Anandam Foundation Trust

Significance of "AUM"

"AUM", also known as "OM", holds profound significance of Oneness. This sacred syllable symbolizes Brahman, the impersonal Absolute in Hinduism—omnipotent, omnipresent, and the origin of all manifested existence. Brahman, being inherently incomprehensible, necessitates a symbol to aid in grasping the Unknowable. "AUM" encompasses both the unmanifest (Nirguna) and the manifest (Saguna) aspects of God, earning its title as "Pranava," signifying its pervasiveness in life, intricately interwoven with our prana or breath.

"Om" is the primordial sound from which the universe was created. The three syllables "A"-"U"-"M" are said to represent the trinity of the three major gods:

Brahma (the creator)
Vishnu (the preserver)
Shiva (the destroyer)

They also symbolize the three gunas, or energies of nature:

Sattva (balance and harmony)
Rajas (Action and Enthusiasm)
Tamas (Inertia and Darkness)

A third trinity the three syllables are often said to represent is the three Vedas:

Rigveda
Yajurveda
Yajurveda

These three scriptures are considered some of Hinduism's most important sources of spiritual knowledge.

The sound of Om is believed to be so powerful that it can bring peace, clarity, and unity to one's mind. It is often chanted in prayers and rituals to connect with the divine, invoke spiritual guidance, and attain inner peace. In some teachings, it is said to help to purify the body by increasing the flow of Prana (life force energy).

The "Om" is an important symbol in the religion because it embodies spiritual truth and helps to harmonize all aspects of life. By chanting or meditating on the mantra, practitioners hope to become more aware and connected to their inner truth and achieve a higher level of spiritual understanding. Practitioners can then use this knowledge to live in peace, love, and harmony.

As per the Mandukya Upanishad

"AUM" is the one eternal syllable from which all that exists unfolds." Past, Present, and Future converge in this singular sound, encapsulating everything beyond the confines of time.

As per the Bhagvad Gita

"Om" is the central element in Krishna’s exposition of spiritual life and practice, speaking from his perspective as the infinite being, enumerating his major manifestations and embodiments. The meaning is that "Om" is nothing less than the supreme consciousness; so there can be nothing greater or a subject more important than "Om". This is illustrated as one who is engaged in the practice of concentration, uttering the monosyllable "Om" (the Brahman or consciousness) who remembers it always, he attains the supreme goal.

"Om" Effect in Body and Mind

Om the symbol of Oneness:

The "Om" a symbol of oneness. It is an important religious symbol of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It has special significance in these religions and is often used during prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices.
"AUM" transcends being a mere word; it is an intonation akin to music, surpassing age, race, culture, and even species. Comprising the Sanskrit letters aa, au, and ma, "AUM", when combined, produces a sound that is considered the fundamental essence of the world, encompassing all other sounds. It functions as a mantra or prayer, believed to resonate throughout the body, reaching the core of one's being—the atman or soul.
It is considered that a person who realizes "Om", merges with the Absolute. Scientific studies on "Om" suggest that the mental repetition of |Om" results in physiological alertness, and increased sensitivity to sensory transmission and spiritual growth.