Monday, March 9, 2015

AUM - The Sound Of Universe

The mystic sound "AUM" which is also called as "Omkara" and "Pranava" and typically mentioned as "OM" is the supreme syllable and symbol of Sanathan Dharma. It is a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of reading Vedas and also prior to any Mantra.  Hence it is also known as the root mantra and bija (seed) mantra. No one can ever tell the complete meaning of this by just words. Rather it has to be realized and felt by one's own personal experience. As a very average human being, I do not consider myself "fit" to explain about this supreme mantra. I am submitting this post with great humility, care and caution. Please accept my humble apologies in case of any mistakes or errors. I have collected data over many sources and as usual will provide links and references wherever needed. considering the nature of the article, I have not added quick view.








Explanation As Per Mandukya Upanishad : 



The syllable "AUM" has been explained by many scholars and many texts. But there is an Upanishad which talks only about this supreme syllable and that is "Mandukya Upanishad". It consists of just twelve verses expounding this mystic syllable. The explanation according to this Upanishad is given below as it is :

  • "This syllable "AUM" is this whole universe. What was and is and is yet to be - All of it is "AUM" and whatever else the three times transcends - That too is "AUM"
  • "The self is Brahman. The self has four quarters. The first quarter is the waking state, conscious. The second one is the state of dream. The state of deep sleep is the third quarter and the fourth one being ultimate bliss devoid of duality.
  • "The syllable "AUM" signifies the above four quarters (or) stages of self."


"A" -  The waking state, common to all men, is the first letter A. It signifies "Apti" (obtaining) or "Adimattva" (what is in the beginning). He who knows this obtains all his desires and becomes the beginning.

"U" - The state of dream, composed of light is the second letter U. It signifies "Utkarsa" (exaltation) or "Ubhayatva" (partaking of both). He who knows this exalts the continuum of knowledge and becomes like (Brahman).

"M" The state of deep sleep, the wise, is the third letter M. It signifies "Miti" (building up) or "Apiti" (absorption). He who knows this builds up the whole universe in very deed and is abosrbed (into it).

The fourth quarter (or) stage is beyond all letters. There can be commerce with it. It brings all development to an end. It is mild and devoid of duality. Such is "AUM" the very self indeed. He who knows this merges of his own accord (atmana) into the self.





Hindu scriptures - By Dominic Goodall

AUM is also represented as divine energy unified in its three elementary aspects : Brahma (creation), representing A, Vishnu (preservation), representing U and Shiva (liberation/destruction), representing M.




"AUM" and its vibrations :



Cymatics, the study of visible sound co vibration have researched and presented some stunning images and videos about the vibration of the sound "AUM'.  Please take a look.....






Wave front formations in a drop of water (video) :






Cymatic imagery of sacred chant recorded inside the Great Pyramid (video) :







Each syllable in AUM creates vibrations in different parts of the body. "A" in abdomen, "U" in throat and "M" in brain.




Effects of  chanting "AUM" :


















Can Women Chant "AUM"?


It is generally said that chanting "AUM" mantra alone produces more body heat which can affect the reproductory system of a women. Hence women (especially pregnant women) are not advised to chant this mantra as such. But they can chant other mantras preceded by AUM.







Sound of cosmos : 


AUM is said to be the primordial sound that was present at the creation of the Universe. It is the cosmic sound of the vibrating Universe. Quantum physics also agrees that vibration (sound) is the essence of all forms of creation. Almost all sounds have the rhythm of AUM in it. It represents the primal energy in its fullest from creation to eventual destruction.

Everything physical in this Universe is a manifestation of vibrational waves. The primordial vibrations of atoms and molecules are thus represented by AUM.


References :


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