The ॐ (Om), also written as Aum, is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hinduism. It is considered the most fundamental and powerful mantra, representing the ultimate reality, Brahman.
In Hinduism, ॐ is not just a sound; it is a symbol of the divine presence and the entire universe. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of Hindu prayers, rituals, and meditative practices.
The ॐ mantra is composed of three phonemes: A, U, and M, which are believed to represent various triads in Hindu thought:
A (अ): Represents the waking state (jagrat), the physical world, and the creation of the universe.
U (उ): Represents the dream state (swapna), the subtle world, and the preservation of the universe.
M (म): Represents the deep sleep state (sushupti), the causal world, and the dissolution of the universe.
The silence after the M: Represents the fourth state of pure consciousness (turiya), the state of ultimate reality (Brahman) that transcends the other three states.
Sanskrit: ॐ
Transliteration: Om (or Aum)
Meaning: The ultimate reality, the sound of the universe, and the essence of all creation. It encompasses all states of consciousness and the divine. Chanting ॐ is believed to align the chanter with the cosmic vibration, bringing about a sense of peace, harmony, and spiritual connection.
