What does the OM symbol mean?
Aum has many meanings and is quite abstract. Some consider it to be the sound that the universe made when it came into being. It is also a symbol representing the Atman (soul) and Brahman (Impersonal Absolute or Ultimate Reality). It is also considered to be the essence of everything within the universe. "That word which all the Vedas record, which all penances proclaim, which humans desire when they live as religious students, that word I tell thee briefly, it is Om.' That (imperishable) syllable means Brahman, that syllable means the highest (Brahman); he who knows that syllable, whatever he desires, is his.' —Katha Upanishad, 1. 2. 15-16
What does the Om (or Aum) Symbol mean ॐ?
I know a little bit about it, I have read a few article on what it symbolizes and what it means but, i don't really understand. All the articles say close to the same thing, but i'm still a bit confused. Does it represent internal peace, silence within, or that it is the first sound of the universe? I'm really interested in Hinduism, so i think understanding this will be helpful to learn more about the religion. Thank you! (:
Why is AUM used for destruction...? What does it destroy?
Aum is the root Beeja mantra (seed mantra) from Hinduism and also used by Buddhist, Jains and sikhs. As respected Radhakrishna ji said it destroys the veil of Maya, destroys the ignorance, the bad karma and the negativity. Why is aum sacred..? Aum is the most mysterious word in the Universe. It does not belong to any language (not even sanskrit)..and it has no meaning in worldly languages. AUM is thought to be the Eternal Sound. IT IS THE SOUND of GOD THAT GIVES CONSCIOUSNESS TO THE MOTHER NATURE TO START ACTING. Aum has three sounds A...U....M. ... " A " signifies the beginning of the universe. U signifies the life period of universe and; M signifies the destruction of the Universe. Hence Aum is the only word which notifies the three main work of God that is creation, operation and destruction of srishti (Universe). This represents the three first forms of God viz. are Brahmaa (creator), Vishnu (operator) and the destructor (The Shiva). Most of the mantra in Hinduism start with the word AUM, because AUM is the consciousness and the other words in a mantra are Nature or Prakriti. AUM in itself is a complete Mantra and its chanting is sacred and brings enlightenment. It is truely called MAHA MANTRA. It does not belong to any language...it is primodal vibration of the consciousness which created the universe AUM has four steps A...U....M and the last one silent A = Physical plane , wake-state of mind, Beginning,Brahmaa, U = Astral Plane, dream state of mind, Manifestation,Vishnu, M = Causal Plane, dream-less state , Destruction,Rudra Fourth unspoken sound = Turiya, beyond universe, Enlightened state AUM is a great mantra. It is a Sagun Mantra, Nirgun Mantra and Beeja Mantra alll in One...hence it is called Mantra-raja.. king of all the mantras. Recitation of Aum brings peace and happiness, divine visions, Anahad sounds... destroys Maya, ignorance and negativity....and finally Enlightenment