17 April 2014

O for Om/Aum, vibration of the supreme

                                                    
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Om or Aum is the amalgamation of three sounds. A-U-M
Considered the most basic yet all encompassing symbol of Hinduism it has a corresponding sound, a sound that mystics consider to be the Primeval sound. The vibration of the Supreme. A vibration the energy of which was the beginning of creation.

The Om is venerated by Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism as far as I know.

When I was about ten I read a superb novel by Gurudutt, a hindi writer, Prabhat Bela- a work of fiction based on this belief. This novel and the extra-ordinarily lovely thought behind it left an imprint on my psyche. Somehow I had to share this with you dear reader. Now let's get back to more about the Om or Aum.

The object of profound contemplation and Dhyana, not only the whole Aum but also each of the three sounds, A-U-M is supposed to have the highest spiritual efficacy and chanted in the beginning at the end of most Mantras.

It is the essence, the meaning of everything, a sound which heals, soothes, calms and opens up everything that needs opening within us. It grounds, balances and is a wonderfully simple tool for voice-culture too.

Chanting the Om sound as a long drawn sound, using the entire torso space to make the sound- lengthens the exhale, increases lung capacity, sends massaging-soothing vibrations into the organs and allows the brain to function in a better capacity.

It is supposed to encompass everything and so knowing the Om is knowing everything.

This little post of mine is a tiny glimpse and it is up-to you dear reader to contemplate/delve into this further, if you so wish. Here are various symbols used for the primal sound, if you move your cursor over the symbol you will get to know the associated script.

                                     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddha%E1%B9%83_alphabet



      


                                


       



                              

I leave you today with this representation of the Ik Onkaar, the Om symbol in Sikhism, in the Gurmukhi script.

Thanks for visiting dear reader, do leave me a comment I shall be grateful, come back everyday and I shall love you for it :)
                              
The link below will take you to all the other blogs participating in the April blog challenge. There is a huge variety of theme and the bloggers have worked with great interest to bring you well written, interesting posts.

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

11 comments:

Beloo Mehra said...

Yes, this had to be the post for O! In the Pondicherry Ashram here, there is an Om choir. It is a divine experience to go there and just keep chanting the mystical sound of Om. The pictures of AUM in different scripts are a great addition to the post - they bring home the point to me of how everything is in fact symbolic of the One Energy, Energy of the AUM.

Beauty Interprets, Expresses, Manifests the Eternal

Prasanna Rao said...

When we were practicing Yoga we had to meditate for last few minutes, control our thoughts and keep chanting Om. It used to give me so much peace, a feeling complete serenity.

Maggie said...

Yes. Om is supposed to have a calming effect. I've been told to chant 'Om' each day. Thanks for a great post! May be meditation will soon happen!

The 2 AM Writer

Nabanita said...

OM certainly has a calming effect..I chant it when I'm scared or worried..pretty much for anything!

O for Ostracized-Random Thoughts Naba

Unknown said...

I have been chatting it for past 14 years and that's why I am sane, i guess

~S(t)ri
Participant|AtoZ Challenge 2014
Smile, it makes (y)our day!

Unknown said...

I learned to do this last year when I started meditation/yoga group.. But didn't know all this information about the sound- very interesting! Try to do a small meditation every day (not managing now in atoz-time...) but it is great- like a clenaing of my mind. Big thanks again- my mentor:-) :-)

Jayanta said...

I have personally experienced the calming effect of Om. It really sounds divine to me.The collection of different symbols are great. Thanks for sharing.

Jemima Pett said...

This is a lovely post. Thank you!
Jemima
#TeamDamyanti
Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April

Anonymous said...

Absolutely...It is said to be the center of all, and everything else revolves round it. It means 'I am' which is the inner side of a person...

peppylady (Dora) said...

Not knowing much about the faith you listen. I visit a Buddhist temple and I found there service quite enlightenment.
The Orthodox does chanting and majority of the service is musical bases.

Came in from A to Z challenge.

Coffee is on

Sunila said...

Thanks for all the comments dear fellow bloggers :)