Difference between revisions of "AUM" - New World Encyclopedia

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Om/Aum in Devanagari script.

Om (File:Aum.svg) also Aum, is the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, symbolizing the infinite Brahman and the entire Universe. This syllable is sometimes called the "Udgitha" or "pranava mantra" (primordial mantra), because it is considered to be the primal sound, and because most mantras begin with it. It first came to light in the Vedic Tradition), and is also considered holy in Buddhism, Sikhism, and some new religious movements such as Ek Om Kar.

Found first in the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, Aum has been seen as the first manifestation of the unmanifest Brahman (the single Divine Ground of Hinduism) that resulted in the phenomenal universe. Essentially, all the cosmos stems from the vibration of the sound 'Aum' in Hindu cosmology. Indeed, so sacred is it that it is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism.

The OM symbol's left part, which looks like a figure 3, looks like the form of the ū vowel used as a syllable with no attached initial consonant (in the Devanagari script ऊ (Unicode U+090A); but it is actually based on a Brahmi version of ओ (the vowel ō as written without an initial consonant). The nasal sound is indicated by a chandrabindu (U+0901).

cosmic vibrations, physics

Pronunciation of AUM

"A - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel U - rolls over the tongue M - ends on the lips ; A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping It is the sum and substance of all the words that can emanate from the human throat. It is the primordial fundamental sound symbolic of the Universal Absolute." [1].

In fact, when correctly pronounced, or rather, rendered, the "A" can be felt as a vibration that manifests itself near the navel or abdomen; the "U" can be felt vibrating the chest, and the "M" vibrates the cranium or the head. The abdominal vibration symbolises Creation; It is interesting that the "creative" or reproductive organs are also located in the lower abdomen. The vibration of the chest represents Preservation, which is also where the lungs are situated (the lungs sustain or preserve the body through breath). The vibration of the head is associated with Destruction or sacrifice, since all that gives up or destroys is first destroyed mentally. Hence, the entire cycle of the universe and all it contains is said to be symbolised in AUM.

Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign for Hinduism and a vast but economical storehouse for the deep philosophy and mythology inherent in the world's oldest religion.

Notes the Chandogya Upanishad, "That syllable, is a syllable of permission; for, whenever we permit anything, we say Aum." However, this is seen by others as a myopic perspective because the same Hindu scriptures, the Upanishads, that aver this function also attribute to it the divine property of the source of the universe. Aum is seen as the source of existence as we know it within the causal dimensions of time and space, and thus affirmatory meanings in languages are a natural progression. Aum is not only affirmation, but negation, and transcends both.

The AUM sound is sometimes called "the 3-syllable Veda". The third syllable arises because in Devanagari and similar alphabets, a consonant at the end of a word is sometimes written as a separate consonant letter with the virama "no vowel" sign, and this combination is treated as a syllable when talking about Devanagari writing rather than about phonetics.

An individual's "Aum" is the sound that can be held steady the longest per breath for the longest consecutive sequence of breaths. It is called "aum" in every culture that is aware of it because it sounds like that in all humans. The lower pitches are more suited because they require less muscular contraction of the abdomen, leading to lower rates of oxygen consumption, allowing for longer time between breaths. The Aum is the exact sound that is easiest for the individual to produce.

Once the minimization of oxygen consumption occurs (by minimization of muscular exertion), the outflow of air will be steady and quite sensitive to any forces that alter the amount of pressure in the chest cavity. One of the most notable consequences of this is that the rhythmic contractions of the heart become audible within the Aum.

Thus, by the use of Aum:

one can easily hear their own heart.
a person can modify the pace of their heart.
a group of people can synchronize their heartbeats.

Symbolism of Om

Om (File:Aum.svg), is the most sacred symbol and sound in Hinduism. Volumes have been written in Sanskrit illustrating the significance of this mystical symbol. Although this symbol is mentioned in all the Upanishads and in all Hindu scriptures, it is especially elaborated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads.

The goal, which all Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they live a life of continence, I will tell you briefly it is Om. The syllable Om is indeed Brahman. This syllable Om is the highest. Whosoever knows this symbol 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 Brahman.

-Katha Upanishad I, ii, 15-17

The symbol of Om contains of three curves, one semicircle and a dot. The large lower curve symbolizes the waking state; the upper curve denotes deep sleep (or the unconscious) state, and the lower curve (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state. These three states of an individual’s consciousness, and therefore the entire physical phenomenon, are represented by the three curves. The dot signifies the Absolute (fourth or Turiya state of consciousness), which illuminates the other three states. The semicircle symbolizes Maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. The semicircle is open on the top, which means that the absolute is infinite and is not affected by maya. Maya only affects the manifested phenomenon. In this way the form of Om symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire Universe and the world. Aum is made out of the three gods Shiva and Ganesh and Gayatri.

Uttering the monosyllable Om, the eternal world of Brahman, One who departs leaving the body (at death), he attains the superior goal.

-Bhagavad Gita, 8.13

As a seed syllable (bija Aum has three Hindi words. Ā and Ū and Ma. Ā is meant for Ākāra from which three names of God are built: Virât, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Ū = ūkara from which the holy names of God Hiranyagarbha, Vāyu and Tejas come, and Ma = makāra from which the holy names of God Ishwara and Āditya and Prājyan ādi come. Rigveda mantra 1/164/46 says that God is one but His names are several. But here AUM the holy name of God is only being explained.

