The OM/AUM symbols and mantra explained
We uncover a deeper understanding of the world and those that dwell within it through our daily activities and reflections. We often come across signs and symbols that on some innate level gives us hope. These signs and the hope that they bring create a shift in awareness to free the spirit. This clears a path for a simple shift in thought so that we may become meta-human. This connection helps us know that we are not alone in this vast universe of energy.
Sacred signs and symbols are the language of our higher selves. When we allow the natural flow of love-light energy into our lives, those signs become ever more present within our reality.
Today we bring our focus to the OM symbol & mantra.
The ‘Om’, ‘Ohm’ or ‘Aum’ symbol originated from Hinduism and is both a mantra and a sign rich in deep spiritual meaning. The many spellings of this mantra is due to its translation from Sanskrit. The Om symbol was included in the Vedas. These are the most ancient Hindu scriptures that were written in early Sanskrit. The Om mantra is often referred to as the breath of the universe. The Om sound is done as a short, 'seed' mantra which is chanted to help connect with the physical body’s energized centers or Chakras.
The Om symbol is also known to represent the Hindu god Ganesha, also called Ganapati. He is depicted as the elephant-headed idol in Hinduism. Known as the god of beginnings, his name means “Lord of the People”. This God was one of the most widely worshipped in the Hindu Traditions.
The AUM & Its elemental characteristics
The Om symbol means or comes from the states of consciousness that Aum represents. The letter 'A' represents the waking state, 'U' represents the dream state and 'M' is the unconscious state, or state of deep sleep.
Aum is said to represent the three realms: Earth, Heaven and the Underworld. As well as the Hindu triumvirate of Gods: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer), and Shiva (the destroyer). Many also strongly believe that the AUM also represents three states of consciousness (Waking , dreaming, and dreamless sleep)
The Three states of consciousness (AUM)
(Jagrat) represents the A in the manta which is our waking state. This is where time and space prevail and we identify with our senses. It's where we are outwardly focused and direct our attention to the exterior world.
(Swapna) represents the U in the manta which is our dream state, or REM sleep. Time and space also prevail here, but often in a warped sense not possible in the waking state. This is where your focus is more inwardly directed.
(Sushupti) represents the M in the mantra. This is the deep sleep state. Here we are unconscious, looking towards the next and unrealized afterwards. Here there is no time or space.
The Om symbol is a combination of curves, a dot and a crescent
The bottom curve represents the waking state of consciousness.
The middle curve represents the dream state.
The upper curve represents deep sleep.
The crescent shape above the curves represents illusion
The dot at the top of the symbol represents the absolute state (fourth state of consciousness and bliss that connects with the divine.)
How do you pronounce AUM?
A, pronounced as a prolonged "awe."
As you do this you should feel the vibration at your chest, solar plexus and throat. Note- Remember to start at the back of your throat!
U, pronounced as a prolonged "oo," this will be a where your throat muscles are engaged as the sound slowly gyrates forward along your upper palate.
M, pronounced as a prolonged "mmmm" that reverberates through the top of your mouth and into your nostril; your teeth should lightly touch.
Now feel the deep silence of the infinite, of healing and of conscious awareness. Remember to fuse your chant from the M to the deep silence and start again.
The OM Mantra Chant and benefits
Sound, frequency and vibration are all key components to the mind-body healing process. Using this beautiful sacred chant can create cohesion and balance naturally; especially within your throat chakra. The vibratory frequency associated with the OM chant is 432 Hz which is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature.
A paper pushished in 2019 by the Psychological thought P.SY.C.T stated the Om meditation not only affects the various parts of the brain, such as the pre-frontal cortex, vagus nerve, amygdala and others, but also affects the heart rate and respiratory rate. The paper went on to showcase the evidenced capability of Om meditation in curing anxiety and depression.
Understanding this sacred symbol, its mantra and the states of consciousness connected to it can help open doors to fullness and potential that will enrich your life. We already feel the connection between who we think we are and who we can be.
I believe that this mantra is here to offer us an out- if just for a second- the out from our stress filled, pharmaceutical poisoned, monomaniacal life. It offers us a chance to connect with the higher part of ourselves that yearn for more spiritual and physical connection. In this way we may find peace in our breath, body, and voice.
