Om (Aum) : Its meaning and importance in Hinduism

Om is a syllable that is greatly revered in Hinduism. It is recited in the beginning of all Hindu mantras, meditations, and rituals. This sacred incantation represents Brahman, the Superior God. It is deemed to be the manifestation of the formless god. Since it symbolizes the Absolute god, its representation goes beyond just the vibrating sound produced as it is recited, but towards the unknown that goes beyond life and is supported by faith. This makes it the most important of all Hinduism symbols.

The Meaning of the Om Symbol

Om is also known as Aum. It is not merely a combination of letters that should be recited like any word. Rather, it is an intonation that is chanted. The three letters, A-U-M, has many symbolisms. For one, it refers to the three Hindu Gods – Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. They are known as the Trinity or Trimurti. Each of these three gods plays a role in the cycle of life in the universe. Brahma creates, Vishnu maintains balance on earth, and Shiva destroys to make way for another creation. Another way to define the three letters is as a representation of the three worlds – heaven, earth, and atmosphere. Further, they also represent the Vedic scriptures – Yajur, Sama, and Rg. These are collections of books that reflect India’s spiritual literature.

A Closer Look at the Shape

The Om symbol consists of curves, three of them, a dot, and a semi-circle. The three curves are the three states of known consciousness – being awake, the state of deep slumber, and the state where you experience dreaming. There is a fourth state of consciousness, which the dot represents. In this state, a person experiences peace, joy, bliss, and solitude. The semi-circle is called the maya. It separates the three lower states to the ultimate one, which brings back the definition of Om as a symbolism of the known and the unknown.

Connection with God

It is believed that chanting the symbol is a way to connect with God. Chanting the mantra is enough to make someone feel balanced and calm. If you incorporate a deeper meaning to it while chanting, then you escalate to a richer experience, as often practiced in yoga meditation. The vibration of the sound can help one transcend from earthly bounds to merge with the spiritual self. In this state of trance is when one experiences the ultimate power of the symbol.

Daily Practice

Temples are not the only place where the symbol is revered. It is integrated into the daily lives of believers. From the moment a person is born, he or she is welcomed to the world with the holy sign. The tradition is writing the symbol on the tongue of a baby using honey. As one grows, Om continues to be a prominent part of daily living. It is chanted before a travel or in the mornings to bring guidance for the day’s activities. Shrines inside individual homes have this symbol aside from its visibility in all temples. People wear the symbol in the form of jewelries or pendants, and it has become a popular choice for body arts.

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