AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism) It is comsidered that the Universe and the sacred Vedhas, all were originated from this original sound.
even seas are considered to be shouting always the same thing.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

It is you who choose your own as to whether it is the inferior or the superior.

“This letter AUM (OM), indeed, is the (inferior) Brahman (Hiranyagarbha); and this letter is, indeed, the Supreme Brahman. Anybody, who, while meditating on this letter, wants any of the two, to him comes that. ”
-Katha Upanisad, I.ii.16

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

love that you have put even the seas are shouting the same thing ~
must visit the ocean again soon and listen for myself

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

These are just two lines of a song, given in translation:
“It is sounding 'Aum , Aum, aum'  all the time, waves of the seas too seconding it and calling us shouting so.”

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

This medium is the best; this medium is the Supreme (and the inferior) Brahman. Meditating on this medium, one becomes adorable in the world of Brahman.
-Katha Upanisad, I.ii.17, Translated by Swami Gambhirananda, Advaita Ashram

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

With the Rik verses one gains this world, with the Yajur formulas of the inter-space, and with Saama chants which the sages know, but with ' AUM ' as the sole support the wise man attains which is tranquil, undecaying, deathless, fearless and supreme.
- Prashnopanishadh

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Remembering me at the time of death, close down the doors of the senses and place the mind in the heart. Then, while absorbed in meditation, focus all energy upwards to the head. Repeating in this state the divine Name, the syllable AUM (Om) that represents the changeless Brahman, you will go forth from the body and attain the supreme goal.

-Bhagavad Gita 8:12-13

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

ancient wisdom indeed , thankyou again sanmugun

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It is considered as the starting point for the entire universe.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM being the sound and symbol of Parmatman (Supreme Reality), it is considered to be the first vibration as sound emanating at the beginning of creation. From the three matras of AUM came out the three 'feet' of Gayatri, and from its three 'feet' came out the three Vedas and the three Vyaahirtis ‘  BHUR-BHUVAH-SUVAH ‘ representing the three cosmic world planes. Bhuloka (earth) , Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka  (Heaven).

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM:

No Other Word Can Do This

“These three letters ‘AUM' pronounced in combination as OM may well be the generalized symbol of all possible sounds. The letter A is the least differentiated of all sounds, therefore Krishna says in the Gita. “I am ‘A' among the letters.” Again all articulate sounds are produced in the space within the mouth beginning with the root of the tongue and ending in the lips - the throat sound is ‘A', and ‘M' is the last lip sound, and the ‘U' exactly represents the rolling forward of the impulse which begins at the root of the tongue till it ends in the lips. If properly pronounced, this OM will represent the whole phenomenon of sound production, and no other word can do this.”

 - Swami Vivekananda (The foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa)

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM / OM sound production like no other word can do?
I like the sound of that indeed , though have not practised much ,
i must admit.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

'AUM' has its own vibrations which vibrates throughout the entire universe as to whether we listen it or not. Normally the vibrations start from the navel according to musicians. A start from the throat and flows through over the tongue as U and ends on the lips as M. This is how the Yogies say , that they used to practice it.

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I got it -tried it from the navel and it really does work ,
sounds and feels much “righter” ,
thankyou sanmugan

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From'A 'came out,-' tat savitur varenyam', which expanded itself into the Rig-Veda and the cosmic plane Bhuh(Bhuloka -earth).The first Veda RG is stuti-para - devoted to devotion.
From' U 'came out-' bhargo devasya dhimahi', which expanded itself into Yajur Veda and the plane of bhuvah (bhuvar loka).The second Veda Yajur is kriya-para - devoted to work (action).
From' M 'came out,- 'dhiyo yo nah prachodayat'- which expanded itself into Sama Veda, and the plane of suvah (Swarga loka).The third Veda Sama is jnana-para -devoted to knowledge.