OM is that name of God which contains many other names as well. Therefore, Om is called the "Supreme name of God". Pātanjala Yoga sutra 1/27 says Om is the supreme name of God and it cannot have any meaning other than God. Also Yoga sutra 1/28 says that remembering Om and its abovesaid meaning will make the devotee happy, focused and his enlightened. Yajurveda mantra 40/17 says that Om is the name of Almighty ever existing God. Regarding this Manusmrti shlokas 11 /222,225,265 also refer.

Philosophy of Om

File:Aum - Bangalore parade float.jpg

Aum symbol used in a parade in Bangalore

According to Hindu philosophy this syllable is combined of three components: the letter A (alpha), which represents creation, when all existence issued forth from Brahma's golden necleus; the letter U, which refers to Vishnu the god who preserves this world by balancing Brahma on a lotus above himself. The letter U with the A, produces the sound of the long Ō (omega). The M produces the prolonged resonance of the nasal cavity with the mouth closed: it is the final part of the cycle of existence, when Vishnu falls asleep and Brahma has to breathe in so that all existing things have to disintegrate and are reduces to their essence to him. This is the M of Mahesha, also known as the great Lord Shiva, whose long period of yoga begins so that the sensual world ceases to exists. Finally, one must not forget the silence at the end.

Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as Aumkar, which means Form of Aum, thus implying that who are limitless, the vibrational whole of the cosmos. Ek Onkar, meaning 'one god' is a central tenet of Sikh religious philosophy. In Hindu metaphysics, it is proposed that the manifested cosmos (from Brahman) has name and form (nama-rupa), and that the closest approximation to the name and form of the universe is Aum, since all existence is fundamentally composed of vibration. (This concept of describing reality as vibrations, or rhythmic waves, can also be found in quantum physics and superstring theory, which describe the universe in terms of vibrating fields or strings.)

Aum symbol on the Temple elephant's forehead

In the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta Om is frequently used to represent three subsumed into one, a common theme in Hinduism. It implies that our current existence is mithya, or 'skewed reality,' that in order to know the full truth we must comprehend beyond the body and intellect and intuit the true nature of infinity, of a Divine Ground that is imminent but also transcends all duality, being and non-being, that cannot be described in words. Within this metaphysical symbolism, the three are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail of the ॐ subsumed into the ultimate One, represented by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as chandrabindu. Essentially, upon moksha, mukti, samadhi, nirvana, liberation, etc. one is able not only to see or know existence for what it is, but to become it. In attaining truth one simply realizes fundamental unity; it is not the joining together of a prior manifold splitting. When one gains true knowledge, there is no split between knower and known: one becomes knowledge/consciousness itself. In essence, Aum is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.

For the scriptural esoteric explanation of Aum see Mandūkya Upanishad.

Dvaita (Vaishnava) philosophies teach that 'Aum' is an impersonal sound representation of Vishnu/Krishna while Hari Nama is the personal sound representation. A represents Krishna, U Srimati Radharani and M jivas. According to Sridhara Svami the pranava has five parts: A, U, M, the nasal bindu and the reverberation (nada). Liberated souls meditate on the Lord at the end of that reverberation. For both Hindus and Buddhists this syllable is sacred and so laden with spiritual energy that it may only be pronounced with complete concentration.

Examples of Three into One:

Creation (Brahma)- Preservation (Vishnu)- Destruction (Shiva) into Brahman
Waking- Dreaming- Dreamless Sleep into Turiya (transcendental fourth state of consciousness)
Rajas (activity, heat, fire) - Tamas (dullness, ignorance, darkness) - Sattva (purity, light, serenity/shanti) into Brahman
Body, Speech and Mind into Oneness

The Chandogya Upanishad (1.1.1-10) states, "The udgitha is the best of all essences, the highest, deserving the highest place, the eighth."

"Aum" can be seen as Sri Ganesh, whose figure is often represented in the shape of Aum. He is thus known as Aumkar (Shape of Aum). Sri Nataraja, or the Hindu god 'Shiva' dancing his dance of destruction, is seen in that popular representation mirroring the image of Aum. It is said to be the most perfect 'approximation' of the cosmic existence within time and space, and therefore the sound closest to Truth.

"The First Word Om (Aum) It is also called Pranav because its sound emanates from the Prana (vital vibration), which feels the Universe. The scripture says "Aum Iti Ek Akşara Brahman" (Aum that one syllable is Brahman).

Om in Jain tradition

In Jainism, Om is regarded to be a condensed form of reference to the five parameshthis. "Om" one akshara, is made from the initials of the five parameshthis. It has been said: "Arihanta, Ashiri (i.e. siddha), Acharya, Upadhyaya, Munis(sadhus)"

Om in Buddhist tradition

With Buddhism's evolution and breaking away from Vedic/Hindu tradition, Aum and other symbology/cosmology/philosophies are shared with the Hindu tradition.

In Buddhism this syllable is almost never transliterated as Aum, but instead as Om.

