Sensing Wholeness from Within
This month, I’ve been exploring ways to sense wholeness through my yoga practice. In my earlier monthly theme post, I wrote, “Wholeness is more than a passing thought; it is a feeling that rises quietly from within.” Since then, I’ve been practicing to feel this wholeness in my breath, during movement, in meditation, and even while cooking.
The Quality of Wholeness
Wholeness isn’t simply the satisfaction that comes from doing something well or living comfortably. It’s not dependent on achievement or abundance. We can still feel whole even when something seems to be missing in our lives—because true wholeness can’t be measured. It’s not about quantity, but quality—the quality of our connection with ourselves and with something greater. When we recognize this, we realize that nothing is truly lacking, no matter what circumstances we face.
A Simple Moment in the Kitchen
When I cook my favorite red lentil curry, I enjoy its aroma and flavor that nourish my senses. My body feels energized and strong from nutrient-rich food like lentils—a good source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. When we eat something we love, we feel full and satisfied in our bodies. That nourishment sustains our physical being.
In the same way, wholeness can be seen as the abundance of life energy that nourishes our body, mind, emotions, and soul. This energy makes us who we are. And because it’s energy, we can’t see it directly—it’s like the air and space filling a house. Even when rooms are divided by walls and doors, the same air still flows through. If we remove those divisions, the air and space remain unchanged. Likewise, life energy flows through us continuously. It doesn’t increase or decrease; it simply is. Through mindful practices like yoga and meditation, we begin to sense that ever-present fullness within.
Pūrṇam Mantra
One practice that deepened my sense of wholeness was listening to the Pūrṇam Mantra, also known as the Pūrṇam Chant. It appears as an invocation in both the Īśa Upaniṣad and the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad (5.1.1). I was first introduced to it during a full moon yoga class celebrating the fullness of life.
Pūrṇam Mantra
Om pūrṇam adaḥ, pūrṇam idam, pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate
pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate
Om śāntiḥ, śāntiḥ, śāntiḥ
Translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda:
Om, That is full; this also is full.
This fullness came from that fullness.
Though this fullness came from that fullness,
That fullness remains forever full.
Om peace peace peace
Word Meanings
- Om — the sacred sound symbolizing the primordial vibration of the universe and the unity of all things.
- pūrṇam — fullness, wholeness, completeness in itself.
- adaḥ — “that,” referring to the Absolute Reality (Brahman), the Divine, or infinite consciousness.
- idam — “this,” referring to the individual or the manifested universe.
- pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate — from that fullness, this fullness arises.
- pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya — even when fullness is taken from fullness
- pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate — what remains is still fullness
- Om śāntiḥ, śāntiḥ, śāntiḥ — invoking peace in body, mind, and spirit.
My Reflection
To me, this mantra expresses that the Divine Consciousness (That) is whole—the source and cause. This manifested world (This) is also whole—the effect. From that whole arises this whole. Even when this whole is removed, the Source remains forever whole and untouched.
I love this reminder: I don’t have to feel “less than” or incomplete. Even if I don’t have everything I desire, nothing essential is missing. From the moment I was born, I have been whole and complete—just as I am.
Reference
- Krishnananda, Swami. “Brahman the Inexhaustible – The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad – Chapter V.” Swami Krishnananda, https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/brdup/brhad_V-01.html
- Swami Dayananda. “A Deep Dive into Fullness.” Integral Yoga® Magazine, https://integralyogamagazine.org/a-deep-dive-into-fullness