the significance of the aum

7/27/2019 The Significance of the AUM

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The Significance of the AUM

By Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal, Vedavisharada, CYI, C.ay, C.va,

Aum is one of the sacred sounds (pranava) in the great Indian tradition. ButAUM is a sound, word, and symbol that has permeated western culture more

extensively than almost any other aspect of the Indian tradition. It has been

parodied on TV and in movies. Tell someone you are learning to meditate, and

often jokingly they will touch their index finger and thumb together and say

om. It commonly appears on bumper stickers, windows, tattoos, and

jewelry. But is there more significance to this sound and image? Are there

other ideas, concepts, and principles encapsulated within this word? If one

were to look at the teachings from the great Indian civilization the answer

would surely be, YES!

A Brief look at the history.

Originally AUM was a sound reserved for Brahmins and students of the Vedic

system. It was most commonly taught to Brahmins (priests), scholars,

philosophers, and religious leaders and was in common usage amongst

Brahmins and Vedantists. To them it is considered a sacred sound

called pranava.

Literally the word pranava means, humming. Pranava can be a reference to

a boat that carries one across the ocean of birth and reincarnation. It can also

mean to roar, sound, or reverberate. The word pranava comes from theSanskrit root nu, which means to praise. So AUM is literally a humming

sound of praise, which aids to carry us across the ocean of transmigration or

reincarnation. Is this the only pranava sound? No, though it is considered the

highest, but in reality there are several pranava sounds that exist within

different systems in India.

Originally it was taught that different sounds would best match the life, karma,

and temperament of different people. These were divided by the Indian caste

system. The caste system of ancient India was not the system of modern day

India. It was originally intended to be a system of systematic elevation for peergroups and assured that all people had a place with society. These groups

were:

Brahminpriestly, scholarly, and philosopher groups.

Kshatriyawarrior or political groups.

Vaishyamerchant, sales, farmers, and similar groups.

The sounds for these groups are:


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Om serving as the sound of praise for the priestly, scholarly groups.

Shring would serve as the sound of praise for the warrior and political groups.

Aim would serve as the sound of praise for the merchant or sales groups.

This is only a sampling. As an example, a merchant could use the mantra

Shriim.

In earliest Vedic teachings there were only two groups, over time a third and

fourth group (Shudra servants) were added. As the understanding of the

teachings began to degrade several additional groups were added. Even to

this day we all fall into one of the caste systems. This is not a negative

association, though in present day India it is commonly used to degrade

others. In our current age, these rules pertaining to sacred sounds and groups

have been largely cast to the wind and people from all groups use AUM.

Within some teachings it was believed that different sounds should be used

during different periods by humanity. This teaching appears frequently in a

group of books known as Tantras. The current period that we live in is called

the Kali Yuga, and the pranava sound for this age is Hriim. This Tantric

pranava sound is also the bija mantra for the Goddess Mahamaya. As the

teaching states, in order to obtain release from incarnation you must find

release from maya. Therefore, it is Mahamaya that can release us from the

illusions of samsara (transmigratory existence).

It becomes quite clear that there are several pranava sounds that have been

used throughout human history and by various groups. Yet sitting atop these

sounds is the sacred AUM.

What does the sound AUM represent?

A common teaching is that AUM represents all the major points of creation of

sound. A comes from the guttural region or back of the throat for

pronunciation. U comes from the palatal region or roof of the mouth for

pronunciation. M comes from the labial region or from the lips. These three

locations represents the major points that sound can be produced; it also

represents the complete manifestation of sound.

A represents the creation of sound, and pure consciousness. U maintainsthe subtle essence of creation and power. M represents the final

manifestation of creation and completion. These sounds also represent the

three Vedic worlds:

Earth= A

Atmosphere= U

Heaven= M


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Aum also represents the Vedic texts, with A representing the Rg Veda. U

represents the Yajur Veda. M represents the Sama Veda. This has a

practical application, as one focuses or places the most emphasis on A this

will have a more profound effect on the physical or earthly realm. If a student

places more emphasis on U, this will have a more profound effect on theastral body or emotional body. If the student places more emphasis on M

this will have a stronger influence on the spiritual realm or causal body. This

idea is reinforced in the Upanishads especially

the Taittiriya and Manduka. Both of these Upanishads embrace the concept of

contemplation on AUM.

