In Hindu mythology, `Om', "Aum" or "Omkara" whatever one calls it, is not infact a word but considered an intonation, a complete mantra, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race culture, religion and even the species.
The sound "Om" is considered to be the origin of all -that is why researchers say that "Om" was the first sound that emanated after the big bang.
For spiritualists, "Om" is a cosmic sound which Yogis have felt and heard in their subconscious and while in trance.
The greatest beauty of "Om" is that a reference to it is found in almost every Indian language and in every dialect where this wholesome cosmic sound is denoted alphabetically.
There is also a reference to "Om" in Oriya, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Sharda and Sindhi languages. They are all Indian languages. Another interesting feature is that a reference to "Om" is found in foreign languages too, including German, Chinese and the Greek. 'Om' in fact does not belong to a particular sect or religion. A reference to it is found in those who belong to other faiths as well. Researchers say that in Greek, it is pronounced “Omein or Omeni'. The famous Buddhist mantra “'Om' Mani Padme Hoon” too makes a reference of "Om". Buddhists in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir do recite this mantra daily while remembering the Ultimate. They call it the basic mantra.
In Sikhism, Om Manta is linked with ``Ek Omkar''. The best connotation of "Om" is found in Bhagwat Gita where Lord Krishna, during a conversation with Arjuna (in the 8th and 10th discourses), explains the significance of this eternal sound.
Krishna says that there is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable "Om", the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the ultimate personality of Godhead and quits the body, he will certainly reach the highest state, viz., "statelessness" (eternity).
“Om”, which is said to be the beginning, middle and end and is eternal- beyond all material restrictions. It is considered unlimited, transcendental and indestructible
It is called the sound which expresses all truth. It is with because of this reason that priests begin the worship with "Om". Spiritual teachers begin their lessons with "Aum" and even all the Hindu mantras, including the Gaytri Mantra, generally begin and end with "Om".
Linguists believe that "Om" is in fact made of three Sanskrit letters- “Aa, Aau and Ma” which when combined gives rise to the sound "Aum" or "Om". It is believed to be the basic sound of the world that contains all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself and if correctly intoned, it can resonate through the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being- the Atma or the soul. That is why, the great mystic and the 14th century poetess of Kashmir, Lalleshwari described in one of her sayings that, for one who recites the single mantra "Om" every moment , intoning a thousand mantras are literarily meaningless. In yet another Vaakh, Lalleshwari, (equally revered by Muslims and Hindus), says that "Om" is such a mantra and such an experience that an individual only has to intone it and hear it!
In day-to-day life, "Om" can be heard even when a creature inhales and exhales. That is why sages and saints have been practicing this mantra while meditating for generations. When a temple bell chimes, the vibration produced too resembles the sound "Om". Or for that matter, if you try a simple tuning fork, a similar reaction, viz., "Om", the cosmic sound, results. Even during echoes one can gauge and feel the sound.
Om' is in everyone's genes. It is a question of how one reads it, deciphers it, finds it, traces it, and links it to one's roots. "Om" is for all and in fact no one can patent it!