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Salutation to Aum (undifferentiated Brahman, and yet the) Primal and Blissful cause, the transcendental consciousness shining as the unique mirror of the wonderful universe:
Note: - The one undifferentiated Brahman signified by Aum polarises as Sat-chit-ananda taking shape as Parameswari who, in Her crystal purity, displays the variegated phenomena which gyrate in equipoise within Her. Neutral Brahman and the polarised Brahman are thus interchangeable. The idea of the mirror implies the non-separateness of the object from the subject (conscious being).
http://sss.vn.ua/tripura1.htm

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM,

we meditate(dhimahi)

on the spiritual effulgence(bhargas)

of that adorable Supreme Divine Reality (varenyam devasya),

the source or projector (savitr)

of the three phenomenal world planes the gross or physical (bhuh)

the subtle or psychical (bhuvah)

and the potential or causal (suvah),

both macro cosmically or externally and micro cosmically or internally.

May the Supreme Divine Being(Tat)

stimulate(prachodayat)

our(nah)

intellect(dhiyah),

so that we may realise the Supreme Truth.

“AUM! Bhhoor buvah suvaha, thath savithur varenyam, bhargo dhevasya dheemahi, dhyo yo nah prachodhayath.”

(Maha Gayatri)

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Lets not forget the great:

Om Mani Padme Hum

As it brings OM to Earth, Body and Speech.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

I'm still enjoying getting AUM right !
I get it since sanmugan said the Rock Star way -
it's more than the navel !

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If possible kindly read , Swami Sivananda's book titled: What is Kundalini Yoga. There you find that the 'AUM' starts automatically as it is 'Anahatha Naadha'.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

According to my knowledge, 'Aum Mani Padme Hum' used and given prominence by the buddhists of Tibet. Yogies persume a blue diamond is situated on the thousand petalled lotus on the skull, that is Brahma randra, throughwhich souls of the Yogies exit. Aum and padma were already described. hum is the 'akshara' syllable of  sakthy, one among the 64 letters.
I bow to Mr.Albert. 

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“Among words, I am the one syllable AUM”

 Thus The Blessed Lord said:

- From the Bhagavad-Gita: Chapter: 10: Verse: 25

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Then Satyakama, son of Sibi, asked him: ‘Venerable Sir, if among men any one meditates on AUM to the end of his life, what world he wins thereby?'

- From Prashna Upanishad: IV: (Up. 5):1.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“AUM, the word, is this entire (phenomenal universe). A clear explanation of it (follows). All that is past present and future is indeed, AUM. And whatever else there is, beyond the three fold division of time, - that too verily is AUM (OM).”

- From Maandookya Upanishad, (First Mantra)

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Hello From a newbie…

I'm jumping in this eternal Aum..

Some Indian monk in India told me once I should not repete the Mantra Aum alone but associate it with the name of a divinity. He said Aum repeted continually could create stomach problem….

I laughed a bit as I have never experienced that, but I'm curious, does anyone of you have heard the same thing?

Aum

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Aum never starts stomach trouble but it will take you soon near the ultimate, so you will not be able to continue with your normal family life. If you are prepared for that , there is nothing to hinder you from your spiritual progress. Only think the pronunciation must be accurate.

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Yes I can attest to your teachings AUM
 must be the reason for my increase then.

And oh dear -I reached that point yesterday when
I actually spoke of my feeling that I am and want to be finished'with the
domestic side of my life as it is not where i want to devote my time.

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Thanks for your answer Sandy and Sanmugan,

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You are quite right. It is better to add it to a deity's name. Aum will come first as it is considered the first letter. It is a mixture of three letters. then the your dity's name will follow. This way you will slowly achieve your aim. Slow and steady win the race. So you know the trick.

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“With the Rik verses one gains this world, with the Yajus formulas the inter-space, and with Sama chants that which the sages know. With AUM as the sole support the wise man attains to that which is tranquil, undecaying, deathless, fearless and supreme.”

