AUM
Aum (File:Aum.svg) also Om, 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. Indeed, Aum is so sacred that it is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It first came to light in the Vedic Tradition of Hinduism, and is also considered to be holy in Buddhism, Sikhism, and some new religious movements such as Eckankar.
In Hindu cosmology, all of the cosmos is said to stem from the vibration of the sound 'Aum,' which is seen as a manifestation of Brahman (ultimate reality). In India, the mantra 'Aum' is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism, and its depiction (File:Aum.svg) can be seen virtually everywhere as a standard sign for the vast but concise storehouse of philosophy and mythology in Hinduism. All religions utilize sacred sounds either in their rites or prayers, and the 'Aum' mantra is considered to be one of the most sacred sounds of the world that has been embraced by a variety or religious traditions and is found in different cultural contexts.
Pronunciation of Aum / Om
The ‘AUM’ sound is sometimes called "the 3-syllable Veda." When correctly pronounced, ‘Aum’ has three sounds: “A” - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel. “U” - rolls over the tongue, and “M” - ends on the lips. 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 “M” produces the prolonged resonance of the nasal cavity with the mouth closed and represents the final part of the cycle of existence. The abdominal vibration symbolizes creation and it is often noted that the "creative" or reproductive organs are also located in the lower abdomen. The vibration of the chest represents preservation, which is where the lungs are situated (the lungs sustain or preserve the body through breath). The vibration of the head is associated with sacrifice or destruction, since all that one gives up or destroys is first destroyed mentally. Hence, ‘Aum’ is considered to be 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] According to Hindu scripture, it is said:
- 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
Indeed, the entire cycle of the universe and all it contains is said by Hindus to be symbolised in 'Aum.' Thus, 'Aum' is not simply one sound among many, according to Hinduism, but is said to be the most sacred sound that encompasses all sounds.
Symbolism of Aum / Om
The symbol of 'Aum / Om' contains three curves, one semicircle and a dot. Each aspect of its appearance is said to symbolize something deeper. The large lower curve symbolizes the ordinary waking state of consciousness; 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. The dot signifies the Absolute state of consciousness (known as Turiya), which illuminates the other three states (A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping). 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 'Aum' symbolizes the infinite Brahman and the entire universe.
In Hindu mythology, 'Aum' has another symbolic meaning: the letter ‘A’ also represents the process of creation, when it is said that all existence issued forth from Brahma's golden nucleus; the letter ‘U’ refers to Vishnu, the god who is said to preserve this world by balancing Brahma on a lotus above himself. The ‘M’ symbolizes the final part of the cycle of existence, when it is said that 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, the silence at the end of the mantra symbolizes the period between death and rebirth. One must not forget that this silence is an important part of the mantra.
Hindu Philosophy and Aum/ Om
In the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, ‘Aum’ 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 paradigm, the three are represented by the lower curve, upper curve and tail subsumed into the ultimate One, indicated by the little crescent moon-shape and dot, known as chandrabindu. Essentially, upon attaining moksha, mukti, samadhi, nirvana, liberation, etc., one 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. For many Hindus, 'Aum' is the signifier of the ultimate truth that all is one.
Hindu Dvaita (Dualism) philosophy teaches that 'Aum' is an impersonal sound representation of Vishnu/Krishna while Hari Nama is the personal sound representation.
Popularity of Aum/ Om in Hinduism
‘Aum’ (File:Aum.svg) by far is the most popular and sacred symbol and sound in Hinduism and volumes have been written that seek to illustrate its significance. "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).
The various Upanishads also comment on the centrality of Om in Hindu thought, especially the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads. For example, the Katha Upanishad states:
- 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. (I, ii, 15-17)
In the popular Bhagavad Gita Krishna says, "I am Om" (Ch. 7.8 and 9.17), and one must chant "Om" while thinking of Krishna in order to attain Him personally (Ch. 8.13). The popular prayer and chant to Shiva, "Om Namah Shiva" also utilizes the sacred sound of Om.
Hindu Gods and Goddesses are sometimes referred to as Aumkar, which means “Form of ‘Aum.’” ‘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 as mirroring the image of ‘Aum.’
Non-Hindu Uses of Aum / Om
Mantras that include the sacred sound of 'Aum / Om' are used in many different religious contexts for different purposes. Some specific examples are as follows:
Aum / Om in Buddhist tradition
Since Buddhism arose out of Hinduism, it is not surprising that the mantra 'Aum' was absorbed into the Buddhist tradition; however, Buddhists almost never transliterate it as ‘Aum,’ but use ‘Om’ instead.
There are many Buddhist mantras that incorporate the sound of ‘Om’ into their formulation. Probably the most famous of these is the six-syllabled mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. The common translation of this mantra is, "Hail the jewel in the lotus" (‘Aum’ = Hail, ‘Mani’ = Jewel, ‘Padme’ = Lotus and Hum). However, the scholar Donald Lopez, in his book Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West, challenges this conventional translation, which he claims to be 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 difficult 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."
In China, the character ‘Om’ appeared as "唵" in Chinese Buddhism, and was also utilized in prayers towards Amitbha Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, among other sects.
Om in Sikh tradition
The concept of ‘Om’ continues to play a prominent role in Sikhism. The Sikh prayer, known as the Mool mantra, begins with the expression, Ek Onkar (meaning “God is One”). Ek Onkar is 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; literally "OM-maker”) has a twofold meaning: 1) Brahma in his role as creator, and thus a word for "creator"; 2) writers' term for the ‘Om’ sign. Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, placed the number "One" in front of Onkar, to propagate 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 (Trimurti) interpretation that had become commonplace at the time. This symbol of Ek Onkar (see insert) is commonly found in Sikh temples, known as Gurdwaras, and represents monotheism.
Om in Jain tradition
In Jainism, ‘Om’ is regarded to be a condensed form of the five parameshthis. ‘Om’ is said to be made from the initials of the five parameshthis. It has been said: "Arihanta, Ashiri (i.e. siddha), Acharya, Upadhyaya, Munis (sadhus)."
Conclusion
For both Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, this syllable is so sacred and laden with spiritual energy that it should only be pronounced with complete concentration and proper motivation to be efficacious.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Lopez, Jr., Donald S. 1998. Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226493113
External links
- ‘Om’ in the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Sutras
- About.com on ‘AUM’ in Hinduism
- Hindu Symbolism of ‘AUM’
- ‘Om’ - An inquiry into the aesthetics, mysticism, and philosophy of ‘Om’
- ‘Om’ - The Symbol of Absolute
- The Mantra ‘Om’ — Symbol of Primordial Vibration
- The Way of Pranáva (a complete study of the process of pronouncing ‘AUM’ by Gabriel Pradiipaka)
- Interreligious backgrounds on ‘AUM’ (‘OM,’ ‘OHM’)
- Collection of ‘Om’ pictures (Sanskrit-style)
- The Meaning of the Mantra in Tibetan Buddhism
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