The mantra in Tibetan script.

In Tibetan Buddhism, this syllable is also incorporated in the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which is probably the most famous mantra in Buddhism, the six syllabled mantra of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara.

This mantra possesses many meanings, a popular translation is "Hail the jewel in the lotus". Om = Hail, Mani = Jewel, Padme = Lotus and Hum.

However, the scholar Donald Lopez provides a thorough discussion of the mantra and its various interpretations in his book Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West (ISBN 0226493113). Lopez challenges the conventional analysis of the mantra as "The Jewel in the Lotus", an interpretation supported by neither linguistic analysis nor Tibetan tradition. He suggests that Manipadme is actually the name of a bodhisattva, a form of Avalokiteshvara who in any case has many other names, including Padmapani or lotus flower in hand. The Brahminical insistence on absolutely correct pronunciation of Sanskrit broke down as Buddhism was exported to other countries where the inhabitants found it impossible to reproduce the sounds. So in Tibet, for instance, where this mantra is on the lips of many Tibetans all their waking hours, the mantra is pronounced Om mani peme hum.

According to Gen Rinpoche, The mantra Om Mani Pädme Hum is easy to say yet quite powerful, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics, and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience. Päd, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom.

So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. The path of these six perfections is the path walked by all the Buddhas of the three times. What could then be more meaningful than to say the mantra and accomplish the six perfections?

— Gen Rinpoche, Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones (ISBN 0877734933)

This character "Om" appeared as "唵" in Chinese Buddhist scripts in [East Asia]].

Om in Sikh tradition

The Sikh Mantra Ek Onkar

Ek Onkar (also ੴ, ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ, Ik Onkar) means God is One and is a central symbol of the monotheistic unity of God in Sikhism. Thi symbol is commonly found in Sikh temples (Gurdwaras). Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, used the word Onkar to state the concept of a monotheistic God rather than the Tri-Deity concept that Om had become mired in at the time of his presence in the world, namely that Om had come to represent the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (The Sustainer) and Shiva (the Destroyer). Instead, Guru Nanak, by placing the number "One" in front of Onkar, propagated the basic principle of Sikhism - that the creative, sustaining and destructive energies are all embodied in the One Almighty, thereby directly opposing the Hindu Trinity interpretation that had become commonplace at the time.

This is further clarified by Guru Nanak in his composition:

oua(n)kaar brehamaa outhapath ||

From Ongkaar, the One Universal Creator God, Brahma was created. (Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib, 929).

...defining that Onkar is that which created Brahma and therefore preceded Brahma.

Ek means "one" (Sanskrit eka).

Onkar came from Sanskrit Omkāra, which means "he or it which makes Om", and thus could mean:-

Handwriter's and printer's term for the Om symbol.

Creator, originally referring to the Hindu god Brahma saying "Om" and thereby creating the world (though obviously in conflict with the verse from Guru Nanak quoted above).

Ek Onkar is the start of the Sikh Mool Mantra - the root basis of all Sikh sacred thought, and the first phrase of the Sikh Guru embodied in scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Sanskrit word omkāra (from which came Punjabi onkār, etc), literally "OM-maker", has two families of meanings:-

Brahma (god) in his role as creator, and thus a word for "creator".
Writers' term for the OM sign.

Some quotations from Hindu scriptures regarding AUM

In the Rig-veda we find the following information; "One who chants om, which is the closest form of Brahman, approaches Brahman. This liberates one from the fear of the material world, therefore it is known as tarak brahman."

Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita 7.8 and 9.17, "I am Om", and that one must chant Om thinking of Him in order to attain Him personally ('mam anusmaran', 8.13).

"From the beginning of creation, the three words om tat sat were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmanas while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme." (Bhagavad Gita 17.23)

