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OM THE COSMIC VIBRATION:
The sound OM is considered to be the mantra of all mantras, the primeval sound from which all
other sounds emerged, the mother sound, or even the origin of creation.
When you chant Om, it is best to begin chanting the three sounds separately. Inhale, then on
the exhalation pronounce 1/3 of the breath as a long A (as in yog-a), 1/3 of the breath as U (as
in home) and the final 1/3 as M (like humming). Listen to the two samples below to hear
examples of the sacred syllable chanted as discussed here.
Listen to OM Chanted as A-U-M:
OM ACCORDING TO B.K.S. IYENGAR:
"Aum: According to Sri Vinoba Bhave, the Latin word Omne and the Sanskrit word Aum are
both derived from the same root meaning all and both words convey the concepts of
omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.
"The symbol AUM is composed of three syllables, namely the letters A, U, M, and
when written has a crescent and dot on its top.
- "The letter A symbolizes the conscious or waking state, the letter U the dream state and
the letter M the dreamless sleep state of the mind and spirit. The entire symbol together
with the crescent and the dot, stands for the fourth state, which combines all these states
and transcends them. This is the state of samadhi.
- "The letters A, U and M symbolize respectively speech, the mind and the breath of life,
while the entire symbol stands for the living spirit, which is but a portion of the divinity
spirit.
- "The letters also represent the dimensions of length, breadth and depth while the entire
symbol represents Divinity, which is beyond the limitations of shape and form.
- "The three letters A, U and M symbolize the absence of desire, fear and anger, while the
whole symbol stands for the perfect man, one whose wisdom is firmly established in the
divine.
- "They represent the three genders, masculine, feminine and neuter, while the entire
symbol represents all creation together with the creator.
- "They stand for the three gunas or qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas, while the whole
symbol represents the gunatita, one who as transcended and gone beyond the pull of the
gunas.
- "The letters correspond to the three tenses - past, present and future - while the entire
symbol stands for the Creator, who transcends the limitations of time.
- "They also stand for the teaching imparted by the mother, the father, and the Guru
respectively. The entire symbol represents Brahma Vidya, the knowledge of the Self, the
teaching which is imperishable.
- "The A, U and M depict the three stages of yogic discipline, namely, asana, pranayama
and pratyahara. The entire symbol represents samadhi, the goal for which the three
stages are the steps.
- "The represent the triad of Divinity, namely, Brahma - the creator, Vishnu - the
Maintainer, and Siva - the Destroyer of the universe. The whole symbol is said to
represent Grahman from which the universe emanates, has its growth and fruition and
into which it merges in the end. It does not grow or change. Many change and pass, but
Brahman is the One that ever remains unchanged.
- "The letters A, U and M also stand for the mantra "Tat Twan Asi' ('That Thou Art'), the
realization of man's divinity within himself. The entire symbol stands for this realization,
which liberates the human spirit from the confines of his body, mind, intellect and ego.
- From Light on Yoga, pgs 50-51
OM IN THE UPANISHADS:
'"I will give you the Word all the scriptures glorify and which all spiritual disciplines express, to
attain which aspirants lead of a life of sense-restrain and selflessness. It is Om. This symbol of
Brahman is the highest. Realizing it, one finds complete fulfillment of all one's longings. It is of
the greatest support to all seekers. "
- From the Katha Unpanishad (I, ii, 15-17)
Take the great bow of the sacred scriptures, place on it the arrow of devotion; then draw the
bowstring of meditation, and aim at the target, the Lord of Love. Om is the bow, the soul is the
arrow, and Brahman is called its target. Now draw the bowstring of meditation and hitting the
target, be One with It.
- From the Mundaka Upanishad (II, ii, 3-4)
Fire is not seen until one firestick rubs across another, though the fire is still there, hidden. So
does Brahman remain hidden until being revealed by the mantram Om. Let your body be the
lower firestick and the mantram Om be the upper. Rub them against each other in meditation
and realize Brahman.
- From the Shvetashvatara Upanishad (1, 13-14)
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