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What is Om? Significance of Om in Hinduism

Are you wondering what is Om and its significance in Hinduism? Consider how every Guru Sampradaya reveres ‘AUM’ as integral to the path of self-realisation.  Almost every mantra has 'Om' in it, doesn't it? It is believed that starting your early morning chanting 'AUM' or listening to the chant can transform your energy. It is important to be aware that the actual sound of the chant is A-U-M though we often write or refer to it as 'Om'.


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Why is Om most powerful?

The sound of 'AUM' is often referred to as 'Pranava'. As Swami Vivekananda once said while describing the splendour of this word as "The only possible symbol wich covers the the whole ground....there is none other like it." And he further referred to 'AUM' as 'Nada Brahaman' which means the 'Sound of the Supreme One'.


Why is Om chanting so powerful?

Swami Chinmayananda, known as one of the greatest exponents of the Bhagawad Gita, explains that the word 'A' represents the waking state, 'U' represents the dream state and 'M' represents the dream state.


Swami Chinmayananda further says:

1. To every mantra, OM is added. Without 'OM', no sacred chant has its power.

2. A mantra has no life in it without the Pranava.

                 

What is the secret of the Om mantra?

Without 'AUM', how do you begin your baby steps in your spiritual journey? Let me put it in a simpler way. Can you score a single mark in any exam without preparing or studying for it over a period of time? Then, why do we ask for short cuts and instant results on our spiritual journey, which is a more impactful journey? You cannot expect successful outcomes without devoting time and putting in sincere, disciplined efforts first. 


Your first step of tuning into your higher awareness begins with 'Om'. If you are sincere on the path of self-realisation, chanting Om is your first step. Your gender, your country, your community and such external factors do not matter at all.


As my beloved and revered Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai says, "The Upanishads praise Pranava as the cause of Creation. It is extolled as quenching grief. Why? He who ruminates on AUM, ever aware of its significance, can steadily move to an Awareness of the Real, behind all this unreal Appearance, of the Paramatatthwa itself."


Benefits of chanting Om
It is not possible to list out all the life-transforming benefits of chanting Om. 

To put it simply, regular chanting is important to cleanse your thoughts and control your mind. It also cleanses your chakras and brings positive energy in your self and your environment.

How to Contemplate on AUM
Different spiritual masters have recommended chanting Om as part of your daily routine. In fact, Sri M shares a highly powerful technique to contemplate on Om every day. He says that you can visualise 'Om' in Devanagari script in golden letters. Begin this practice and while doing so, send out sincere prayers for the well being of the world. This was taught to Sri M by the much revered Mahavatar Babaji.

When you begin this practice, always send out sincere prayers for the well-being of the world. 

As Sri Paramahansa Yogananda ji says, "Do everything with the attitude of Love - Love for God and for God in all."

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Unknown said…
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April 11, 2018 at 8:08 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
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May 6, 2018 at 7:01 PM
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