‘O
M’, ‘Ohm’ or ‘Aum’ is a sacred sound that is known
as the sound of the universe. It is the entire
cosmos, whatever we see, we touch, hear and feel.
It is the eternal song of the Divine, continuously
resounding in silence in the background of
everything that exists. OM is a bija (seed) mantra containing infinite
spiritual wisdom and creative force – the root mantra from which all
other mantras emerge.Historical Roots of OM
Originating from the Eastern sacred texts of the Vedas and then
elaborated in the Upanishads, OM is imperishable, it is in the past,
present and future, as well as transcending beyond the bounds of
time. Later, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali categorised the Eight Limbs
of Yoga - chanting OM was essential to accomplish the sixth stage of
yoga, Dharana, meaning concentration to achieve single
focused attention.
OM is known as ‘Pranava’ or that which runs through breath
(Prana) and sustains life. It is the Divine, both in name and form.In Chapter 1 Sutra 27, Patanjali cites:Tasya Vacakah Pranavah
Tasya: of that (of Isvarah, the Divine)
Vacakah: signifier, indicator
Pranavah: the mantra OMOM is the Divine pulsating and vibrating in the form of sound. By
chanting OM, one can gain a direct experience of consciousness
beyond time and space and seek freedom from ignorance, false
identification, attachment and fear of death - attaining union with
the Divine.The Meaning of Om
OM is the most elemental of vibrations. It is the sound of the creator,
preserver and destroyer of the universe reflecting both the manifest
and un-manifest soul. Sometimes written and pronounced ‘AUM’,
each of the three letters and sounds, corresponds to a different
aspect of the Divine.A - invokes Brahma, the creator, the sound starting at the back of the
throat, represents the waking state, the subjective consciousness of
the outer world (the bottom curve)
U - invokes Vishnu, the preserver, the sound gradually rollingExploring the true meaning
of yoga’s gits to the West.om spirit
forward along the upper palate, represents the dream state, the
consciousness of the inner world of thoughts and memories (the
middle curve)
M - invokes Shiva, the destroyer, the sound vibrating through the
closed lips, represents the unconscious state, the experience of
ultimate unity (the upper curve)The crescent shape above the curves is Maya (Illusion), the obstacle
that sits in the way of reaching the highest state of bliss. The dot
at the top of the symbol represents the fourth state, absolute
consciousness of peace and bliss. It is within this fourth state in
which one truly connects with the Divine.
AUM leads one through the journey of transformation of the
cosmos - in the silence after the pause, we might hear the stillness of
the infinite, experience the void, profound to any meditative practice
connecting us to the power of creation and the Divine.The Power of OM
OM is all encompassing, the essence of ultimate reality: peace,
tranquility and unity. In yoga and meditation, OM vibration calms
the central nervous system aligning the body, mind and spirit with
the universe.
OM as the power of sound reminds us to treat our words as
sacred, creative, and Divine. May our words, through our conscious
use of them, ignite their transformative power, as we bring more
awareness to the vibrations that we create with our thoughts and
words. OM Shanti.By Sonal Thakrar (kleem.co.uk)