Since the time of ancient Vedic civilization, the syllable “Om” has had a prominent place in Hindu philosophy. Today, it can be found in many Hindu contexts, whether or not authentic, and it has several mentions in pop culture. But regardless of its representation, “Om” has retained its profound spiritual significance for Hindus around the world.
Om often serves as a divine invocation in prayer and precedes the revered Gayatri Mantra (Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah). However, the syllable can stand alone in our prayers, as well. Shvetashvatara Upanishad likens the perishable body and the syllable “Om” to two distinct fuel-sticks; together, they can spark the flame of knowledge of our own divine nature (1.14-16). Likewise, Mundaka Upanishad metaphorizes that if the individual soul is the arrow and the target is the indestructible, supreme Brahman, then “Om” is the bow that makes it possible for us to discover our unity with that Divine (2.2.4). Indeed, the Gita says that anyone who utters the monosyllabic “Om,” with the mind continually affixed on the Divine, transcending the material body, attains the Supreme Goal (8.13).
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Apart from its spiritual function, “Om” represents the Divine in and of itself. It is the sound of Brahman, of the atman, and describes the divine as part of the threefold appellation Om-Tat-Sat (B.G. 17.23). In enumerating His vibhutis (divine manifestations) in the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krshna says, “Of speech, I am the transcendental syllable Om” (10.25). In detailing the way in which the universe rests in Him, He says, “I am the divine syllable Om in all the Vedas” (7.08).
The iconic syllable “Om” actually has its own threefold division, A-U-M, representing many concepts in Hindu philosophy. One important one is the progression of the universe: A involves the opening of the mouth, the beginning of sound, and the manifestation of the material universe (presumably through the Big Bang). U involves the narrowing of the lips as tapas, concentration of consciousness, propels the universe forward in its progression. Finally, M brings the closing of the lips and the demise of the universe. This model of creation corresponds with the Holy Trinity: Brahmā the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Mahesh the Destroyer.
But apart from the course of the universe, the threefold division of AUM symbolizes many other concepts in Vedanta. Maitri Upanishad declares that AUM, the sound of Brahman-atman, manifests as the:
- gender-endowed body, through male, female, and neuter (in terms of the workings of creation, not the strict identities of humans)
- light- and heat- endowed body, through vayu (air, which scatters light and carries heat), agni (fire, energy), and aditya (sun)
- knowledge-endowed body, through Rig, Sama, and Yajur (the three main Vedas)
- time-endowed body, through past, present, and future
- growth-endowed body, through food, water, and the moon
- thought-endowed body, through mana (mind), buddhi (intellect), and chitta (storehouse of memories and impressions)
In fact, AUM encapsulates the human condition itself. According to Mandukya Upanishad, A-U-M represents the three realms consciousness—waking, dream, and deep sleep. This corresponds with the three sub-lokas of mrityu loka, the realm of mortality—Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah—and with the three principal states recognized by neuroscience—waking, non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and REM sleep. Once again, Hinduism never had to be amended to coincide with science.
Overall, the mantra “Om” has great power in allowing us to synchronize with the universe and appreciate the divine. Many non-Hindus recognize its significance, as its usage has spread from Hinduism to Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Regardless of what Hinduism means to you, and regardless of your spiritual journey, consider embracing Om—and see where it takes you.
Author’s website: findingthetruthsite.wordpress.com
Veda is knowledge and knowledge comes from “Indiadivine.org”. the real divine land non other then “bharat”. we should wright “bharat” and in bracket we should wright India.
BHARAT (INDIA)
The pranava syllable ‘Om’ is supposed to be used strictly with Vedic Mantras only or used standalone. In the recent past, the pranava ‘Om’ is being used in all kinds of non-vedic verses praising different gurus, but it is wrong. Such wrongly usage may even lead to negative effects.
wonderful exposure to Hinduism and the Vedas.Congratulations and please keep continued towards the Holyu Vedas and the Hinduism/Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Eswara is Omkaara Moolam. Mata Eswari is Omkaara Beejaakshari and accordingly Mata is Shrushthi(Creation), Shthiti(Sustaining) and Laya(Destruction) Kaarini. These three Beejamulu also signify Trikaalamulu, Trigunamulu and three functions (breathing in , holding and breathing out) and also Jagrath, Swapna and Susupti Avashthalu. Eswara(Sat) is as Atma/Sakshe in all Bhutamulu. Eswari(Chit) is Atma/Sakshe Chaitanyam in all Bhutamulu. Eswara and Eswari are inseparable like a word and its meaning. SivaSaktaikyam(Anandam) is Self Realization. Mata is Sivakari. Hence chanting of Omkaara Naadam enlightens us to realize Self/Atma.
Articles in your news letters are very informative, and simple to undestand.
Thanks for this timely insight concerning the AUM, which incidentally was what kept me busy also withn my Kabbalah studies earlier this morning.
Namasteji <3 <3 <3 Namasteji
any slok for solve problem of neurogenic bladder
Your post is really good. please keep it continue.
Recently It is revealed that Om sound is continuously
emanating from SUN by NASA .
INTRESTING Intesting information and great pictures. Thanks. D V J VITTAL
A great article, one must read such as many as possible
I will not challenge the quotes that the article pulled from the Upanashids and Gita as they are rooted in the philosophy and belief-systems of the time. But I’d like to break down the author’s flawed reasoning.