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@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 cosmic vibrations, physics
-==The Symbolism of Om==
+== Pronunciation of AUM ==
+"A - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel
+U - rolls over the tongue
+M - ends on the lips ;
+A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping
+It is the sum and substance of all the words that can emanate from the human throat. It is the primordial fundamental sound symbolic of the Universal Absolute." [http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa061003b.htm].
+In fact, when correctly pronounced, or rather, ''rendered'', the "A" can be felt as a vibration that manifests itself near the [[navel]] or [[abdomen]]; the "U" can be felt vibrating the chest, and the "M" vibrates the cranium or the head. The abdominal [[vibration]] symbolises [[Creation]]; It is interesting that the "creative" or reproductive organs are also located in the lower abdomen. The vibration of the chest represents Preservation, which is also where the lungs are situated (the lungs sustain or preserve the body through breath). The vibration of the head is associated with Destruction or sacrifice, since all that gives up or destroys is first destroyed mentally. Hence, the entire cycle of the universe and all it contains is said to be symbolised in AUM.
+Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign for [[Hinduism]] and a vast but economical storehouse for the deep philosophy and mythology inherent in the world's oldest religion.
+Notes the ''Chandogya Upanishad'', "That syllable, is a syllable of permission; for, whenever we permit anything, we say Aum." However, this is seen by others as a myopic perspective because the same Hindu scriptures, the [[Upanishads]], that aver this function also attribute to it the divine property of the source of the universe. Aum is seen as the source of existence as we know it within the causal dimensions of time and space, and thus affirmatory meanings in languages are a natural progression. Aum is not only affirmation, but negation, and transcends both.
+The AUM sound is sometimes called "the 3-[[syllable]] [[Veda]]". The third syllable arises because in [[Devanagari]] and similar alphabets, a consonant at the end of a word is sometimes written as a separate [[consonant]] letter with the [[virama]] "no vowel" sign, and this combination is treated as a syllable when talking about Devanagari writing rather than about [[phonetics]].
+An individual's "Aum" is the sound that can be held steady the longest per breath for the longest consecutive sequence of breaths. It is called "aum" in every culture that is aware of it because it sounds like that in all humans. The lower pitches are more suited because they require less muscular contraction of the abdomen, leading to lower rates of oxygen consumption, allowing for longer time between breaths. The Aum is the exact sound that is easiest for the individual to produce.
+Once the minimization of oxygen consumption occurs (by minimization of muscular exertion), the outflow of air will be steady and quite sensitive to any forces that alter the amount of pressure in the chest cavity. One of the most notable consequences of this is that the rhythmic contractions of the heart become audible within the Aum.
+Thus, by the use of Aum:
+* one can easily hear their own heart.
+* a person can modify the pace of their heart.
+* a group of people can synchronize their heartbeats.
+==Symbolism of Om==
 [[Om]] ([[Image:Aum.svg|16px|]]), is the most sacred symbol and sound in [[Hinduism]].  Volumes have been written in [[Sanskrit]] illustrating the significance of this mystical symbol.  Although this symbol is mentioned in all the [[Upanishads]] and in all [[Hindu scriptures]], it is especially elaborated upon in the [[Taittiriya]], [[Chandogya]] and [[Mundaka]] Upanishads.
@@ Line 21: / Line 44: @@
 ::''-[[Bhagavad Gita]], 8.13''
-As a seed syllable (''[[bija]]''
+As a seed syllable (''[[bija]]'' Aum has three Hindi words. Ā and Ū and Ma. Ā is meant for Ākāra from which three names of God are built: Virât, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Ū = ūkara from which the holy names of God [[Hiranyagarbha]], [[Vayu|Vāyu]] and [[Tejas]] come, and Ma = makāra from which the holy names of God [[Ishwara]] and [[Aditya|Āditya]] and Prājyan ādi come. [[Rigveda]] mantra 1/164/46 says that God is one but His names are several. But here AUM the holy name of God is only being explained.
-===Philosophy of OM===
+OM is that name of God which contains many other names as well. Therefore, Om is called the "Supreme name of God". Pātanjala Yoga sutra 1/27 says Om is the supreme name of God and it cannot have any meaning other than God. Also Yoga sutra 1/28 says that remembering Om  and its abovesaid meaning will make the devotee happy, focused and his enlightened. [[Yajurveda]] mantra 40/17 says that Om is the name of Almighty ever existing God. Regarding this [[Manusmrti]] shlokas 11 /222,225,265 also refer.
+==Philosophy of Om==
 [[Image:Aum - Bangalore parade float.jpg|thumb|right|Aum symbol used in a parade in [[Bangalore]]]]
-According to Hindu philosophy this syllable is combined of three components: the letter A ([[alpha]]), which represents creation, when all existence issued forth from [[Brahma]]'s golden necleus; the letter U, which refers to [[Vishnu]] the god of the middle who preserves this world by balancing [[Brahma]] on a [[lotus]] above himself. The letter U with the A, produces the sound of the long Ō ([[omega]]). The M produces the prolonged resonance of the nasal cavity with the mouth closed: it is the final part of the cycle of existence, when Vishnu falls asleep and [[Brahma]] has to breathe in so that all existing things have to disintegrate and are reduces to their essence to him. This is the M of [[Mahesha]], also known as the great [[Lord Shiva]], whose long period of [[yoga]] begins so that the sensual world ceases to exists.