From Vedantic philosophy, A can represent the waking state. U can

represent the dream state. M can represent the deep sleep state. The

student by focusing on one part of the sound AUM, they can stimulate activity

on that plane of consciousness. By using the correct approach with the sacred

sound this will eventually lead to the fourth state called turiya. Turiya is not

actually considered a state, as it is beyond cause and effect, but for clarity

amongst readers it will be referred to as such. In yoga, we might call it Nirguna

Samadhi, super consciousness without attributes.

Is Turiya separate from AUM? This is complex answer as Turiya is beyond AUM,

yet AUM emanates from Turiya. The expansion of AUM from the Turiya state

gives birth to creation and all its diversity of qualities. For the meditator to

obtain Turiya, it is AUM that leads the aspirant back to the source, which is

Turiya or Brahman. In reality, both Turiya and Brahman are in oneness.

From a yogic standpoint, AUM represents the three gunas or attributes of

Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Within later Hinduism, it can represent the Hindu

trinity of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Since A-U-M are all vowels, they can

easily be associated with Shiva or the Vedic Indra as well.

The benefits of repetition of the sacred syllable.

The benefits are tremendous with contemplation upon the AUM. From an

Ayurvedic standpoint, it can increase lightness to the mind and body. It can beused to cleanse and open the flow of the nadis of the body. It is also

energizing to the mind, and body. Additionally, it can increase peace and

clarity of mind. This is also the view of several yoga systems.

From a Vedantic perspective it begins to teach the student about the three

states of consciousness (waking, dream, and deep sleep states), and three

worlds in the Vedic system (earth, atmosphere, heaven). Repetition of AUM


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increases our ability to properly function in these three states and

worlds. From a yogic standpoint, it increases sattva or harmony within the

student.

Chanting of the sacred sound will most importantly, aid in experiencing the

actual hearing of the cosmic sound AUM. This will bring a student much closerto realization of the ultimate truth or reality. The experience of the sound does

not immediately lead to self-realization, but with repetition of the AUM

experience, it will bring the student to self-realization.

For those that resonate with mantra, AUM gives additional power to

mantras. This is why it is placed at the beginning of so many mantras from

India. As it clears and opens the channels of the body and mind, allowing for

an experience of the mantra.

This is just a sampling of the benefits of repetition of the sacred sound. There

are numerous benefits hidden in many of the ancient texts, and philosophies

and systems that evolved from them. To directly experience the AUM is a

tremendous accomplishment, as few students of meditation directly experience

it. But it is not the end of the journey, but rather marks the beginning of

serious and advanced practice of meditation leading to the highest level of

experience-Brahman.

Keys to practice.

Physical yoga is required to cleanse and purify the body and mind. Repetition

of mantra can be beneficial in this purification process. Pranayama can bebeneficial as well. All of these should be learned from a qualified

teacher. Once the proper preparatory programs have been followed; then the

student is ready for a more serious practice of AUM.

The mantra should be taught by a Guru or qualified preceptor. The student

should follow the teachers instructions carefully and not deviate from the

proper practice. Within proper preparation, proper practice, proper instruction,

and with a little grace the student will surely attain the higher realms of

consciousness.

Quotes from the teachings.

Aum is BrahmanAll is Brahman. Taittiriya Upanishad. I.8

With the sound Aum uttered, the priest recites, May I obtain Brahman

Taittiriya Upanishad. I.8


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One who knows AUMis a real sage. Gaudapada Karika I. 29

AUM, it is the beginning; it is the middle; and it is the end Gaudapada

Karika I. 27

The sacred sound (AUM) will give assentHe who knows this mediates on AUM.

Chandogya Upanishad I.I.8

Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.

References, sources, and recommended reading:

www.floridavedicinstitute.com

Beal, Yogi Harinam Baba Prem Tom, Mantra: Inner Transformation Through the

Power of Sound, Universal Yoga:Orlando 1997.

Frawley, David, From the River of Heaven, Passage Press: Salt Lake City, 1990

Nikhilananda, Swami, The Upanishads Vol. II, Ramakrishna/Vivekananda

Center:New York 1990

Sanskrit Texts:

Mahanirvana Tantra

Mantra Pushpam

Chandogya Upanishad

Taittariya UpanishadManduka Upanishad.

Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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