"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma."
~ Katha Upanishad I
'OM' or 'AUM' is one of the most important symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is often chanted during the recital of spiritual texts, pujas, weddings and meditative activities of yoga. It is the cosmic vibration, giving birth to all sounds that exist.
Om Symbol. Image source: www.hinduwebsite.com
It comprises of syllables A-U-M, corresponding to three principles of nature:
A- Waking state | U- Dream state | M- State of deep sleep
Benefits of uttering Om-
Uttering the spiritual word leads to self realisation and reconciliation of the inner self. It also instils peace and deep sense of being.
Chanting om links all the beings that exist together, including the nature and the universe. There are various physical benefits as well. It lowers down the blood pressure, calms the mind, slows the nervous system and improves the health of the heart in the long run.
A recent TOI report said that the Government of Madhya Pradesh has announced to observe International Yoga Day on June 21 by chanting of 'Om', but necessarily not in the morning.
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Right technique of chanting-
Chanting Om during Yoga. Image source: Zeenews
First, sit cross legged. Make it a point that your spine, neck and head are aligned. Close your eyes and detach yourself from the outer world. Breathe in deeply and while exhaling, chant the word om. It is pronounced like home, without the h. Stretch the syllables equally.
Repeat this 3 times. You will be able to feel the vibration of the word in every cell of your body.
Benefits of Om in Daily Life-
Om pendants. Image source: mulpix.com
Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is used by many for the benefits it brings with it. The sacred symbol of Om can be seen at the head of letters, hang it on the main door of the house, at the top of examination papers and so on. Om is popular with people of all ages, specially Hindus as they wear it in the form of pendants as an expression of spiritual perfection. The symbol is present in every Hindu temples and premises in some form or the other.
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Hindu born children are ushered into this world with this holy sign. According to the ritual, the child is cleansed and the sacred syllable 'Om' is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable. Apart from that, Om is also a popular symbol and is used in contemporary body art as well as tattoos.
-prepared by Devika Todi, an intern at NewsGram. twitter: devika_todi
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