+According to Hindu philosophy this syllable is combined of three components: the letter A ([[alpha]]), which represents creation, when all existence issued forth from [[Brahma]]'s golden necleus; the letter U, which refers to [[Vishnu]] the god who preserves this world by balancing [[Brahma]] on a [[lotus]] above himself. The letter U with the A, produces the sound of the long Ō ([[omega]]). The M produces the prolonged resonance of the nasal cavity with the mouth closed: it is the final part of the cycle of existence, when Vishnu falls asleep and [[Brahma]] has to breathe in so that all existing things have to disintegrate and are reduces to their essence to him. This is the M of [[Mahesha]], also known as the great [[Lord Shiva]], whose long period of [[yoga]] begins so that the sensual world ceases to exists. Finally, one must not forget the silence at the end.
 Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as ''Aumkar'', which means Form of Aum, thus implying that who are limitless, the vibrational whole of the cosmos. [[Ek Onkar]], meaning 'one god' is a central tenet of [[Sikh religious philosophy]]. In Hindu metaphysics, it is proposed that the manifested cosmos (from [[Brahman]]) has name and form (nama-rupa), and that the closest approximation to the name and form of the universe is Aum, since all existence is fundamentally composed of vibration. (This concept of describing reality as vibrations, or rhythmic waves, can also be found in [[quantum physics]] and [[superstring theory]], which describe the universe in terms of vibrating fields or strings.)
 [[Image:Temple_elephant_2.jpg|thumb|right|Aum symbol on the [[Temple elephant]]'s forehead]]
-In [[advaita]] philosophy it is frequently used to represent three subsumed into one, a common theme in Hinduism. It implies that our current existence is [[mithya]], or 'skewed reality,' that in order to know the full truth we must comprehend beyond the body and intellect and intuit the true nature of infinity, of a Divine Ground that is imminent but also transcends all duality, being and non-being, that cannot be described in words. Within this metaphysical symbolism, the ''three'' are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail of the ''ॐ'' subsumed into the ultimate One, represented by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as ''[[chandrabindu]]''. Essentially, upon [[moksha]], [[mukti]], [[samadhi]], [[nirvana]], [[liberation]], etc. one is able not only to see or know existence for what it is, but to become it. In attaining truth one simply ''realizes'' fundamental unity; it is not the joining together of a prior manifold splitting. When one gains true knowledge, there is no split between knower and known: one becomes knowledge/consciousness itself. In essence, ''Aum'' is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.
+In the philosophy of [[Advaita Vedanta]] Om is frequently used to represent three subsumed into one, a common theme in Hinduism. It implies that our current existence is [[mithya]], or 'skewed reality,' that in order to know the full truth we must comprehend beyond the body and intellect and intuit the true nature of infinity, of a Divine Ground that is imminent but also transcends all duality, being and non-being, that cannot be described in words. Within this metaphysical symbolism, the ''three'' are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail of the ''ॐ'' subsumed into the ultimate One, represented by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as ''[[chandrabindu]]''. Essentially, upon [[moksha]], [[mukti]], [[samadhi]], [[nirvana]], [[liberation]], etc. one is able not only to see or know existence for what it is, but to become it. In attaining truth one simply ''realizes'' fundamental unity; it is not the joining together of a prior manifold splitting. When one gains true knowledge, there is no split between knower and known: one becomes knowledge/consciousness itself. In essence, ''Aum'' is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.
 For the scriptural esoteric explanation of ''Aum'' see [[Mandūkya Upanishad]].
@@ Line 48: / Line 73: @@
 It is also called Pranav because its sound emanates from the [[Prana]] (vital vibration), which feels the Universe. The scripture says "Aum Iti Ek Akşara Brahman" (Aum that one syllable is [[Brahman]]).
-== OM according to Vedic Scholars ==
-Vedic scholars do not believe in several gods. According to them God is one but his names are plenty. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient and formless. Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma etc are names of the God. The meanings of [[Veda]] [[mantra]]s are fully understood after studying Rishi Panini's [[Ashtadhyi]] and [[Mahabhashya]]. So according to [[Vedic]] scholars:-
-Aum has three Hindi words. Ā and Ū and Ma. Ā is meant for Ākāra from which three names of God are built: Virât, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Ū = ūkara from which the holy names of God [[Hiranyagarbha]], [[Vayu|Vāyu]] and [[Tejas]] come, and Ma = makāra from which the holy names of God [[Ishwara]] and [[Aditya|Āditya]] and Prājyan ādi come. [[Rigveda]] mantra 1/164/46 says that God is one but His names are several. But here AUM the holy name of God is only being explained.
