Aum – Meaning and significance

                                                     

This is what we hear about AUM:
The past, the present and the future are AUM,
and that beyond these three is also AUM.

“Aum” is said to be a ‘cosmic’ sound and the Indian Rishi (seer) Patanjali who lived during 2nd century BC called it to be the ‘creative’ word, the ‘whir of the vibratory motor’ &  the ‘witness of the Divine presence.’ Its usage can be traced back to Rig Veda, Upanishads and in the inner layers of most of the ancient Indian texts. Its coverage did not restrict to India alone. This “Aum” is the same word as “Hum” of the Tibetans, “Amin” of Muslims and “Amen” of Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians.  Its meaning in Hebrew is “Sure,” “Faithful.” 

 Om (also spelled Aum) is a Hindu sacred sound that is considered the greatest of all mantras. The syllable Om is composed of the three sounds a-u-m (in Sanskrit, the vowels a and u combine to become o) and the symbol's threefold nature is central to its meaning. It represent several important triads:

• The three worlds - earth, atmosphere, and heaven.
• The three major Hindu gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva.
• The three sacred Vedic scriptures - Rig, Yajur, and Sama.

·         The syllable AUM is discussed in a number of the Upanishads, which are the texts of philosophical speculation, and it forms the entire subject matter of one, the Mandukya.

·         AUM is a bow, the arrow is the self, and Brahman (Absolute Reality) is said to be the mark. (Mandukya Upanishad) The essence of all beings is the earth. The essence of the earth is water. The essence of water is the plant. The essence of the plant is man. The essence of man is speech. The essence of speech is the Rig-Veda. The essence of Rig-Veda is the Samveda. The essence of Samveda is OM. (Chandogya Upanishad)

·         All those activities which people start with uttering the syllable OM do not fail to bear fruit. (Shankar Acharya’s Commentary on the Taittriya Upanishad 1.8.1) In the Puranas the syllable Om became associated in various ways with the major Hindu devotional sects. Saivites mark the lingam (a symbol of Shiva) with the symbol for Om, while Vaishnavites identify the three sounds as referring to the trinity of Vishnu, his wife Sri, and the worshiper.

With its threefold nature, special shape and unique sound, Om lends itself to a variety of detailed symbolic interpretations. The symbol of AUM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one semicircle (curve 4), and a dot.

The large lower curve 1 symbolizes the waking state (jagrat), in this state the consciousness is turned outwards through the gates of the senses. The larger size signifies that this is the most common ('majority') state of the human consciousness.

The upper curve 2 denotes the state of deep sleep (sushupti) or the unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing nor beholds any dream.

The middle curve 3 (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state (swapna). In this state the consciousness of the individual is turned inwards, and the dreaming self-beholds an enthralling view of the world behind the lids of the eyes.

These are the three states of an individual's consciousness, and since Indian mystic thought believes the entire manifested reality to spring from this consciousness, these three curves therefore represent the entire physical phenomenon.

The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, known in Sanskrit as turiya. In this state the consciousness looks neither outwards nor inwards, nor the two together. It signifies the coming to rest of all differentiated, relative existence. This utterly quiet, peaceful and blissful state is the ultimate aim of all spiritual activity. This Absolute (non-relative) state illuminates the other three states.

Finally, the semi-circle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. Thus it is the illusion of maya that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of bliss.

The semi-circle is open at the top, and when ideally drawn does not touch the dot. This means that this highest state is not affected by maya. Maya only affects the manifested phenomenon. This effect is that of preventing the seeker from reaching his ultimate goal, the realization of the One, all-pervading, unmanifest, absolute principle. In this manner, the form of OM represents both the unmanifest and the manifest, the noumenon and the phenomenon.

As a sacred sound also, the pronunciation of the three-syllabled AUM is open to a rich logical analysis. The first alphabet A is regarded as the primal sound, independent of cultural contexts. It is produced at the back of the open mouth, and is therefore said to include, and to be included in, every other sound produced by the human vocal organs. Indeed A is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet.

The open mouth of A moves toward the closure of M. Between is U, formed of the openness of A but shaped by the closing lips. Here it must be recalled that as interpreted in relation to the three curves, the three syllables making up AUM are susceptible to the same metaphorical decipherment. The dream state (symbolized by U), lies between the waking state (A) and the state of deep sleep (M). Indeed a dream is but the compound of the consciousness of waking life shaped by the unconsciousness of sleep.

