Om (AUM)

The Meaning of the OM (AUM) Symbol

In the Vedas, the symbol AUM is considered to be the very essence of Brahman. In Vedic philosophy, this sacred symbol enjoys great renown.“I am AUM in all the Vedas,” says Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. AUM is a mysterious formula, a revelation of Brahman (the supreme reality). It expresses, in a complex way, both the name and the form of the supreme truth.

It is called prana, which means “transcendental state.” The three different letters that make up the word represent its three different states.

"A" refers to the gross body and the waking state. "U" refers to the subtle body and the state of light sleep. "M" refers to the causal body and the state of deep sleep of the microcosm, or the individual human being.

Similarly, for the macrocosm: “A” stands for virat, or the gross manifestation of the celestial form. “U” stands for hiranyagarbha, or the subtle metaphysical manifestation of the universe in the form of cosmic power. “M” stands for Ishvara, or the cosmic God in the form of the great first cause of creation.

The merging of the three components (A, U, M) into a single symbol, AUM (or pranava), reflects the most fundamental principle of existenceat both the microcosmic and macrocosmic levels. The process of the gradual dissolution of all three states of existence in the phenomenal world is expressed in direct spiritual realization and liberation from the bonds of the body, which constitutes the fourth state—turiya. This is why, in Vedic literature, AUM, or the pranava, is clearly described as a sacred symbol for contemplation or a sacred formula for repetition.

OM (AUM) — a symbol of the revelation of inner light

In the Katha Upanishad, Nachiketa asks Yama (the God of Death), “Tell me, what, in your opinion, is neither this nor that, neither cause nor effect, neither past nor future?” Yama replies, “In short, it is the word AUM.”

This word appears throughout the Vedas. All devotees of the faith utter it, and all spiritual seekers strive toward it. The symbol signifies the Supreme, Brahman. Whoever knows it receives everything they desire.Aum is the best and most powerful support for spiritual practice.With such support, one can find meaning in a world governed by Brahman (the Creator God).”

In the *Yoga Sutras*, Patanjali also describes AUM as a symbol of Ishvara (God).Therefore, it possesses the inner power to reveal the divine being, or the highest consciousness. All yogis and all authors of Indian texts attribute immense potential and mystical power to the AUM symbol. The power it contains is truly immeasurable; only advanced yogis know how to realize it.

The boundless diversity of sounds manifests from this primordial sound, AUM. This fundamental sound is the most subtle, all-pervading, and creative in nature. It is usually represented by a single symbol: ૐ OM (AUM).This sound is the pure energy of divine creation, from which all functions and forms of the universe arise.It is preceded only by the idea of the divine plan, which brings it into manifestation.

It holds the power to reveal one’s inner light and to develop an individual’s ordinary consciousness into superconsciousness.The power of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) lies within every person in a latent state; therefore , it should be developed and activated in order to achieve spiritual progress through its use.