In this article, you will know the real meaning of OM which is used in many mantras in Hinduism and Buddhism as well. The word OM is also used in the Meditation as well. Let’s know the meaning of OM
In Hinduism, OM (also spelled Aum) is a Hindu sound that is considered the greatest of all mantras. The syllable Om is composed of the three sounds a-u-m (in Sanskrit, the vowels a and u combine to become o) and the symbol’s threefold nature is central to its meaning. It represents several important triads.
The three worlds – earth, atmosphere, and heaven
The three major Hindu gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
The three sacred Vedic scriptures – Rigved, Yajurbed, and Samad
Thus Om mystically embodies the essence of the entire universe. This meaning is further deepened by the Indian philosophical belief that God first created a sound and the universe arose from it. As the most sacred sound, Om is the root of the universe and everything that exists and it continues to hold everything together.
OM is often said to be the sound of the Universe. It is the universal vibration that connects us all.
A: the waking state of the mind
U: the dream state of the mind
M: the deep sleep part of the mind
The silence after the chant represents the transcendental or super-conscious state which is the state beyond physical existence.
In short, AUM symbolizes past, present, and future.
It is said that the most important part of this single syllable is the end sound mmmmmmmm, which brings its own illumination and causes the life force energy (prana) in the body to rush upward into the crown of the head.
The word “OM” role in Hindu culture
The syllable is discussed in a number of the Upanishads, which are the texts of philosophical speculation, and it forms the entire subject matter of one, the Mandukya.
AUM is a bow, the arrow is the self, And Brahman (Absolute Reality) is said to be the mark. (Mandukya Upanishad) The essence of all beings is the earth. The essence of the earth is water. The essence of water is the plant.
The essence of the plant is the man. The essence of man is speech. The essence of speech is the Rigveda. The essence of Rigveda is the Samveda. The essence of Samveda is OM. (Chandogya Upanishad) All those activities which people start with uttering the syllable OM do not fail to bear fruit.
In the Puranas, the syllable Om became associated in various ways with the major Hindu devotional sects. Saivites mark the lingam (a symbol of Shiva) with the symbol for Om, while Vaishnavites identify the three sounds as referring to the trinity of Vishnu, his wife Sri, and the worshiper.
Om is spoken at the beginning and the end of Hindu mantras, prayers, and meditations and is frequently used in Buddhist and Jain rituals as well. Om is used in the practice of Yoga and is related to techniques of auditory meditation.
The breakdown of AUM or OM
Benefits of chanting OM
1. OM helps reduce stress and anxiety
Chanting OM helps focus your mind on the here and now, which brings you out of your head and into your body, your breath, and the present moment, helping you feel more grounded, uplifted, and at peace.
2. OM is a powerful tool for manifestation
When we set intentions for ourselves, (different from goals) we give ourselves space to grow and learn. Using the mantra OM is a great tool for manifesting positive things into our lives and sending out the intentions with sound and thought rather than just thinking about what we want to do.
3. OM increases energy and endorphins
If you are feeling lethargic, it has been said that chanting Om (silently or out loud to yourself) for a few minutes can increase your energy levels and help you feel refreshed. This powerful syllable also balances out the hormonal secretions that cause mood swings.
4. Chanting OM strengthens your spine
Research has found that the “a” sound creates a certain kind of vibration and when verbalizing that syllable in AUM, it significantly impacts the spinal cord. All things have vibrations: thoughts, trees, humans, and of course musical instruments. When you put your hand on a speaker, you can feel the base vibration emanating from it. The vibration of AUM produces the same effect on the spinal cord. With repetition over time, chanting OM can help strengthen your spine.
5. OM helps you gain control over your emotions
When you chant OM, you start to redirect your mind and help stop those patterns so more positive things can manifest in your life. When you notice yourself thinking negatively and can’t think of positive thoughts to replace them, just turn to one syllable. OM.
6. Chant OM collectively to increase the effects
When chanted in a large group, the effects are amplified, which is why some instructors chant OM before and after class. When you have more people vibrating on this positive syllable, everything mentioned above is amplified, and it sends positive energy and life force out into the world.
Some people think of OM as they think of the word “Amen.” It is a symbol of the divine within us all. OM is the sound of the Universe. Everything is connected, and OM just reminds us of our true nature in sound form.