Om has been said to be the sound of the universe.
According to the ancient Hindu Mandukya Upanishad, “Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but a development. The past, present and future are all included in this one sound and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it.”
Put it simply, every time we chant the Om we ingest the wisdom of seeing our inner self, expel the notion of material self, and come to the realization that we are but a seed on the vast and powerful universe that we are a part of.
The Symbol
The Om sound is called “Pranava” in the Sanskrit and the name of the character that represents it is Omkar.
Interestingly, this character has a profound meaning to it that is definitive of the whole concept of Om, read on…
The Bottom Left Curve: The A that begins the O Sound
This is representative of our moving mind, and is the biggest one as this is the state that we’re mostly at. It is said that its tapered form is indicative that it’s hard for us to determine if the mind is moving and where the boundaries separating our true self and worldly things begin.
The Right Curve: The U that finishes the O Sound
This part is symbolic of focusing on one thing at a time. The curve is an almost circle, the little gap representing one of the main pillar of yoga practice, redefining the world while engaging and experiencing it at the same time.
Top Left Curve: The M Sound
This represents the mind after the second curve’s reconstruction of our identities to help us recognize our true self. This state of freedom and clarity is known as “Vairagya”.
Notice that the curve is similar to the first curve but it does not taper; this is indicative of the wisdom of knowing the lines that separates the inner formless self and the finite and ever changing non-self.
The Dot: Silence after the Sound
The dot symbolizes the infinite non-thing or “Isvara” In yoga philosophy and it is representative of the infinite that is found in every being which is also inseparable from the infinite that underlines everything in the universe.
The placement of the dot is indicative that we need the body and the mind in order to reach freedom.
Horizontal Curve: Two Way Mirror
This represents our failed attempts to find happiness as we have a tendency to define it with the aid of material things. The curve makes us realize that when we define happiness by worldly possessions, we only see a reflection of more things, thus we cannot find contentment.
As a symbol and sound, om serves as a reminder to go inward. It invites us to recognize the true clarity and the truth of who we are...which is always inside of us.
For your own gentle reminder of the meaning of Om, check out our Sacred Geometry Om Mandala Necklace to remind you to look within. More info here.
Edited by Puja S.
Source: Kripalu via Huffington Post