AUM thus also encompasses within itself the complete alphabet, since its utterance proceeds from the back of the mouth (A), travelling in between (U), and finally reaching the lips (M). Now all alphabets can be classified under various heads depending upon the area of the mouth from which they are uttered. The two ends between which the complete alphabet oscillates are the back of the mouth to the lips; both embraced in the simple act of uttering of AUM.

The last part of the sound AUM (the M) known as ma or makar, when pronounced makes the lips close. This is like locking the door to the outside world and instead reaching deep inside our own selves, in search for the Ultimate truth.

But over and above the threefold nature of OM as a sacred sound is the invisible fourth dimension which cannot be distinguished by our sense organs restricted as they are to material observations. This fourth state is the unutterable, soundless silence that follows the uttering of OM. A quieting down of all the differentiated manifestations, i.e. a peaceful-blissful and non-dual state. Indeed this is the state symbolized by the dot in the traditional iconography of AUM.

According to the Upanishads and the Ramayana, AUM represents three things:

A - signifies the Creator/Paramatma 

M - signifies the Jivatma, the normal soul inside each entity

U - signifies the eternal cord between the Paramatma and the Jivatma. 

In the Ramayana and its popular interpretative texts, the scene of Rama, Lakshma and Sita walking in the forests is often interpreted as a live example of AUM.

AUM – CREATOR, PRESERVER, DESTROYER

Each of the three letters, and sounds, corresponds to a different aspect of the divine. The first sound, A, invokes Brahma, the creative aspect. The U sound invokes Vishnu, the preserver. And the M sound, Shiva, represents the destructive aspect of God. So the three sounds in this one syllable remind us of these three aspects of the Divine, without which nothing exists, everything is sustained, and all things dissolve back into the void. After one chants AUM and has taken this journey through the transformation of the cosmos, it is traditional to pause, and sit in silence, and experience that creative void, vibrating with that primordial vibration.

Past, Present and Future:

There is a depth of philosophical meaning in AUM and reciting it correctly has a profound effect on the mind and body.

One of the reasons why we can understand AUM to be the universal sound is because it covers the entire spectrum of sound that human speech is capable of. The first sound of AUM is ‘A’ (as in around), which originates from the lowest point of the throat. The remainder of the word requires the involvement of every region of our speech-apparatus up to the closing of the lips, where the word terminates with ‘M’.

Because AUM starts very low in the diaphragm and travels upward, it has an ascending (uplifting) effect on the one who chants it. Energy is transferred in an upward motion all the way up to the highest centres of consciousness in the head, enhancing the upward movement from our lower centres of consciousness (chakras) to the higher ones, which is an important part of spiritual practice.

The three sounds that make up AUM correspond to the entire cycle of the universe. ‘A’ corresponds to the creation, ‘U’ to the preservation and ‘M’ to the destruction and dissolution of the universe. Therefore the three stages of AUM, ‘A’, ‘U’ and ‘M’ are connected with Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively. The silence that occurs between two repetitions of AUM represents that which is beyond the universe and inexpressible in human speech. This is why the scriptures say: ‘The past, the present and the future are AUM and that beyond these three is also AUM’.

Benefits of reciting AUM:

The benefits are tremendous with contemplation upon the AUM.  From an Ayurveda standpoint, it can increase lightness to the mind and body.  It can be used to cleanse and open the flow of the nadi’s of the body.  It is also energizing to the mind, and body.  Additionally, it can increase peace and clarity of mind.  This is also the view of several yoga systems. 

From a Vedantic perspective it begins to teach the student about the three states of consciousness (waking, dream, and deep sleep states), and three worlds in the Vedic system (earth, atmosphere, heaven).  Repetition of AUM increases our ability to properly function in these three states and worlds.  From a yogic standpoint, it increases sattva or harmony within the student. 

Chanting of the sacred sound will most importantly aid in experiencing the actual hearing of the cosmic sound AUM.  This will bring a student much closer to realization of the ultimate truth or reality.  The experience of the sound does not immediately lead to self-realization, but with repetition of the AUM experience, it will bring the student to self-realization. The chanting of AUM also has a cleansing or purifying effect on the body as well.  For those that resonate with mantra, AUM gives additional power to mantras.  This is why it is placed at the beginning of so many mantras from India.  As it clears and opens the channels of the body and mind, allowing for an experience of the mantra. 

