Ever since the Vedic civilization took hold in ancient times, the syllable “Om” (ॐ) has had a prominent place in history. It’s been found in gazillions of contexts and even has some mentions in pop culture. Regardless of the context, it has a spiritual significance for Hindus worldwide.
If you look at the Gayatri mantra: Om Bhur Bhuva Svah, Om precedes everything. But the syllable itself can stand alone. It’s been said that “Om” combined with the perishable body fuels the spark of the flame of knowledge in our divine nature, according to Shvetashvatara Upanishad (1.14-16).
Similarly, Mundaka Upanishad compares the individual soul to an arrow, the target to an indestructible, Supreme Brahman, and “Om” as the bow that helps us to connect with the Divine (2.2.4). It’s also been said in Gita that anyone who utters the monosyllabic “OM” with a mind affixed to achieving the Divine will attain the supreme goal (8.13).
“Om” serves as the Divine itself too. It’s the sound of Brahman, of the atman, and shows the divine as a part of Om-Tat-Sat (Bhagavad Gita, 17.23). Lord Krishna says, “Of speech, I am the transcendental syllable, Om.” (Bhagavad Gita, 10.25). He adds, “I am the divine syllable Om in all the Vedas” to show how the universe rests in Him (7.08).
If we divide “Om” phonetically, there are three divisions A-U-M, which represent different concepts in Hinduism – A is for the beginning of mouth, the beginning of the sound, and the manifestation of the material universe; U is for the narrowing of lips as tapas, the concentration of consciousness, guides the universe towards progress; M is for the closing of lips and the demise of Universe. This is in relation to the three Holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
As one utters the syllable OM, a mystical portal unfolds, transcending the boundaries of mundane reality. Its vibrations, like shimmering threads of enchantment, spiral upward, opening gateways to the realms beyond perception. In its essence, OM is the key to unlocking the hidden chambers of consciousness, revealing secrets guarded by ancient sages and mystics.
In the resonant depths of OM, the seeker encounters an orchestra of cosmic forces, a symphony of energy in harmonious fusion. Each intonation unfurls a kaleidoscope of colors, swirling and intertwining, painting the canvas of existence with luminescence and dreams. It is the very fabric of creation, vibrating with the rhythm of life itself.
OM whispers ancient wisdom, its syllables carrying the knowledge of ages past and prophecies yet to unfold. It guides the seeker through the labyrinth of existence, illuminating the path to self-realization and enlightenment. With every repetition, OM bestows blessings, casting a spell of harmony, peace, and unity upon those who embrace its mystical power.
To chant OM is to commune with the celestial realms, bridging the mundane and the divine. It invokes the presence of divine beings, beckoning them to grace the earthly realm with their ethereal presence. OM becomes a vessel of transcendence, carrying intentions and prayers upon its sonorous waves, transcending time and space, merging the finite with the infinite.
There is another symbolism of Aum. Maitri Upanishad declares that AUM manifests:
- Gender-endowed body, through male, female, and neuter (the working creation, not the gender identity)
- Light and heat-endowed body, through Vayu (air), Agni (fire), and Aditya (sun)
- Knowledge-endowed body, through Rig, Sama, and Yajur (the three main Vedas)
- Time-endowed body, through the past, present, and the future
- Growth-endowed body, through water, food, and the moon
- Thought-endowed body, through mana (mind), buddhi (intellect), and Chitta (storehouse of memories and impressions)
So, AUM captures the human condition itself. Also, according to Mandukya Upanishad, A-U-M represents three realms of consciousness – waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. This is about three Sub-Lokas of Mrityu Loka, the realm of mortality – Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah – and with three principal states of the human mind – waking, non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, and REM sleep.
In conclusion, “Om” is divine and in parallel with the universe. Not just Hinduism, it holds greater recognition in Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. So, let’s start embracing Om “ॐ” and drive through the divine world.