Before the beginning, the Brahman (absolute reality) was one and non-dual. It thought, “I am only one —may I become many.” This caused a vibration that eventually became a sound, and this sound was Om. Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of Om. The closest approach to Brahman is: Om.
Thus, this sacred word has become emblematic of Brahman just as images represent material objects.The vibration produced by chanting Om in the physical universe corresponds to the original vibration that firrst arose at the time of creation. The sound of Om is also called Pranava, meaning that it sustains life and runs through Prana or breath. Om also represents the four states of the Supreme Being. The three sounds in Om(AUM) represent the waking, dream and deep sleep states andthe silence which surrounds Om represents the “Turiya” state.
Because the first of the three states of consciousness is the waking state, it is represented by the sound “A”. Because the dream state lies between waking and deep sleep, it is represented by the letter “U” which lies between the “A” and “M”. The last state of consciousness is the deep sleep state and is represented by “M”. This closes the pronunciation of Om just as deep sleep is the final stage of the mind at rest. Whenever Om is recited in succession there is an inevitable period of silence between two successive words. This silence represents the “fourth state”, or “Turiya”—the state of perfect bliss when them individual self recognizes his identity with the supreme.
The Symbol Om: Just as the sound of Om represents the four states of Brahman, so does the symbol Om written in Sanskrit.The material world of the waking state is symbolized by the large lower curve. The deep sleep state is represented by the upper left curve. The dream state, lying between the waking state below and the deep sleep state above, emanates from the confluence of the two. The point and semicircle are separate from the rest and rule the whole. The point represents the turiya state of absolute consciousness. The open semicircle is symbolic of the infinite; the meaning of the point can not be grasped if one limits oneself to nite thinking.
1. The chanting of Om drives away all worldly thoughts and removes distraction and infuses new vigour in the body. When you feel depressed, chant Om fifty times to feel restored. The chanting of Om is a powerful tonic. When you chant, you feel you are the pure, all pervading light and consciousness. Those who chant Om repeatedly will have a powerful, sweet voice. You can chant Om whenever you like: while taking a stroll, or while taking a break at work. You can also sing ‘Om’ in a beautiful way. The rythmic pronunciation of Om makes the mind serene and focused, and infuses all spiritual qualifications which ensure self-realisation.
Those who do meditation of Om daily will acquire tremendous spiritual power. They will have lustre in their eyes and face.
Meditation on Om: Retire to a quiet place, sit down, close your eyes and completely relax your muscles and nerves. Concentrate on the space betweenyour eyebrows and silence the conscious mind. Begin to repeat “Om” mentally while associating the ideas of infnity, eternity, immortality and realisation. You must repeat Om with the feeling that you are the infinite and all-pervading.
Mere repetition of Om will not bring the desired result. Keep the meaning of Om always at heart. Feel Om. Feel that you are the pure, perfect, all-knowing, eternal, free, Brahman. Feel that you are absolute consciousness and the infinite, unchanging existance. Every part of your body should vibrate with these ideas. This feeling should be kept up all day long. Practice regularly and steadily with sincerity, faith, perseverance and enthusiasm both in the morning and in the evening.
(Adapted from Karma magazine)