WHAT IS “OM”

OM or AUM is the most important and significant word of Mantra tradition. It is considered as the root mantra of all mantra. In a majority of Mantra, you will find OM. 

OM is the most often chanted sound among all the sacred sounds on earth. This sound is considered as the sound of the existence. 

It is believed that the whole universe, in its fundamental form, is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om is considered as the humming sound of this cosmic energy. 

OM is said to be the original primordial creative sound from which the entire universe have manifested. It is also known as the 'Anahat Nada', the "Unstruck Sound". This means the sound that is not made by two things striking together. 

If you observe the nature of sound you'll find that all ordinary audible sound are produced by the striking of two objects : bow and strings, drum and stick, two vocal cords, waves against the shore, winds against the leaves, bat against the ball, tires against the road etc. In short all sounds within our range of listening are produces by things visible or invisible, striking each other or vibrating together, resulting in pulsating waves of air molecules which  we interprets as sound. 

In contrast to the above, OM is the sound which is not the result of the striking of two objects. It rather emanates on its own. It is the primal sound of the universe that contains all sounds in itself.  

The meaning of OM 

Well unlike all other mantra, there is no meaning of OM. It is actually not a word, it is a sound. As per Hindu tradition, OM is the purest name of God. It is the sound of the supreme consciousness. So when you repeat OM, you actually take the name of God. (The Hindu meaning of God is Wisdom, not a deity or being as we see humans as beings).

Now without going into the further philosophical explanation of OM, let us learn how to meditate using OM. Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind it its divine source. The chanting of OM several time loud, purifies the atmosphere. 

Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take some deep breath. Now chant at least 3 times OM in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Teak deep breath and chant AAAAuuuuuuoooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of OM. Do this for 3 or 8 times. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a small chanting of OM. 

Listen to the sound of the Universe:  Let us listen to the sound of OM. You are requested to listen carefully. This sound of OM produces instant positive vibrations and takes the listener to a state of mental stillness. 

Chanting the OM mantra for 15 minutes daily can produce remarkable effect in you. This mantra will help you to calm the mind, settled the thought process and realize the self. (One would need to work up to chanting for this long.  Daily practice starting with 3 Om's per day for one week.  Then do eight Om's, adding eight each week until you are comfortable chanting for 15 minutes)