Posted by Bansi Pandit on October 14, 1997 at 14:57:19:
In Reply to: OM posted by Chriss on October 04, 1997 at 01:38:37:
: I spent the summer taking a course on religious studies.
: My assigned area of research was Hinduism.
: I enjoyed this a great deal and found many truths in
: the Hindu faith.
: I came across a few brief references to OM as a
: meditation sound, also foudn it referred to as the
: silent sound of the universe.
: I'm sure there is more to it than this...but I was \
: unable to find any good reference.
: I'd be excited and thankful for any responses regarding
: what OM is.
: Thank you,
: Chriss
Response:
OM (also written as AUM), the most sacred mantra of Hindu religion, is associated with symbolism as well as mysticism. As a word, OM is the name of God. Thus, when we say OM, we are essentially calling on God. When written in Sanskrit, the shape or form of OM symbolizes the immanent and the transcendental aspects of the Ultimate Reality. Thus OM symbolizes, God, the entire universe of things and beings, and what is beyond the universe. The sound of OM is the original sound which brought forth the vibratory creation. In deep meditation one can hear this sound which is present in nature. The sound of OM is produced by the motion of the atoms, electrons, molecules and subatomic particles. OM also is a mystic switch that turns on the mystic power. This mystic power can be developed by chanting OM in accordance with the instructions of a spiritually awakened guru (teacher). The sound of OM calms down the mental disturbances and tunes up the mind for greater efficiency and receptivity. In Hindu religious tradition there is no word higher than OM, no sound more auspicious than OM, and no mantra more sacred than OM. In the words of the Katha Upanishad, “The goal that all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they lead the life of continence, I will tell you briefly: It is OM. This syllable is the highest. Whosoever knows this syllable, obtains all that he desires.”