Importance of Aum
- Maia Mitchell
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
The Significance of Aum in Hinduism
1. Aum (ॐ), also spelled as Om,
2. is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hinduism.
3. It is considered the most important mantra and is often referred to as the "primordial sound" or the "sound of the universe."
4. Aum is composed of three syllables:
5. A, U, and M
6. which represent various fundamental triads in Hindu philosophy.
Sources and References
Aum is extensively mentioned in Hindu texts, Vedas and Upanishads. Ex
1. Mandukya Upanishad: This Upanishad is entirely dedicated to the explanation of Aum. It consists of 12 verses that describe the four states of consciousness represented by
Aum: Waking (Vaishvanara),
dreaming (Taijasa),
deep sleep (Prajna), and the transcendental state (Turiya).
2. Chandogya Upanishad: Aum is described as the essence of the Vedas. The syllable Aum is equated with the ultimate reality, Brahman. The Upanishad states, "Om iti etad akṣaram udgītham upāsīta"
(One should meditate on this syllable Aum, as it is the Udgitha).
3. Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of Aum.
4. In Chapter 8, Verse 13, Krishna says,
5. "Om ity ekākṣaraṁ brahma vyāharan mām anusmaran" (Uttering the one-syllabled Aum, which is Brahman, and remembering Me, one who departs, leaving the body, attains the supreme goal) [2].
Shlokas and Mantras
Here are some significant shlokas and mantras that include Aum:
1. Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
Translation: "We meditate on the glory of the Creator; who has created the Universe; who is worthy of worship; who is the embodiment of knowledge and light; who is the remover of all sin and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellect."
2. Aum Namah Shivaya:
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Translation: "I bow to Shiva."
3. Aum Mani Padme Hum:
ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ
Translation: "Hail the jewel in the lotus."
Philosophical Significance
Aum is not just a sound but a profound symbol that encapsulates the essence of the entire universe. It represents the threefold division of time (past, present, and future) and the states of consciousness. The Mandukya Upanishad explains that meditating on Aum leads to the realization of the self and the ultimate reality, Brahman [1].
In conclusion, Aum is a powerful and sacred symbol in Hinduism, deeply embedded in its spiritual practices and philosophical teachings. It serves as a bridge between the individual self and the universal consciousness, guiding practitioners towards self-realization and enlightenment.
References
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