This is just a sampling of the benefits of repetition of the sacred sound.  There are numerous benefits hidden in many of the ancient texts, and philosophies and systems that evolved from them.  To directly experience the AUM is a tremendous accomplishment, as few students of meditation directly experience it.  But it is not the end of the journey, but rather marks the beginning of serious and advanced practice of meditation leading to the highest level of experience-Brahman. 

Ringing of Bell- An essential activity during Puja

Puja is considered to be activity through which we worship the almighty. There are a lot of things which are required for performing this Puja. Some of them are Diya or Deepak, the deity to be worshipped, Camphor, Agarbatti, ghee, cotton wicks and Bell.

Bell or Ghanta is hung at the entrance of temples. Before entering the temple, the devotee rings the bell in order to inform the devotee. In Hindu houses where there is a Mandir, people of house gather and ring the bell during and before the Aarti is sung. This makes the devotee concentrate and pleases the deity to accept the worship.

The typical bell is having 3 parts. The handle of the bell is used to ring the bell and represents Hanuman, Garuda, Nandi or Chakra. The Body of bell represents time-Ananta.  And finally, the tongue of Bell represents Goddess Saraswati.

It is also said that ringing of the bell during Puja produces the sound of “OM”’ - The Eternal sound.  This sound also wards off the negative energy.  The OM sound helps the devotee to concentrate on the supreme god.

Thus Ringing of the bell is very important part of Puja ceremony at any House of an ideal Hindu. 

Importance of Puja or Prayer in Daily Life.

In this world where uncertainty is the norm of the day and nobody knows what will happen next. Some people say that if we can’t do anything then we should live according to our heart and what we like. This is the common thinking of any human being. People all over the world are living according to what they like and don’t think how to improve their lives and live happily. Most people are running after money and materialistic acquisitions and this they think makes them happy.

People believe that offering money makes their all things done and happiness can be bought with a lot of money. Well to a certain extent yes. But that is not true happiness. Happiness is internal and can be only discovered when we know ourselves and give something good which society can foster. True that by establishing business we are giving a lot of work to people but does that suffice your internal being?

This is a big question that in spite of all money we have, why are not we truly happy and why there is no peace in this world?

Why are we killing each other and why are we so much tensed?

The answer can only be found if we try to know that the supreme power has sent us to follow a true path which is not being followed.

We are just externally showing happiness and internally we are cheating ourselves. This is a big irony. This is degrading the society.

We have achieved a lot as a world, but is it a real achievement?

People have stopped trusting the fellow human beings, chaos and uncertainty exist everywhere.

So what can be done to stop all this?

The best way to attain peace and humanity around the world is to do prayer with a true heart. Seek the guidance of God, the supreme who has made all of us.

God does not forget to give all of us a morning and night, the food we eat and rest of things.

So what is the right way to do Puja or Prayer?

1)   First of all, we must try to sit at least 10 minutes silently with God and talk as we do as normal human beings.

       By talking as asking for his blessings to do right work we can do good and right act and stop cheating the fellow human beings.

2)   We must thank God by lighting a Diya or Flame to adore God who we want to thank.

3)    As we bathe in morning we must also offer water to clean the God idol we worship.

4)   As God has given us food and shelter we must thank him for his kindness by offering flowers as an act of worship.

5)   Lightening lamps and Diya, not the electric one makes the atmosphere clean for worship.

6)   We can also meditate by using certain Jap Malas which contain holy beads to represent the entire universe. Mala helps us to concentrate on the God whose name we chant while moving our fingers on beads. The numbers of beads in a mala are 108 in number.

7)   Meditation is a way by which we can come closer to knowing our conscious and improve upon it to follow the right path.

8)   This helps us and the supreme to come closer.

You can buy online all the spiritual and religious products from Aumzone to follow the path of spirituality like Jap Mala, Diya, Camphor, Garlands and other Items used during Puja or Prayer.

I hope so the readers spread this message of worshiping God or supreme and seek his blessings to follow the right path and make the world a happy place to live.

Religion and Spirituality-Which one to follow?

Religion –The belief system of an individual as to which God he or she worship either in physical form or as the supreme power.

