The om symbol It is used in meditation, yoga or as a kind of sacred mantra. Although it is represented with the popular symbol, widely used in tattoos, the om symbol it is a sound. Considered in Hinduism as the origin of mantras, songs or divine and powerful words. If you have sung or heard this sound, you probably don’t know much about it yet. Therefore, we will tell you some facts that you did not know about the om symbol.
What does the OM symbol mean?
Well, in Hinduism it is the symbol of the essential and means union with the supreme, the combination of the physical with the spiritual. It is considered the sacred syllable and the sound from which all other sounds arise, whether they be music or divine language.
The OM sound represents one of the most sacred mantras of the dharmic religions. Also, it is called the «sound of the universe» because it is believed to be in every particle of our galaxy. By pronouncing it or singing it during meditation, a kind of vibration is created within us that is synchronized with the cosmos.
It is considered a mantra because it has Sanskrit origin that means «mind and liberation». So the OM is used in personal or group meditation. Almost all prayers and sacred readings are preceded by the pronunciation of the OM.
How is the sound of the OM symbol pronounced?
The sound emitted when singing the om symbol pronounced “AUM” and is made up of four elements:
- The first sound is A, which is pronounced as a long “AH”. The sound starts at the back of the throat. When doing it, you can feel the chest vibrating.
- The second is laU, which is pronounced with the prolonged sound of the letter “O” (“OOO”). The sound gently transfers the vibration to the back of the mouth, which can also be felt in the throat.
- The third element is M, and it is pronounced as a long “EMMM”, the lips begin to come together and the front teeth begin to touch slightly. The vibration is now felt in the mouth and throughout the head.
- The last element is the profound silence of infinity. When pronouncing it, it closes the lips, which is like closing the door to the outside world and turning inward on ourselves.
What does the OM symbol represent?
This symbol, in addition to being widely used in yoga and meditation as a sacred hymn, is also appreciated in written form because it symbolizes some issues that are very significant. The om symbol It represents:
- A state of awakening, the mind is active and perceives the stimuli of the material world around it.
- A state of pure consciousness, peace, and supreme happiness, as well as a state of disconnection.
- A state of ignorance that keeps us far from who we really are, the so-called Mayan Veil.
- A state of sleep or wakefulness, we are apparently asleep but all our senses are active.
- A dream state, in which we are unaware of everything around us.
Are there benefits of chanting the OM?
Chanting the OM has many benefits, both psychologically and physically. It is proven by studies that it has an effect on the pineal gland. This is responsible for producing melatonin. Also called the hormone of youth because it helps remove free radicals from our cells. So it delays aging.
Similarly, it influences the pituitary gland, which is the one that secretes the hormones that regulate homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of all living things to maintain an internal and external balance within the body.
By chanting this mantra the nervous system slows down and the mind calms down. In India it is very common to see the OM symbol on the doors of houses, temples, shops, restaurants, they use it to harmonize energies.
What do the elements of the OM symbol mean?
The om symbol It is composed of 5 elements and each one has a meaning.
- Element 1, Swapna: It is located at the bottom left. It is the lower part of the 3 (which, in fact, is not a 3) represents the waking state. There the mind perceives the world through its 5 senses. It is the most common state of consciousness of those of human beings.
- Element 2, Shushupti: On the right side, that figure that is born between the two curves that make up the species of 3, is the intermediate state. A dream state, between deep sleep and the waking state.
- Element 3, Jagrat: The top of that 3 is the unconscious state, the deep sleep state.
- Element 4, Bindu: is the point of om symbol, located at the top, represents the fourth state of consciousness. It is a state of peace of mind, of stillness and joy. That is why the sound of OM that corresponds to this point is silence.
- Element 5, Turiya: It is the semicircle or line below the point, and represents a barrier that prevents us from reaching the absolute state of happiness from the three previous states of consciousness. We can realize that the line and the dot do not touch, which means that this barrier cannot affect that state of peace, even if it is difficult to reach it.
Why is the OM sung?
For those who practice yoga or meditation, reciting this kind of mantra or sacred sound is like recognizing their connection with all living beings, nature and the Universe. In this way, they are in tune with the origin of life and movement. Everything in the universe is vibrating, everything is in constant change and transformation, nothing remains still.