Before we delve into the meaning of Om, we take a look at what Nikola Tesla once said: “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” And thinking about it, you come to the conclusion that the very foundations of our cosmos, as well as the foundation’s matter and even though, may reside in so-called sound vibrations.

The Om

Most of us have heard the word Om at least once in our lifetimes. It appears in movies, tv series but in our everyday life, especially if you are a Yoga practitioner.

But what does this mysterious word actually mean?

It turns out that Om is one of the most important and sacred Mantras of Dharmic religions: Hinduism and Buddhism and is closely related to yoga and meditation.

If you take a quick look at Hinduism you will come to understand that the Om, symbolizes the divine Brahman and the entire universe. It is also called: omkara.

Its correct pronunciation is AUM.

In Hinduism, Brahman connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.

In the Upanishad scriptures–one of four genres of texts that together constitute each of the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of most Hindu traditions– this sacred, cosmic syllable appears as a mystical sound considered by the scriptures to be the true basis of any other mantra (sacred hymn).

Om: the sacred, cosmic syllable

In sacred Hinduism, the Om is the sound of the universe, it acts as the unity with the supreme. The Om is the combination between the physical and the spiritual.

It is the sacred syllable, the first sound of the “Almighty“, the sound from which all other sounds emerge.

The Om syllable also represents the Trimurti–the Triple deity of supreme divinity–(three forms) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

In its written form, the Om symbol is a script written in ancient Sanskrit recognized as one of the most important symbols of ancient times around the world. It has become widely recognized in Eastern and Western Cultures, although not many understand its importance.

Therefore, the Om can be explained as one of the most important and powerful syllables symbolizing the divine Brahman and the entire universe.

Om, the universal sound

I see it as a universal sound, one that denotes what Nikola Telsa said in the past: “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”

The Om is precisely that. Energy, sound, frequency, and vibration resumed in one simple yet powerful syllable.

Considered the primordial and basic sound of the universe, when we speak the Om symbol, we are recognizing our connection with all living beings, nature, and the universe. We are synchronized with the origin of life and its cosmic movement.

Everything in the universe is vibrating, everything is in constant change and transformation, and nothing remains still.

In the Upanishad scriptures, it is believed that everything, existing and non-existent, can be controlled by pronouncing the sacred syllable, Om.

Meditation in the Om satisfies all needs and leads to moksha (spiritual liberation).

Nearly all the prayers and sacred readings are preceded by the pronunciation of Om.

Interestingly, several researchers and esotericists find a synonymy between the Sanskrit word Om and the Hebrew word אמן = Amen.