YS 104 | The Story of OṂ: Sacred Sound and the Vedic Roots of Yoga

Available for Self-Study

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Course Description

What does OṂ mean? Where does it come from? How has it shaped doctrines and practices of Yoga over the centuries? Is it pronounced OM or AUM?

Join renowned scholar of Indian religions, Dr. Finnian M.M. Gerety (PhD, Harvard University) for this exciting and unprecedented opportunity to study and explore the fascinating history and often misunderstood world of OṂ—and uncover the sacred symbol's powerful relationship to Yoga.

This online course explores the rich history of the sacred syllable in Indian religions, highlighting the significance of mantra meditation in the development of classical Yoga. We will examine the ideologies of sound, speech, and silence found in the oldest Sanskrit texts, the Vedas; learn about dozens of ways to chant OṂ in Vedic sacrifice; discover the oldest known interpretations of the syllable as A-U-M; and understand OṂ’s connection to the gāyatrī mantra. We will also trace OṂ’s transformations in the Upaniṣads and foundational Yoga texts, where the syllable cements its reputation as a cosmic vibration and password to liberation.

Drawing on primary sources and cutting-edge scholarship, this course provides students with a thorough grounding in Vedic traditions and appreciation for the pivotal place of these texts and rituals in the formation of early Yoga. By carefully reconstructing embodied practices of chanting and meditation based on ancient paradigms, we will reimagine the history of Yoga in terms of sacred sound and deep listening. The course will also take stock of more recent developments in the story of OṂ, including representations of the syllable in manuscripts, visual culture, and social media.

Course Modules

Students Will Receive: 

  • 4 Pre-recorded Video + Audio lectures (90 min)
  • 4 Live Q&A sessions (90 min)
  • 4 ACP Credits
  • 12 Hours of CE credit with YA
  • Course Syllabus (PDF)
  • Weekly Readings (PDF)
  • 4 Multiple Choice Quizzes
  • Yogic Studies Certificate (PDF)
  • Access to the private Community Forum

Dr. Finnian M.M. Gerety

Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, the Contemplative Studies Program, and the Center for Contemporary South Asia at Brown University

Dr. Finnian M.M. Gerety is a historian of Indian religions focusing on sound and mantra. After earning a PhD. in South Asian Studies from Harvard University, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Yale University Institute of Sacred Music. Finn is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, the Contemplative Studies Program, and the Center for Contemporary South Asia at Brown University, where he teaches courses on mantra, yoga, ritual, and the senses.

Integrating the study of premodern texts with insights from fieldwork in contemporary south India, Finn’s research explores how sound has shaped religious doctrines and practices on the subcontinent from the late Bronze Age up through today. His current book project for Oxford University Press, This Whole World is OM: A History of the Sacred Syllable in India, is the first-ever monograph on OM, the preeminent mantra and ubiquitous sacred syllable of Indian religions.

"Dr. Gerety's 4-class course on the sacred sound of OM was a nourishing and scholarly introduction to this mantra. Dr. Gerety's style is warm and authentic. He has the knack of weaving many complex streams of knowledge into an accessible transmission of this particular aspect of the yogic path. Many thanks."

— Nancy Reder
Alexandria, Virginia 

"YS 104 is a really interesting course, rich with deep content and material, and Dr. Gerety is a wonderful teacher who easily takes you through even difficult subjects. Thank you again for this enlightening course."

— Maria Camilla Bedotti 
Italy

"I truly appreciated Dr. Gerety's organization and thoughtful preparedness. The material was thought-provoking and intriguing. It is obvious that he respects and thoroughly enjoys his subject matter. I look forward to his continued success. Thank you!"

— Christine Kerber
Miami, Florida

"Really intriguing, engaging and inspiring course! I am grateful to Dr. Gerety for unveiling 'sacred' and 'secret' knowledges from his academic research and for offering interesting and original scholarly perspectives on the study of OM and of yogic traditions. Grateful to Yogic Studies for offering this course to the public! Heartily recommended!"

— YS 104 student

"I liked not only Dr. Gerety’s teaching and knowledge, but also his kindness and closeness. I strongly recommend."

— Pedro Cormenzana
San Sebastian, Spain

Enrollment is OPEN for Self-Study

Regular Tuition

$175

One-Time Payment

  • Lifetime access to YS 104
ENROLL

Regular Tuition

$88 x 2

Two Monthly Payments

  • Lifetime access to YS 104
ENROLL

Membership Program

$75/m

Monthly Subscription

  • Access to YS 104

  • Access to all YS + BS courses—including live and future courses 

  • Access to SKT 100a + SKT 100b

  • Access to YS Book Club
ENROLL

This course is eligible for 12 hours of Continued Education (CE) credits with Yoga Alliance

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