“The iconic syllable “Om” actually has its own threefold division, A-U-M, representing many concepts in Hindu philosophy. One important one is the progression of the universe: A involves the opening of the mouth, the beginning of sound, and the manifestation of the material universe (presumably through the Big Bang). U involves the narrowing of the lips as tapas, concentration of consciousness, propels the universe forward in its progression. Finally, M brings the closing of the lips and the demise of the universe. This model of creation corresponds with the Holy Trinity: Brahmā the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Mahesh the Destroyer.”
How is the A-U-M, through any sound reasoning, related to the creation and propagation of the universe?
Even if it is an analogy (something through which you can understand the creation of the universe better), it’s a so-so one. Sound is ‘created’, definitely. But it’s creation is vastly different to that of the universe (based on the current accepted theory).
The big-bang theory essentially postulates that the universe expanded suddenly in a matter of seconds. It seemingly appeared out of nowhere – and there’s nothing to indicate where it originated from. The fundamental particles spread out very fast in a matter of minutes. It took 380,000 years to create the first neutrally-charged particles, from which the first light emerged. And after that particles congregated under the force of gravity, letting stars form. *All this is based on evidence collected in the fields of Astronomy, Physics and Chemistry.*
Sound propagates through a medium as waves. The universe propagated through seemingly nothing, and has no specific pattern to it, unlike sound. That’s just one aspect where the analogy is very shaky. Also, are there any particles congregating in air to form something? Nope, sound does not affect the medium it travels through in a lasting way.
“In fact, AUM encapsulates the human condition itself. According to Mandukya Upanishad, A-U-M represents the three realms consciousness—waking, dream, and deep sleep. This corresponds with the three sub-lokas of mrityu loka, the realm of mortality—Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah—and with the three principal states recognized by neuroscience—waking, non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and REM sleep. Once again, Hinduism never had to be amended to coincide with science.”
The author’s trying to bring out meaning to the ‘Aum’ in a very flawed way. He’s trying to connect aspects of the older written texts to modern day science in a fatalistic way. There is simply no connection between the three sub-lokas of mrityulok and the three principal states of the human mind according to neurology. Those aspects of the older texts need to be studied using the context of various times in history, to see how exactly it brought meaning to the people practicing the religion, not by making rough and non-existent connections.
“Overall, the mantra “Om” has great power in allowing us to synchronize with the universe and appreciate the divine.”
Maybe it does. But the author’s reasoning and shaky connections to modern theories is unfounded, unreasonable and lacks evidence.
The only reason why I might accept the “Om’s” greatness is because it survived the harsh tides of time. It must have been challenged by the intelligentsia and skeptics throughout the ages. It must have been experimented upon by people for the past 2000 years for it’s calming, soothing effect and it’s efficacy in reaching a meditative state of mind. Anything that’s stood the test of time is worth looking into :).
Oooooooommmmmmm is a meditation chanting not om but ooooooooommmmmm it vibrates the atmosphere and with eyee closed you just enter your inner self
Every Hindu, in fact every individual, should know the importance of AUM, – thanks for giving such important articles.
Mr. ParthaSarathy says:
Parthasarathy M A says:
March 23, 2017 at 6:09 am
The pranava syllable ‘Om’ is supposed to be used strictly with Vedic Mantras only or used standalone. In the recent past, the pranava ‘Om’ is being used in all kinds of non-vedic verses praising different gurus, but it is wrong. Such wrongly usage may even lead to negative effects.
My question is: How would one know whether a particular usage of the pranava is wrong, unless they have been told not to do so, by experts?
Another question: I have read that women who are in the reproductive group (and those who want to get children) are not supposed to chant “OM”, because that takes the Prana shakthi to higher centers whereas they need enough prana shakthi to properly give birth to children. Nobody seems to be bothered about this!!!
What is your comment?
The post is really nice. I did not know so many things about OM.
Wonderful explanation of AUM (OM).
Thanks
The Pranava Nadam `Om` consists of three Beegamulu A-U-M. These three Beeja Aksharamulu carry the spiritual significance. Mata Eswari as Eswara Sakti Swarupini and Veda Artha Gocharakari is Omkara Beejaakshari. As Mata Eswari is Srushthi,Shthiti and Laya Kaarini. Accordingly these three Beeja Akaharamulu signify Shrushthi,Shthiti and Layam. A baby draws Prana Sakti from mother`s womb through Naabhi(Navel) before birth and we draw Prana Sakti From the Sun after birth. As the navel of Lord Narayana is the origin of Lord Brahma(Creator), the first Beejam ‘A’ originates from the navel while chanting the Mantram. As Lord Narayana(Sustainer) stays in Hrudayam, the first Beejam joins the second Beejam “U” in Hrudayam. As Rudra (Destroyer) is Shree Kantam, the syllable ends with the third Beejam “M” in the throat. Thus Pranava Nadam ends with Layam. As in the case of Susupti state(deep sleep), the individual consciousness gets disconnected from mind and body and the world while chanting Pranavam. Thus the individual consciousness is exposed to the Absolute consciousness and as a result of this spiritual enlightenment we would undergo the state of perfect happiness.