OHM

The symbol Om, Ohm or Aum is believed

to be the sound that was

spoken to create the universe and life.

*

It is made up of three separate sounds, and saying these together

makes Om the ultimate mantra.

*

Saying the three sounds together in the right way

helps to awaken the inner self, the atman,

which is a spark from the divine Brahman.

*

When said in this way, Om is called Pranava,

the sacred sound (sacred humming).

*
It is the representation of Brahman,

who is unreachable and unknowable.

*

By using the symbol (or saying the word),

Hindus can approach Brahman in

both the mystical and earth-bound planes.

*
The symbol has huge significance in Hindu life,

appearing everywhere – on temples,

on amulets worn by almost everyone

and even painted onto the tongue

of newborns using honey, to welcome them into life.