The 3 Meanings of OM
ॐ

© Anne Calzada Herbalist

The word Om comes from the ancient language of Sanskrit. Mentioned in the Upanishads, which are ancient Hindu texts, Om is mentioned as the same as Brahman or Supreme Consciousness. Often spelled AUM. It is said that this was the first sound emitted as the Universe was created and that if you could actually hear the Universe vibrating, it would be the sound of OM. Om is also the sound and symbol of God in Hinduism. Know that Om is represented in Buddhism as well. Represented as the chant Om Mani Padme Hum. Known as the mantra of compassion in Buddhism, it translates to mean “the jewel in the lotus” or “praise to the jewel in the lotus”. Om itself, is the shortest mantra and to some they say the most powerful. Repeated daily at the beginning of your day or before meditation or repeated to just center and calm or even while you are simply completing daily tasks.

OM represents the past, present and future. It is spoken divinity. The chanting of Om drives out negative thoughts and distractions and infuses your body, mind and Spirit with vigor and vitality and essentially the tonic of God. It is equivalent to Native American tradition of smudging with sage and sweetgrass to clear negativity and to invite the presence of God into your space. The chant of OM represents a connection to the Universe. When you chant OM, you are connecting yourself to a global community. There may be someone chanting with you that lives in India, the United States or anywhere. There is someone chanting OM at home, in prison, in a nursing home, at work, outside or in

their yoga studio. We are all connected and chanting Om connects us further. The more chanting, the more peace and balance for all living beings!