OM

[Guest guest]

Adi Shakti16

 

OM symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire universe. In

Sanskrit the sounds of letter A and U produce, when combined

together,

the sound equivalent of letter O. Thus the sound produced by the

three

letters A, U, and M. OM is also called the "four-element syllable."

The letters A, U, and M are the three elements and the fourth

element

is the silence from which the sound of OM arises, and back into

which

it subsides.

 

The sound produced by the letter A signifies all that is observed

and

perceived in the wakeful state of an individual, thus representing

both the subject and the object, and all the experiences in the

physical world. Therefore, and all the experiences in the physical

world.

 

Therefore, the letter A symbolizes the phenomenal world that

contributes to our experiences in the universe.

The silence, the fourth element of OM as stated above, represents

the

underlying Reality that pervades the waking, dream, and the deep

sleep

states of one's consciousness. Thus OM symbolizes the infinite

Brahman, the essence of all existence.

 

By its form OM also represents the unmanifest and the manifest, the

noumenon (ground of phenomenon) and the phenomenon, and thus OM is

an

adequate symbol of God, the following passage of the Katha

Upanishad:

 

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at,

and which humans desire when they lead the life of continence, I

will

tell you briefly: it is OM. This syllable OM is indeed Brahman. This

syllable is the highest. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all

that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest

support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of

Brahman..."

(Katha Upanishad I, ii, 15-17)

 

The symbol of OM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one

semicircle and a dot. The large lower curve symbolizes the waking

state; the upper curve denotes deep sleep (or the unconscious)

state,

and the lower curve (which lies between deep sleep and the waking

state) signifies the dream state. These three states of an

individual's consciousness, and therefore the entire physical

phenomenon, are represented by the three curves.

 

The dot signifies the Absolute (fourth or Turiya state of

consciousness), which illuminates the other three states. The

semicircle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other

three

curves. The semicircle is open on the top, which means that the

Absolute is infinite and is not affected by maya. Maya only effects

the manifested phenomenon. In this way the form OM symbolizes the

infinite Brahman and the entire universe.

 

The sacred mantra Om Tat Sat is uttered by Hindus at the end of all

prayers. Thus OM begins where all speech ends, the point where an

individual's heart melts into divinity, and the unspeakable and

inexpressible Reality is reached. Thus OM symbolizes the essence of

all the scriptures.

Hindu scriptures declare that OM is the storehouse of mystic power.

 

Hindu scriptures tell us that the repetition of OM, in accordance

with

the Vedic methods, generates the mystic power that leads one's mind

into deep concentration, meditation, and finally to samadhi, a state

of higher consciousness.

 

The mystic power of OM is confirmed by Lord Krishna Himself in the

Bhagavad Gita:

"Uttering the monosyllable OM, the eternal word of Brahman, One who

departs leaving the body [at death], he attains the supreme goal."

(BG

8.13)

**************************************************

om tat sat!

 

Only one word 'OM'

I studied

The same word 'OM'

I reared in my heart,

The same 'OM' I learned

And smoothened on a stone:

A bit of grass I was, yet

I changed into gold

 

Only one Omkar. who fixes

On his navel and.

 

Bridges the navel with the Brahmanda (Stages of Kundalini)

 

Leaming that very OM Mantra

By heart,

Of what use to him are

A thousand Mantras?

 

Note: The words ('OM') and 'OMKAR' symbolise the basic mantras and

the

vaakhs imply oneness of God and individual spirit.

 

Lalleshwer-a kashmiri woman saint

 

**************************************************

by adding OM as a

suffix or prefix, om can be converted into a 'saguna' mantra-

meditating God with attributes.

 

HARI OM

 

OM SAKTI OM!

 

OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA

 

OM NAMO NARAYANA

 

OM DURGAYAYAI NAMAHA