-VIRĀT: The word Virāt is made from "dhatu" 'Rajrideeptau' i.e., manifest. Therefore Virāt means "He who manifests the universe". As God manifests the universe, thus Virāt is the name of God. Rigveda mandal 10, sukta 129 states that like a [[potter]] makes a [[pot]] from [[clay]], similarly God creates the universe from non-alive matter called "prakrti", which means "making or placing first". Prakrti is unseen matter. From unseen matter, the whole universe is created in the visible form. Science also says that matter is never destroyed but changes its form. If a paper is burnt, the paper changes its form into ashes. Then the ashes are crushed and thrown in air. At this moment, the paper changed into ashes becomes invisible but was never destroyed. Similarly the whole universe at the time of final destruction is turned into prakrti i.e., into unseen form.
+== Om in Jain tradition ==
+In [[Jainism]], Om is regarded to be a condensed form of reference to the five parameshthis. "Om" one akshara, is made from the initials of the five [[parameshthis]]. It has been said: "Arihanta, Ashiri (i.e. siddha), Acharya, Upadhyaya, Munis(sadhus)"
-AGNI: From dhatu, "ANCHU GATI PŪJANAYOHO" the word "AGNI is made. Its meaning is --- He who is a form of wisdom. "SARVAJAYEN" i.e., [[omniscient]], i.e., knows even every atom of the universe and even beyond the universe too. He who is to be known, to be gained and worshippable. So Agni is a name of God.
+== Om in Buddhist tradition ==
+With [[Buddhism]]'s evolution and breaking away from Vedic/Hindu tradition, Aum and other symbology/[[cosmology]]/philosophies are shared with the Hindu tradition.
-VISHWA: the word Vishwa is made from dhatu, "VISHPRAVESHANE". Its meaning is "in whom the universe is entering" or "He is entering the universe". So being omnipresent, Vishwa is the name of God.
+In Buddhism this [[syllable]] is almost never [[transliteration|transliterated]] as ''Aum'', but instead as ''Om''.
+[[Image:Mani_mantra.jpg|right|thumb|The mantra in [[Tibetan script |Tibetan script]].]]
-HIRANGARBHA = i.e., " JYOTIRVAYIHIRANYAM". Its meaning is, who is the base of all sun, etc., luminous lokas or He who is the living place of all luminous [[loka]]s.
+In Tibetan Buddhism, this syllable is also incorporated in the [[mantra]] "[[Om mani padme hum|Om Mani Padme Hum]]", which is probably the most famous [[mantra]] in [[Buddhism]], the six syllabled mantra of the [[bodhisattva]] of compassion, [[Avalokiteshvara]].
-VĀYU: The word vāyu came from "VA GATIGANDHANYOHO". Its meaning is "He who holds, gives life and destroys and the mightiest amongst all". So a name of God is Vāyu.
+This mantra possesses many meanings, a popular translation is "Hail the jewel in the lotus". [[Aum|Om]] = Hail, [[Mani]] = [[Jewel]], [[Padme]] = [[Nelumbo nucifera|Lotus]] and [[Hum (disambiguation)|Hum]].
-TEJ: Thwe word Tej is made from "TIJA NISHANE", who is self-made and self-enlighted and gives light to [[sun]], [[moon]], [[star]]s etc. God does not take light from anywhere else but gives light to sun, moon, stars, etc. so the unbroken, unobstructed/unproduced, and eternal shape of light is Almighty God and not sun, moon etc. So a name of God is Tej.
+However, the scholar Donald Lopez provides a thorough discussion of the mantra and its various interpretations in his book ''[[Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West]]'' (ISBN 0226493113). Lopez challenges the conventional analysis of the mantra as "The Jewel in the Lotus", an interpretation supported by neither linguistic analysis nor Tibetan tradition. He suggests that Manipadme is actually the name of a bodhisattva, a form of Avalokiteshvara who in any case has many other names, including Padmapani or ''lotus flower in hand''. The Brahminical insistence on absolutely correct pronunciation of Sanskrit broke down as Buddhism was exported to other countries where the inhabitants found it impossible to reproduce the sounds. So in Tibet, for instance, where this mantra is on the lips of many Tibetans all their waking hours, the mantra is pronounced Om mani peme hum.
-ISHWAR: The word Ishwar came from dhatu, "ISH ASHWERIYE". Its meaning is "whose knowledge is thoughtful and true and has unlimited wealth, fortune and glory etc". Therefore a name of God is Ishwar. Here it is not out of place to mention that soul (man/woman) has limited qualities and are dependent whereas God is independent and has unlimited qualities that is why He is God.
+According to Gen Rinpoche, ''The mantra Om Mani Pädme Hum is easy to say yet quite powerful, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics, and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience. Päd, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom.''
-ĀDITYA: The word Āditya came from dhatu, "DO AVAKHANDANE". Its meaning is "the one who cannot be broken into pieces and thus cannot be destroyed". So God's name is Aditya.
+: ''So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. The path of these six perfections is the path walked by all the Buddhas of the three times. What could then be more meaningful than to say the mantra and accomplish the six perfections?''
+<div align="right">— [[Gen Rinpoche]], ''[[Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones]]'' (ISBN 0877734933)</div>
-PRAJAYEN (PRAGYA): The word Prajayen came from dhatu, "JYEN AVABODHANE", "whose wisdom is totally without any misunderstanding and thus he who knows every manner and behavior of whole the universe without misunderstanding". So God's name is Prajayen. So here also it not out of place to mention that illusion can never attack on God and God is totally free from illusion.
+This character "Om" appeared as "唵" in Chinese Buddhist scripts in [East Asia]].
-Thus OM is that name of God which contains many other names as well. Therefore, Om is called the "Supreme name of God". Pātanjala Yoga sutra 1/27 says Om is the supreme name of God and it cannot have any meaning other than God. Also Yoga sutra 1/28 says that remembering Om  and its abovesaid meaning will make the devotee happy, focused and his enlightened. [[Yajurveda]] mantra 40/17 says that Om is the name of Almighty ever existing God. Regarding this [[Manusmrti]] shlokas 11 /222,225,265 also refer.
