OM is a short Mantra – and OM is everything – the whole Universe
As a syllable, OM is holy in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
In all Hindu religions, OM is considered the most sacred of all mantras.
OM is a character from the Sanskrit alphabet, it´s a very common symbol and often used when referring to Yoga and Meditation.
OM consists of A, U, and M and therefore stands as a symbol for the trinity of the consciousness energies of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (maintenance), and Shiva (destruction).
Interpretation of OM
We could also interpret the union of the three main masculine divinities and the force within the Universe as follows.
- Brahma gives you the power to awaken, like a flower in springtime.
- Vishnu supports your being with consistency and perseverance.
- Shiva helps you to develop strength, to recognize negativity, and to free yourself from it.
It can also be translated into states of consciousness: Awake (outward), dream (inward), and deep sleep (calmness/peace without sensing external or internal objects).
Quietness or soundlessness, the fourth is not spoken out loud. It´s more felt at the very end of saying the Mantra out loud. As a soundless, but vibrating, nasal humming, combining A, U, and M.
Why do we often hear, that OM contains the whole Universe, or is the whole Universe?
- OM is thought of as “EVERYTHING THAT EVER WAS AND EVERYTHING THAT WILL EVER BE”.
- OM is also considered the past, the present, and the future.
In Hinduism, OM is believed to be the sound of all creation and, as I feel it, therefore is everything that ever was, and because the sound is ongoing, not like a big-bang, that happens once and that´s it, it also contains the past, present and the future.
It keeps going, is still expanding.
It creates, maintains, and deconstructs.
OM is not just a character or symbol that is used on your Yoga-Essentials to make them look a bit more holy. No. It´s present energy that expands and contains everything.
For us at innerOM, it stands for POWER, CONSISTENCY, STRENGHT, POSITIVITY, CALM THOUGHTS, BALANCE, ROOTS, PERCERVANCE, POSSIBILITY, LEARNING, PEACE, AND A FREE MIND.
A short practice with OM
Try what it does to you and your body when you say OM out loud and slowly.
A, U, M and an almost soundless, nasal humming after the “M” that represents the states of consciousness and combines the trinity of A, U, and M.
Sit down, close your eyes, and allow yourself to feel what OM is capable of when you say it out loud.
- Can you feel how your body starts to vibrate?
- Can you feel how OM sets the tone for more balance?
- Can you feel how your breath calms down and your mind starts to rest?
- What do you feel?
Don´t worry if you won`t quite experience an overwhelming feeling that rushes through your body and mind just now. Like everything, being mindful, trying, and getting better at new things, takes time and practice. Keep going – it´ll make a difference.
If you want to experience what OM can do for you, guided by one of our instructors, take part in one of our Meditation or Yoga Classes.