OM

HINDU DHARMA AND OM:
The ancient syllable “OM” is the shortest of the Mantras and in Indian tradition it is a word suggestive of God. The scriptures tell us that “OM” is the planets primordial vibration from which the entire universe has arisen. All other sounds are contained within it. It is believed that “OM” is the mother of all languages. Repetition of “OM” enables us to maintain mental and emotional calmness, overcome obstacles and enable understanding.

The most sacred symbol in Hindu dharma - Aum (OM) is the sound of the infinite. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or previously to any prayer or mantra. The Mandukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the explanation of this syllable.

The syllable is mentioned in all the Upanishads as the explanations for the three sounds a (a-kāra), u (u-kāra), m (ma-kāra), which it consists of. A-kara means form or shape like earth, trees, or any other object. U-kara means formless or shapeless like water, air or fire. Ma-kara means neither shape nor shapeless (but still exists) like the dark matter in the Universe.
By sound and form, AUM symbolizes the infinite Brahman (ultimate reality) and the entire universe. In the Vedas, AUM is the sound of the Sun, the sound of Light. It is the Sound of Assent (affirmation) and Ascent (it uplifts the soul).

WHAT DOES AUM OR OM STAND FOR?
· A - Creation, U - Preservation, M - Destruction or dissolution
· The Three Murthis : Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
· The Three States : Waking, Dream and Deep Sleep
· The Three Gunas : Rajas, Satva, Tamas
· The Three planes of existence : Heaven (Swarga), Earth (Martya) and Netherworld (Patala)

HOW TO CHANT?
The first is A, a sound that comes from the belly, is formed in the open throat, and is voiced with the mouth open. As with many alphabets, A is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet. The second aspect is the U, a sound that is formed in the middle of the mouth. The mouth is not as wide as it is for sounding the A. With the third sound, M the mouth closes. The sound rises to the nasal passages, from where the resonance, the forth aspect of “OM” issues forth.

POSITIVES OF CHANTING OM:
· Scientifically, it clears the nasal passages thereby reducing the possibilities of any breathing disorders. Pranayama – the breathing practice is specifically based on OM chanting.
· Psychologically, it calms done the mind and thought process. It increases concentration and also the efficiency at work.
· Myth logically, it helps the souls rest in peace and also uplifts it for what is called the Mukthi. OM when chanted with other prayers it is supposed to remove the flaws in the chanting.