Importance of 'Aum'

Posted on 16/01/2015 I by: Priya Sharma

The Hindu symbol 'Aum' or 'Om' is one of the most important symbols of Hinduism.Aum is a syllable in Sanskrit which is supposed to be the first sound of the Universe. The symbol is described as the all-encompassing mystical entity in the Upanishads. The vibration created by the chanting of Aum symbolises that manifestation of God. The sound is the reflection of absolute reality.

As per Mandukya Upanishad, The 'A' stands for the state of wakefulness, in which we experience everything externally through our mind and sense organs. The 'u' stands for the dream state, in which we have inward experience. The sound 'm' represents the sate of deep sleep where there is no desire and consciousness is gathered in upon itself.

The Aum symbol also represents the holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Symbolically the three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti) and it's 3 main characteristics, beginning of the universe the life period of universe destruction of the universe

The sound AUM, when chanted, vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz, which is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature.

So, when we chant Aum the vibration in us resonates with the universal vibration which elevates us from our normal state of consciousness and connects us to that of the divine which helps us in realising our true self.