresses the idea: I am that divine essence. This phrase encapsulates the core teaching of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the unity of all existence.
Soham as a Natural Mantra
Interestingly, Soham is considered a natural mantra—one that mirrors the sound of your breath. In yogic and meditative practices:
When you inhale, the sound resembles "So..."
When you exhale, the sound resembles "...Ham"
That’s why many meditative traditions teach you to silently repeat Soham in sync with your breath, allowing it to guide your awareness inward, towards your true self.
Why People Use the Soham Mantra
People turn to the Soham mantra for a variety of reasons:
Inner peace – Aligning with the breath and repeating the mantra calms the mind and body.
Self-realization – It’s a powerful reminder of our connection to the divine, used to dissolve ego and realize oneness.
Spiritual awakening – Regular practice can awaken higher states of consciousness and foster deep inner awareness.
