Three Mantras, Three Paths: So Ham, Om Ah Hum and Buddho between Philosophy, Physiology and Neuroscience

Abstract

Mantras constitute one of the oldest and most widespread contemplative technologies inhuman history, present in traditions as diverse as Advaita Vedanta, Vajrayana Buddhism,and Theravada Buddhism. This article examines three mantras — So Ham, Om AhHum, and Buddho — through an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates traditionalphilosophical sources, neurophysiological studies, and clinical research. The analysis revealsthat each mantra operates through distinct mechanisms: So Ham synchronizes awarenesswith natural breathing and promotes diaphragmatic respiration; Om Ah Hum structuresattention on three energetic centers corresponding to the Three Vajras of body, speech, andmind; Buddho serves as a cognitive anchor for attentional stabilization and the cultivationof samatha. The differential application of these mantras in the management of anxiety andpanic attacks is also discussed, with particular attention to the mechanisms of autonomicregulation and deactivation of the Default Mode Network. It is concluded that, althoughthey share common neurophysiological mechanisms, the three mantras differ in corporealfocus and clinical application, suggesting the need for a personalized approach.