Om the Sacred Symbol of Hinduism Aum is one of the sacred sounds (pranava) in the great Indian tradition. But AUM is a sound, word, and symbol that have permeated western culture more extensively than almost any other aspect of the Indian tradition. It has been parodied on TV and in movies. Tell someone you are learning to meditate, and often jokingly they will touch their index finger and thumb together and say “Om”.
‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ commonly appears on bumper stickers, windows, tattoos, and jewelry. But is there more significance to this sound and image? Are there other ideas, concepts, and principles encapsulated within this word? If one were to look at the teachings from the great Indian civilization the answer would surely be, YES!
A Brief look at the history:
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Originally AUM was a sound that was reserved for Brahmins and students of the Vedic system. It was most commonly taught to Brahmins (priests), scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders. It is in common usage amongst Brahmins and Vedantists. To them it is considered a sacred sound called pranava.
Literally the word pranava means, “Humming”. Pranava can be a reference to a boat that carries us across the ocean of birth and reincarnation. It can also mean to “roar”, sound, or reverberate. The word pranava comes from the Sanskrit root “nu”, which means to praise. So AUM is literally a humming sound of praise, which aids to carry us across the ocean of transmigration or reincarnation. Is it the only pranava sound? No, it is considered the highest, but there are several pranava sounds that exist within different systems in India.
‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ commonly appears on bumper stickers, windows, tattoos, and jewelry. But is there more significance to this sound and image? Are there other ideas, concepts, and principles encapsulated within this word? If one were to look at the teachings from the great Indian civilization the answer would surely be, YES!
A Brief look at the history:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Originally AUM was a sound that was reserved for Brahmins and students of the Vedic system. It was most commonly taught to Brahmins (priests), scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders. It is in common usage amongst Brahmins and Vedantists. To them it is considered a sacred sound called pranava.
Literally the word pranava means, “Humming”. Pranava can be a reference to a boat that carries us across the ocean of birth and reincarnation. It can also mean to “roar”, sound, or reverberate. The word pranava comes from the Sanskrit root “nu”, which means to praise. So AUM is literally a humming sound of praise, which aids to carry us across the ocean of transmigration or reincarnation. Is it the only pranava sound? No, it is considered the highest, but there are several pranava sounds that exist within different systems in India.
AUM(OM) IT MEANS
The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma."
~ Katha Upanishad I
Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.
_ OM_
BRAHMA -VISHNU -MAHESHWARA
~ Katha Upanishad I
Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.
_ OM_
BRAHMA -VISHNU -MAHESHWARA
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