What is the meaning and significance of 'OM' ?

The Holy Symbol of 'OM'

Om is one of the holiest symbols of Sanatan Dharma. Everyone must have heard and uttered ‘Om’ at the starting of every mantra. Those who do yoga must have uttered ‘Om’ before the starting and after finishing your Yoga class. So, what is this mysterious symbol ‘ॐ’? Om is the sacred sound of the universe. It represents the ultimate consciousness of the soul or what we call as ‘Atman’ and 'Bhraman’ meaning the ultimate reality. The syllable ‘Om’ is recited before the beginning and at the end of each chapter in the Vedas, the Upanishads and almost all other holy texts. ‘Om’ is also recited in meditative states and also during Yoga.

ORIGIN OF OM:

No one knows about the origin of Om. Om was there before the beginning and it will be present even after the end of the cosmos. We always have to remember that ‘Om’ is not a word but a syllable. The syllable ‘Om’ has no meaning. Everyone is made from the cosmos and in the cosmos and only those can tell the meaning of ‘Om’ who are in the cosmos. But the entire cosmos is in ‘Om’. The meaning of ‘Om’ can never be understood. It can only be felt. It is possible only when the mind is in a deep meditative state i.e. when there is no thought, desire, dream or expectation in the mind of the person, when the mind is completely still. ‘Om’ can never be constructed, nor it has ever been because the entire cosmos is made from the sound of ‘Om’.

It is true that in the beginning of the cosmos there was only the Holy Trinity (TRIDEV). Here we must understand that ‘Om’ and the Holy Trinity are not different but the recitation of ‘Om’ is the recitation of the Holy Trinity. When a seeker/ devotee recites ‘Om’ with full concentration and stillness, he can listen to the cosmic sound of ‘Om’ around him and also feel the presence of the Holy Trinity at one place and at the same time.

Why ॐ occurs before every mantra and not anywhere else?

‘Om’ is the sound of cosmos. It is a form of energy. Reciting ‘Om’ before any mantra cleanses the body of any impurities and focuses one’s mind. Chanting ‘Om’ has many benefits. Firstly it synchronizes the body’s energy with the cosmic energy. This synchronization brings about an unusual kind of bliss in the person. Second, chanting ‘Om’ has been believed to summon all the Gods before yourself and asking them to become a part of and accept the sacrifice of the devotee.

If you want to know about the Science behind "Om" 2.0 : Body and Brain , click on the blue link.

SECTIONS OF OM (ॐ):

Sections of 'OM'

ॐ has three and a half sections viz. आ-३-म्. The first section is ‘आ’. The vibrations of ‘आ’ pulsate with Lord Brahma. While reciting the sound of ‘आ’, you will feel vibrations just above your belly button. This point is the ‘Brahmisthaan’( seat of Lord Brahma). According to chakra system, at this point the Swadishthan/ Sacral chakra is situated. From the sound of ‘आ’ springs the creation. Now you can relate that Lord Brahma is the creator and why the sound of ‘आ’ pulsates with him.

OM Ashram in Pali, Rajasthan

 The next section is ‘३’. The vibrations of ‘३’ pulsate with Lord Vishnu/Narayana. While reciting the sound of ‘३’ you will feel vibrations from your belly button upto your lower chest, just below your heart. This point is the ‘Vishnuisthaan’( seat of Lord Vishnu). According to chakra system, at this point the Manipura/ Solar Plexus chakra is situated. The sound of ‘३’ nourishes us. It is a complement. Similarly you can relate here too that why the sound of ‘३’ pulsates with Lord Vishnu.

The next section is ‘म्’. The vibrations of ‘म्’ pulsate with Lord Shiva. While reciting the sound of ‘म्’ you will feel vibrations from your belly button to your throat. This point is the ‘Neelkanth’( seat of Lord Shiva). According to chakra system, at this point the Vishuddhi/ Throat chakra is situated. Same is the case with the sound of ‘म्’. It is a ‘shuddhikaarak’.

The last and the half section is where all three sections are present but this section cannot be pronounced. This is ‘shunya’, ‘shanti’ or the ultimate bilss/ pleasure.

You can experience these three sections too. Just follow the steps below and you will be astonished with the results:

•         Sit in a cross legged posture with back erect, palms facing upward and the head slightly tilted backward.
•      Keeping your body relaxed, inhale deeply, recite ‘आ…..’ until you exhale completely. You will feel vibrations just above your belly button.
•         Now again keeping your back straight, inhale, recite ‘३…..’ until you exhale completely. You will feel vibrations from your belly button to just below your heart.
•        Repeat this with ‘म् ……’ until you exhale completely. You will feel vibrations in your throat.
•       Do this exercise and tell about your experience in the comments below.

Like and Follow us on Facebook "Spirituality Talks By Kabir".

Now get my articles delivered straight to your E-Mail Inbox! Subscribe for E-mail subscription by clicking on the subscribe button below the header. Also don't forget to verify your E-mail by clicking on the link that will be sent to you after you enter your Email and verify the captcha.