OM - AUM-OHM
OM
OM, like Amen and Ahmeen means the Divine which manifests as all that is. OM is the "word" as in; "in the beginning was the word" which means primal sound or vibration from which all other names and forms arise and to which we all return. OM is the Alpha and the Omega
Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind in it's Divine Source. If you chant OM several times out loud it purifies the atmosphere: try it:-)) Chant at least 7 OM's in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Take a deep breath in and start the exhalation with Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh then Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh then Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Then take another deep breath in and do the same thing again for seven repetitions. Then sit for a moment of Silence. You will be amazed! Experience is better than all the words.
Also try repeating OM as a mantra for meditation. Repeat OM silently to yourself. When the mind wanders bring it _gently_ back to OM again and again. Please see the Universal Meditation instructions on OM's Home Website for further meditation instructions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SYMBOL OM
The symbol Aum (also called Pranava), is the most sacred symbol in Hinduism. Volumes have been written in Sanskrit illustrating the significance of this mystic symbol. Although this symbol is mentioned in all the Upanishads and in all Hindu scriptures, it is especially elaborated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads. From the Katha Upanishad (- I, ii, 15-17):
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 Aum. The syllable Aum is indeed Brahman. This syllable Aum 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.
The symbol of Aum consists of three curves, one semicircle and a dot. The lower curve denotes the waking state, the upper curve denotes deep sleep, and the right-side curve (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state. These three states of an individual’s consciousness, and therefore the entire physical phenomenon, are represented by the three curves. The dot signifies the Absolute (fourth or Turiya state of consciousness), which illuminates the other three states. 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 and the world. Aum is made out of the three gods Shiva and Ganesh and Gayatri.
Uttering the monosyllable Aum, the eternal world of Brahman, One who departs leaving the body (at death), he attains the superior goal.
-Bhagavad Gita, 8.13
When Om is a part of a place name (for example Omkareshwar), or is used as a man's name, it is spelled phonetically using ordinary letters of whatever Indian alphabet is used in the area.
THE MOST SACRED SYMBOL & TRADITION IN HINDUISM
OM (also Aum or Ohm,) 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. It first appeared prominently in the Vedic Tradition. As a seed syllable (bija), it is also considered holy in Esoteric Buddhism.The Aum symbol is a ligature of Devanagari ओ+ँ (auṃ, encoded in Unicode at U+0950 ॐ, the Tibetan script variant ༀ at U+0F00).
Tradition
Found first in the Vedic scriptures of Hinduism, Aum has been seen as the first manifestation of the unmanifest Brahman (the single Divine Ground of Hinduism) that resulted in the phenomenal universe. Essentially, all the cosmos stems from the vibration of the sound 'Aum' in Hindu cosmology. Indeed, so sacred is it that it is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu mantras and incantations. It is undoubtedly the most representative symbol of Hinduism.
The OM symbol's left part, which looks like a figure 3, looks like the form of the û vowel used as a syllable with no attached initial consonant (in the Devanagari script ऊ (Unicode U+090A); but it is actually based on a Brahmi version of ओ (the vowel ô as written without an initial consonant). The nasal sound is indicated by a chandrabindu (U+0901).
THE DAY OF OM- LET US TRY
Each year, May 23rd will be the Day of Om.
On May 23rd, around 500 Beats Internet time, all humans on this planet will chant together the syllable Om.
For information about 500 Beats Internet time
For the duration of one minute all human beings worldwide, will be thinking the same thought, feeling the same feeling and doing the same thing....Chanting Om.
The energy created will pervade the entire universe. In each heart and each soul we will recognize that we will only find a way toward a peaceful future, for our species and all others, -together.
We are one family: Mankind!
We possess only one home: Planet Earth!
We all need Peace!
Therefore let us keep this intention on the "Day of Om" .
Please support the "Day of Om" and tell everyone, everywhere, of this event for world peace and harmony.
Carry this message of unity everywhere: into all countries of this earth, into all cities, and to everyone in our human family!
