Meaning of Om (Aum)
One finds the first references to ‘Om’ is in the Mandukya Upanishad. Om is said to be imperishable in this text and to be all states of time, past, present, and future, as well as transcending time itself. The symbol consists of 5 parts — Lower Large Curve, Upper Smaller Curve, Middle Curve, The Dot, Maya (the Crescent).
Each aspect of Om’s visual form represents a different state of reality. The large lower curve represents the normal waking state, where the mind identifies with the physical body and perceives the world through the sense in this state.
The upper curve represents the unconscious state, or deep sleep (Sushupti). This is a state of complete unconsciousness in which one is in a deep, dreamless sleep and has withdrawn from all physical and mental activities.
The middle curve (Swapna) represents the dream state. The dream state occurs between deep sleep and waking sleep and is where a person explores their subconscious. As our fears, hopes, and desires manifest in an imaginary world, our consciousness turns inwards.
The dot represents enlightenment. In this state, a person becomes in tune with the absolute, realising that all creation is made up of spirit and that they are all connected by that commonality. This state transcends the ordinary senses and can only be attained by connecting with spiritual energy.
Maya is represented by the crescent, which separates the three curves from the dot. Maya is the illusion that binds a person’s soul to the physical world. By chanting Om, one can reach the dot of enlightenment and transcend the three curves of material consciousness. The meaning of Om is simple. Om encompasses everything in the universe and is the essence of ultimate reality. The vibrations produced by the Om sound energise the chakras throughout the body, particularly the third eye and crown chakras, which assist us in connecting with our Divine selves.
It is believed that the God of Creation “Brahma’s” thoughts caused a vibration that became the sound Om, which resulted in the creation of the world. Om is also known as Pranava, which means “control of one’s life force.”
As faiths are generally built around some holy trinity, the three phonetic components of Aum represent the rule of three. Aum represents not only the three states of consciousness but also the three realms: Earth, Heaven, and the Underworld, as well as the Hindu Gods: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer).
