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Before the beginning, the Brahman (absolute reality) was one
and non-dual. It thought, "I am only one - may I become many." This caused
a vibration which eventually became sound, and this sound was
Om.
Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of
Om.
The closest approach to Brahman is that first sound,
Om.
Thus, this sacred symbol has become emblematic of Brahman just as images are
emblematic of material objects.
The
vibration produced by chanting
Om
in the physical universe corresponds to the original vibration that first arose
at the time of creation. The sound of Om is also called Pranava, meaning that
it sustains life and runs through Prana or breath.
Om
also represents the four states of the Supreme Being. The three sounds in Om
(AUM) represent the waking, dream and deep sleep states and the silence which
surrounds
Om
represents the "Turiya" state.
Because
the first of the three states of consciousness is the waking state, it is
represented by the sound "A" pronounced like "A" in accounting. Because the
dream state of consciousness lies between the waking and the deep sleep states,
it is represented by the letter "U" which lies between the "A" and "M". This
"U" is pronounced like the "U" in would. The last state of consciousness is the
deep sleep state and is represented by "M" pronounced as in "sum." This closes
the pronunciation of
Om
just as deep sleep is the final stage of the mind at rest. Whenever
Om
is recited in succession there is an inevitable period of silence between two
successive Oms. This silence represents the "fourth state" known as "Turiya"
which is the state of perfect bliss when the individual self recognizes his
identity with the supreme.
The
Power of Chanting
Om
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The chanting of
Om
drives away all worldly thoughts and removes distraction and infuses new vigour
in the body.
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When you feel depressed, chant
Om
fifty times and you will be filled with new vigour and strength. The chanting
of
Om
is a powerful tonic. When you chant
Om, you feel you are the pure, all pervading
light and consciousness.
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Those who chant
Om
will have a powerful, sweet voice. Whenever you take a stroll, you can chant
Om.
You can also sing
Om
in a beautiful way. The rythmic pronunciation of
Om
makes the mind serene and pointed, and infuses the spiritual qualifications
which ensure self-realization.
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Those who do meditation of
Om
daily will get tremendous power. They will have lustre in their eyes and faces.
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