-== Om in Jain tradition ==
-In [[Jainism]], Om is regarded to be a condensed form of reference to the five parameshthis. The Dravyasamgrah quotes an ancient Prakrit line:
-:ओम एकाक्षर पञ्चपरमेष्ठिनामादिपम्  तत्कथमिति चेत  "अरिहंता असरीरा आयरिया तह उवज्झाया मुणियां",
-:oma ekākşara pañcaparameşţhitāmādipam tatkabhamiti ceta "arihatā asarirā āyariyā taha uvajjhāyā muņiyā"
-"om" one akshara, is made from the initials of the five [[parameshthis]]. It has been said: "Arihanta, Ashiri (i.e. siddha), Acharya, Upadhyaya, Munis(sadhus)"
-Thus ओं नमः  ({{IAST|oṃ namaḥ}}) is a short form of the [[Namokara mantra]].
-<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[image:Whn03_1.jpg|thumbnail|right|tibetan Om]] —>
-== Om in Buddhist tradition ==
-With [[Buddhism]]'s evolution and breaking away from Vedic/Hindu tradition, Aum and other symbology/[[cosmology]]/philosophies are shared with the Hindu tradition. This character often appeared as "唵" in Buddhist scripts in [[East Asia]].
-In Buddhism this [[syllable]] is almost never [[transliteration|transliterated]] as ''Aum'', but instead as ''Om''.
-This syllable is also incorporated in the [[mantra]] "[[Om mani padme hum|Om Mani Padme Hum]]".
 ==Om in Sikh tradition==
-[[Image:ekonkar.stylised.png|right|frame|Stylised ''Ek Onkar'']]
+[[Image:ekonkar.normal.png|right|frame|The Sikh Mantra ''Ek Onkar'']]
-[[Image:ekonkar.normal.png|right|frame|Simple ''Ek Onkar'']]
-[[Ek Onkar]] (also {{lang|pa|ੴ}}, {{lang|pa|ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ}}, Ik Onkar) means ''one God'' and is a central symbol of the unity of God in [[Sikhism]], and is commonly found on [[Gurdwara]]s. [[Guru Nanak]], the founder of the Sikh religion, used the word Onkar to state the concept of a monotheistic God rather than the Tri-Deity concept that Om had become mired in at the time of his presence in the world, namely that Om had come to represent the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (The Sustainer) and Shiva (the Destroyer). Instead, Guru Nanak, by placing the number 1 in front of Onkar, propagated the basic principle of Sikhism - that the creative, sustaining and destructive energies are all embodied in the One Almighty, thereby directly opposing the Trinity interpretation that had become commonplace at the time.
+[[Ek Onkar]] (also {{lang|pa|ੴ}}, {{lang|pa|ਇਕ ਓਅੰਕਾਰ}}, Ik Onkar) means ''God is One'' and is a central symbol of the monotheistic unity of God in [[Sikhism]].  Thi symbol is commonly found in Sikh temples ([[Gurdwara]]s). [[Guru Nanak]], the founder of the Sikh religion, used the word Onkar to state the concept of a monotheistic God rather than the Tri-Deity concept that Om had become mired in at the time of his presence in the world, namely that Om had come to represent the trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (The Sustainer) and Shiva (the Destroyer). Instead, Guru Nanak, by placing the number "One" in front of Onkar, propagated the basic principle of Sikhism - that the creative, sustaining and destructive energies are all embodied in the One Almighty, thereby directly opposing the Hindu Trinity interpretation that had become commonplace at the time.
 This is further clarified by Guru Nanak in his composition:
@@ Line 110: / Line 117: @@
 Ek Onkar is the start of the Sikh [[Mool Mantra]] - the root basis of all Sikh sacred thought, and the first phrase of the Sikh Guru embodied in scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].
-== Pronunciation of AUM ==
-"A - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel
-U - rolls over the tongue
-M - ends on the lips ;
-A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping
-It is the sum and substance of all the words that can emanate from the human throat. It is the primordial fundamental sound symbolic of the Universal Absolute." [http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa061003b.htm].
-In fact, when correctly pronounced, or rather, ''rendered'', the "A" can be felt as a vibration that manifests itself near the [[navel]] or [[abdomen]]; the "U" can be felt vibrating the chest, and the "M" vibrates the cranium or the head. The abdominal [[vibration]] symbolises [[Creation]]; It is interesting that the "creative" or reproductive organs are also located in the lower abdomen. The vibration of the chest represents Preservation, which is also where the lungs are situated (the lungs sustain or preserve the body through breath). The vibration of the head is associated with Destruction or sacrifice, since all that gives up or destroys is first destroyed mentally. Hence, the entire cycle of the universe and all it contains is said to be symbolised in AUM.
-Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign for [[Hinduism]] and a vast but economical storehouse for the deep philosophy and mythology inherent in the world's oldest religion.
-Notes the ''Chandogya Upanishad'', "That syllable, is a syllable of permission; for, whenever we permit anything, we say Aum." However, this is seen by others as a myopic perspective because the same Hindu scriptures, the [[Upanishads]], that aver this function also attribute to it the divine property of the source of the universe. Aum is seen as the source of existence as we know it within the causal dimensions of time and space, and thus affirmatory meanings in languages are a natural progression. Aum is not only affirmation, but negation, and transcends both.
-The AUM sound is sometimes called "the 3-[[syllable]] [[Veda]]". The third syllable arises because in [[Devanagari]] and similar alphabets, a consonant at the end of a word is sometimes written as a separate [[consonant]] letter with the [[virama]] "no vowel" sign, and this combination is treated as a syllable when talking about Devanagari writing rather than about [[phonetics]].
