The most sacred symbol in Hindu dharma. OM (Aum) is the sound of the infinite. Aum is said to be the essence of all mantras, the highest of all matras or di vine word (shabda), brahman (ultimate reality) itself. Aum is said to be the essence of the Vedas.
The three portions of AUM relate to the states of waking, dream and deep sleep and the three gunas (tamas, rajas, satva)
The lovliest explanation of OM is found within the ancient Vedic and Sanskrit traditions. One can read about OM in the Manduka Upanishad, which explains the four elements of AUM as an allegory of the four planes of consciousness.
"A" (pronounced "AH" as in "father") resonates in the center of the mouth. It represents normal waking consciousness, in which subject and object exist as separate entities. This is the level of mechanics, science, logical reason, the lower three chakras. Matter exists on a gross level, is stable and slow to change.
Then the sound "U" (pronounced as in "who") transfers the sense of vibration to the back of the mouth, and shifts the allegory to the level of dream consciousness. Here, object and subject become intertwined in awareness. Both are contained within us. Matter becomes subtle, more fluid, rapidly changing. This is the realm of dreams, divinities, imagination, the inner world.
"M" is the third element, humming with lips gently closed. This sound resonates forward in the mouth and buzzes throughout the head. (Try it!) This sound represents the realm of deep, dreamless sleep. There is neither observing subject nor observed object. All are one, and nothing. Only pure consciousness exists, unseen, pristine, latent, covered with darkness. This is the cosmic night, the interval between cycles of creation, the womb of the divine Mother.
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