On this day forget: all walls, all wars, and overcome all ideological divisions.
It lives - the day of Om!
PHILOSOPHY & IMPORTANCE
According to Hindu philosophy this syllable is combined of three components: the letter A, which represents creation, when all existence issued forth from Brahma's golden necleus; the letter U, which refers to Vishnu the god of the middle who preserves this world by balancing Brahma on a lotus above hims Brahman is the highest of all. OM is his name. Om is also your real name. It covers the threefold experiences of man. From Om this sense world has been projected. The world exists in Om and dissolves in Om.
Om is the greatest of all mantras (mystic formula). Om bestows direct liberation. All mantras begin with Om. Om is the life, the soul, of all mantras. Every Upanishad begins with Om. Oblations that are offered to the various gods are all preceded by Om.
All languages, all sounds, come out of Om. The essence of the four Vedas is Om. A-U-M covers the whole range of sound vibrations. A starts from the root of the tongue, U proceeds from the middle and M comes from the end, by closing the lips.
Om is the source of all religions and scriptures. This sacred monosyllable is the means of liberation from the bonds of matter. It leads one, stage by stage, to the highest bliss. It is fit for the lowest as well as for the highest and most advanced intellect. It is fit for the Brahmachari (celibate-student) as well as the Sanyasin (monk). It is fit for any condition.
Om is your birthright. It is the common heritage of all. It is the word of power. It fills the devotee with spiritual strength, vigour and energy when chanted with harmony and rhythm. It brings inspiration and intuition. It elevates the mind. It is a spiritual food and tonic. It is full of divine potency. Live in Om. Meditate on Om. Inhale Om. Exhale Om.
Rest peacefully in Om. Take shelter in Om. May that Om guide you.
Om stands for all phenomenal worlds. From Om this sense universe has
been projected. Om has been formed by adding the letters A-U-M; A
represents the physical world; U represents the mental and the astral
planes, the world of spirits, all heavens; and M represents the deep
sleep state and, even in the waking state, all that is unknown,
beyond reach of the intellect. Om therefore represents all. It is the
basis of your life, thought and intelligence. All words that denote
objects are centered in Om - hence the whole world has come from Om,
rests in Om and dissolves in Om.
Brahman is the highest of all. OM is his name. Om is also your real name. It covers the threefold experiences of man. From Om this sense world has been projected. The world exists in Om and dissolves in Om.
Om is the greatest of all mantras (mystic formula). Om bestows direct liberation. All mantras begin with Om. Om is the life, the soul, of all mantras. Every Upanishad begins with Om. Oblations that are offered to the various gods are all preceded by Om.
All languages, all sounds, come out of Om. The essence of the four Vedas is Om. A-U-M covers the whole range of sound vibrations. A starts from the root of the tongue, U proceeds from the middle and M comes from the end, by closing the lips.
Om is the source of all religions and scriptures. This sacred monosyllable is the means of liberation from the bonds of matter. It leads one, stage by stage, to the highest bliss. It is fit for the lowest as well as for the highest and most advanced intellect. It is fit for the Brahmachari (celibate-student) as well as the Sanyasin (monk). It is fit for any condition.
Om is your birthright. It is the common heritage of all. It is the word of power. It fills the devotee with spiritual strength, vigour and energy when chanted with harmony and rhythm. It brings inspiration and intuition. It elevates the mind. It is a spiritual food and tonic. It is full of divine potency. Live in Om. Meditate on Om. Inhale Om. Exhale Om.
Rest peacefully in Om. Take shelter in Om. May that Om guide you.
Om stands for all phenomenal worlds. From Om this sense universe has
been projected. Om has been formed by adding the letters A-U-M; A
represents the physical world; U represents the mental and the astral
planes, the world of spirits, all heavens; and M represents the deep
sleep state and, even in the waking state, all that is unknown,
beyond reach of the intellect. Om therefore represents all. It is the
basis of your life, thought and intelligence. All words that denote
objects are centered in Om - hence the whole world has come from Om,
rests in Om and dissolves in Om.