-An individual's "Aum" is the sound that can be held steady the longest per breath for the longest consecutive sequence of breaths. It is called "aum" in every culture that is aware of it because it sounds like that in all humans. The lower pitches are more suited because they require less muscular contraction of the abdomen, leading to lower rates of oxygen consumption, allowing for longer time between breaths. The Aum is the exact sound that is easiest for the individual to produce.
-Once the minimization of oxygen consumption occurs (by minimization of muscular exertion), the outflow of air will be steady and quite sensitive to any forces that alter the amount of pressure in the chest cavity. One of the most notable consequences of this is that the rhythmic contractions of the heart become audible within the Aum.
-Thus, by the use of Aum:
-* one can easily hear their own heart.
-* a person can modify the pace of their heart.
-* a group of people can synchronize their heartbeats.
-===Omkara===
 The [[Sanskrit]] word ''omkāra'' (from which came [[Punjabi]] ''onkār'', etc), literally "OM-maker", has two families of meanings:-
 * [[Brahma (god)]] in his role as [[creator]], and thus a word for "creator".
@@ Line 142: / Line 124: @@
 In the [[Rig-veda]] we find the following information;
 "One who chants om, which is the closest form of Brahman, approaches Brahman. This liberates one from the fear of the material world, therefore it is known as tarak brahman."
-"O [[Vishnu]] your self-manifest name, om, is the eternal form of cognizance. Even if my knowledge about the glories of reciting this name is incomplete, still, by the practice of reciting this name I will achieve that perfect knowledge.
-"He who has unmanifested potencies and is fully independent, manifests the vibration omkara, which indicates Himself. [[Brahman]], [[Paramatma]], and [[Bhagavan]] are the three forms He manifests."
-"Aum takes the form of [[Gayatri]], then [[Veda]] and [[Vedanta sutra]]; then it takes the shape of [[Srimad Bhagavatam]] and the [[lila]], the divine pastimes, of the Lord."
 [[Krishna]] says in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] 7.8 and 9.17,  "I am Om", and that one must chant Om thinking of Him in order to attain Him personally ('mam anusmaran', 8.13).
 "From the beginning of creation, the three words '''om tat sat''' were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmanas while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme." (Bhagavad Gita 17.23)
-"Just as a spider brings forth from its heart its web and emits it through its mouth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead manifests Himself as the reverberating primeval vital air, comprising all sacred Vedic meters and full of transcendental pleasure. Thus the Lord, from the ethereal sky of His heart, creates the great and limitless Vedic sound by the agency of His mind, which conceives of variegated sounds such as the sparsas. The Vedic sound branches out in thousands of directions, adorned with the different letters expanded from the syllable om: the consonants, vowels, sibilants and semivowels. The Veda is then elaborated by many verbal varieties, expressed in different meters, each having four more syllables than the previous one. Ultimately the Lord again withdraws His manifestation of Vedic sound within Himself." ([[Bhagavata Purana]] 11.21.38-40)
-== in Western popular culture ==
-[[The Moody Blues]] closed their [[In Search of the Lost Chord]] with a song entitled Om.
-The [[Beatles]] reference the symbol in their ''[[Let It Be (album)|Let It Be]]'' song "[[Across the Universe]]", singing "Jai Guru Deva Aum," meaning "Salute Guru Deva, Aum."
-[[The Prodigy]] released a single called [[Narayana]], which included as the chorus, the mantra 'Om Namo Narayana'. Meaning 'All Glories to Lord Narayan'.
-[[Madonna]] had a temporary tattoo (mehendi) of the symbol "OM" in her palm for her song [[Frozen]], from the album "Ray of Light".
-[[John Coltrane]] released a work entitled "Om" which begins with an allusion to the [[Bhagavad Gita]].
-Dr. [[Wayne Dyer]] refers to "om" as "the sound of that which is manifested" in his book "Manifest Your Destiny".
-Poet [[T.S. Eliot]] ends his masterpiece, ''[[The Wasteland]]'', with "Shantih shantih shantih," the ending of the [[Upanishad]]. He seems to have deliberately left out the "Om" that precedes this phrase.
-The symbol is also the main representive of the [[Goa trance music]].
 ==External links==
 *[http://www.atmajyoti.org/med_om_in_upanishads.asp Om in the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Sutras]
 * [http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa022200.htm About.com on AUM in Hinduism]
-*[http://www.om-page.de/indexE.html OM shape resembles shape of the black hole at the center of our galaxy]
 * [http://www.hindunet.org/aum/ Hindu Symbolism of AUM]
 * [http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/om Om - An inquiry into the aesthetics, mysticism, and philosophy of Om]
-*[http://www.omsakthi.org/worship/mantra.html Om and Mantras: The Meaning of Om (This group tries to embrace all religions)]
 * [http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articledt.php?art_id=180 Om - The Symbol of Absolute]
 * [http://www.mandalayoga.net/pretty_print.php?rub=what&p=mantra_om&lang=en The Mantra Om — Symbol of Primordial Vibration]
@@ Line 183: / Line 139: @@
 * [http://www.muktinath.org/hinduism/om-aum.htm Interreligious backgrounds on AUM (OM, OHM)]
 * [http://www.om108.net/pics/ Collection of Om pictures (Sanskrit style)]
+* [http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hung.htm The Meaning of the Mantra in Tibetan Buddhism]
+* http://www.khandro.net/practice_mantra.htm
 [[Category:Philosophy and religion]]  [[Category:Religion]]
-{{Credit|Aum|57591161}}
+{{Credit2|Aum|57591161|Om_mani_padme_hum|57119901}}