OM (ॐ) – The Sacred Sound of the Universe

Om (Aum) is the primordial sound and the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It represents the essence of the universe, divine energy, and spiritual consciousness.

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1. Meaning and Symbolism of OM

AUM – The Three Parts of the Sound

Om is pronounced as AUM (अ-उ-म्), and each sound has a deep meaning:

• “A” (अ) – Creation (Brahma) → Represents the waking state and the physical world.
• “U” (उ) – Preservation (Vishnu) → Represents the dream state and the mental world.
• “M” (म्) – Destruction (Shiva) → Represents deep sleep and the spiritual world.

The silence after chanting Om represents Turiya, the state beyond consciousness—pure enlightenment.

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2. Om in Hindu Philosophy

• The Sound of Creation → Om is believed to be the first sound of the universe, from which everything emerged.
• The Cosmic Vibration → It represents the divine energy (Shakti) and consciousness (Brahman).
• Union of Body, Mind, and Soul → It connects the physical, mental, and spiritual planes.
• The Symbol of Trimurti → Om represents the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

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3. Om in the Vedas and Upanishads

• Mandukya Upanishad → Explains Om as the essence of the entire universe.
• Rig Veda → Describes Om as the sound of divine truth.
• Bhagavad Gita → Lord Krishna says, “I am Om, the eternal sound” (Chapter 7, Verse 8).

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4. Benefits of Chanting Om

• Enhances concentration and meditation
• Brings peace and reduces stress
• Balances the body’s energy (Chakras)
• Connects with divine consciousness

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5. Om in Yoga and Meditation

• Om is chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions to align the mind and body.
• The OM mantra is used in deep meditation to connect with higher states of awareness.

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6. Om in Other Religions

• Buddhism → Used in mantras like “Om Mani Padme Hum”, which means “the jewel in the lotus”.
• Jainism → Represents five supreme beings.
• Sikhism → “Ik Onkar” (ੴ) is derived from Om, meaning “One Supreme Reality”.