We all agree to the fact that there exists some supreme power which controls birth and death of all living organisms. But hardly anyone has seen him. We all know him by several names like Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and other names to follow like Ganesha, Durga, and Saraswati. The list can be long as 3 thousand or maybe more. Well, these are all present in the rich Indian Scriptures and other religious books. They are all written by Sages and other Persons of immense aura. The sacred scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita and Vedas, Smriti etc which holds the description of ancient culture tells that religion is a body of Beliefs. It is the religion only which makes people prevent from doing wrong and when properly practised by an individual lays a strong foundation of value system.

Spirituality- The way by which an individual focuses oneself on his soul rather than being attached to material possessions.

Well as stated in Bhagwat Gita the soul is the only possession which an individual has not even the body. The individual needs to make his soul pure in order to attain the path of Salvation or Moksha. Now in order to know the truth we need to experience what is good and bad?

This is not possible once we start living in this materialistic world where success is measured by how much we earn rather than by the things we know or understand. Even if we do all good and do not lie it is not possible to live a truthful life and for business or service, we need to lie.

So even knowing oneself to the depth is possible.

So now the question is how to become pure in this materialistic world and avoid doing sin?  Well for that we need to ponder on how those great sages lived their lives. We need to study those rich scriptures in depth and discover the truth.

 We need to find a right Guru who can help us attain enlightenment with right Knowledge.

 In my opinion following any religion and worshiping God will help us reach the right path. Every religion tells us to follow the right path and can lead us to attain salvation if we focus on true methods with a right Guru.

The above thoughts are just my own thoughts which can be discussed among the people to help humanity attain the right path.

Your thoughts on the above-written material are welcome.

Tulsi Mala- Use in Spirituality

Tulsi Mala-Aumzone

Tulsi is the most sacred plant that has been getting worshipped by most of the Hindu since ancient times. Alternatively known as the holy basil or Ocimum sanctum, tulsi is a common name in most Indian households. The literal meaning of Tulsi is “the incomparable one”. Tulsi got its name from Tulasi Devi, who was one of Lord Krishna's eternal consorts

There are two types of Tulasi. One is called Shyam Tulasi or Krishna Tulasi because it is said to be the same colour as Sri Krishna – purplish black. Shyam means ‘black’ and is one of the names of Krishna. The other is called Rama Tulasi or Swarna Tulasi and is light green in colour. Swarna means ‘plain’. Shyam Tulasi is the more powerful of the two.

Apart from the medicinal benefits of Tulsi plant, Tulsi is worshipped by Hindus as a source of spirituality. The tulsi leaves are very dear to Lord Vishnu and whenever a prasad is offered to God, tulsi leaves sprinkled on it is regarded as auspicious. The mala made from the Tulsi plant carries very spiritual values that have been getting used for the mantra chanting or to worship Lord Vishnu and Avatars in form of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram. Hindus see the tulsi mala - the light, Chandan-coloured one (see right photo) as a way to connect to Vishnu or any of his avatars like Krishna and Rama, while the Buddhists prefer the black tulsi mala (see photo below) to chant and usher in good fortune.

As soon as you wear the tulsi mala, around your neck or around your wrist, you feel protected and focussed. It actually goes a long way in helping you deal with the stress of modern life. If time permits, you can simply chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Some people believe that this mere chant is enough for salvation in this Dark Age called Kali Yuga, but even this seems a difficult task for people to do, such is the manifestation of this age.

                                      

Tulsi Mala Beads-Aumzone

The Tulsi Mala is made of Tulsi wood and consists of 108 beads wound around a strong string, with a 109th bead called the Sumeru bead of some other material like a metal or crystal, or a bigger Tulsi bead itself. One starts counting the beads from the bead adjacent to the Sumeru bead of the Tulsi Mala and completes one full round. On second round the Tulsi Mala needs to be counted in the reverse direction again as the Sumeru bead should not be crossed while praying. Depending on the type of the Tulsi plant, the Tulsi Mala is available in various colours like black, brown or sandalwood colour.

The Tulsi Mala worn around the neck or as a bracelet can help an individual to cure various health problems. It also helps in releasing stress or tension from an individual. The touch of this Tulsi mala itself rejuvenates an individual and helps him to connect with to their inner-self and enhances the spiritual power in them. It has also been observed that wearing this mala with lots of faith and believe brings good fortune and propriety to the individual. It also carries an element that helps in maintaining balance in between vata and kaphadosha. It has believed that worshiping Lord Vishnu or his different incarnation by using this mala helps in getting his blessing easily as they have been considered as a beloved and creator of Tulsi.