Aum, also spelled as Om, is a sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is considered to be the primordial sound of the universe and represents the ultimate reality or consciousness. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and meanings of aum.
Definitions
Aum is a Sanskrit word that is composed of three sounds – A, U, and M. Each sound represents a different aspect of consciousness. The sound ‘A’ represents the waking state, ‘U’ represents the dream state, and ‘M’ represents the deep sleep state. When these three sounds are combined, they create the sound of aum.
In Hinduism, aum is considered to be the most sacred sound and is often chanted during meditation and spiritual practices. It is believed to be the sound of creation and the vibration that connects all living beings.
Origin
The origin of aum can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. It is believed to have been first mentioned in the Mandukya Upanishad, which is one of the oldest and most revered texts in Hinduism.
Aum has also been adopted by other religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, where it is used as a symbol of spiritual significance.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, aum is defined as “a mystical Sanskrit sound of Hindu origin, sacred and important in various Dharmic religions.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines aum as “a Hindu mantra that is considered the most sacred of all mantras and is used as a meditative device.”
Associations
Aum is associated with various spiritual and philosophical concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality), Atman (the individual soul), and the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
It is also associated with the chakras, which are energy centers in the body that are believed to be activated by the sound of aum.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aum include Om, Pranava, and Nada.
Antonyms
As a sacred sound and symbol, aum does not have any antonyms.
The same root words
The root words of aum are ‘A’, ‘U’, and ‘M’, which represent different aspects of consciousness.
Example Sentences
- During meditation, I chant the sound of aum to connect with my inner self.
- Aum is a sacred sound that is used in various spiritual practices.
- The symbol of aum represents the ultimate reality or consciousness.
- The sound of aum is believed to activate the chakras in the body.
- In Hinduism, aum is considered to be the most sacred sound and is often used in religious ceremonies.