- From: Prashna Upanishad: IV: (Up. 5):7.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“The syllable AUM is a sacred Mantra of the Vedas.It is an esoteric formula from which all written and unwritten sounds, letters and words have emanated. The letters A, U, M, which when combined, form the syllable AUM (or OM), represent the entire vocabulary of articulation, as they represent the various sounds uttered through the vocal organ (mouth).
A (pronounced as the 'u' in cut) represents gutturals, U (as in 'put') represents labials and M (pronounced exactly as 'm' in 'mother') represents nasals. The sabda (sound) which comes out through the vocal organ, is in a pregnant form within, till it is spelt out.The alphabetical letters of all languages form the corpus of meaningful expression. In the deep-sleep state, objects, ideas, as well as letters are all latent. So speech is an expression of consciousness.”
 - An explanation by Sri B.L.Satyanarayana Sastri.

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“These three elements, each by itself, are within the sphere of mortality. But if they are united and not separated from each other and are enjoyed in actions well performed, internal, external or intermediate - the knower is not shaken.”
 - (From: Prashna Upanishad: IV :(Up. 5)6: )

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The syllable OM spoken is the essence of the lower and the higher knowledge.
It is Brahman, space-like.  - from Avadhooth Geetha: Chapter: 5:

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“The word that signifies God is AUM. AUM, often written OM (to rhyme with home), is the most sacred word in the Gayatri Mantra, which contains the essence of the Vedic philosophy. Hindus regard this word as an effective symbol of Brahman (the Supreme Reality).”

- An explanation by Swami Nikhilananda of the Sri Ramakrishna Math. (OHM)

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But if with the three elements of the syllable AUM he meditates on the highest Person, he becomes one with the light, the sun. And being freed from his sins, as a snake is freed from its skin, he is led by Sama chants to the world of Brahman. He sees the Person who dwells in the body, higher than the highest assemblage of life.
 - From : Prashna Upanishad : IV (Up. 5): 5:

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM: No Other Word Can Do This

“These three letters AUM pronounced in combination as OM may well be the generalised symbol of all possible sounds. The letter A is the least differentiated of all sounds, therefore Krishna says in the Gita. “I am ‘A' among the letters.” Again all articulate sounds are produced in the space within the mouth beginning with the root of the tongue and ending in the lips, the throat sound is ‘A', and ‘M' is the last lip sound, and the ‘U' exactly represents the rolling forward of the impulse which begins at the root of the tongue till it ends in the lips. If properly pronounced, this OM will represent the whole phenomenon of sound production, and no other word can do this.”

 - Swami Vivekananda (The foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa)

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“Then Satyakama, son of Sibi, asked him: ‘Venerable Sir, if among men any one meditates on AUM to the end of his life, what world he wins thereby?' To him he said: “Verily, O Satyakama, this syllable AUM is both the higher and the lower Brahman. Therefore, he who knows it can reach by its support either the one or the other. If he meditates on one element of it, he is enlightened even by that and comes back quickly to earth. The Rik verses lead him to the world of men. There, endowed with austerity, chastity and faith he experiences greatness. If he meditates on two elements, then he becomes one with the mind and is led by Yajus formulas to the intermediate space, to the lunar world; having experienced greatness there he returns here again.” - From: Prashna Upanishad: IV

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

The sacred syllable AUM

(immanent aspect of Brahman),
which is imperishable,
when it has subsided,
is the Supreme Brahman.
The wise one should meditate

on the imperishable
if he desires the peace of the Self.
~English translation by Miles Wright

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

“According to Patanjali, there is a unique relation between the Godhead and the word AUM. Hindu philosophers regard AUM as the most generalised sound, the substratum and common ground of all sounds.The three letters A, U, M, pronounced in combination as Aum, are the generalised symbols of all possible sounds. A (pronounced aw as in dawn) is the root sound, the key, pronounced without the tongue's touching any part of the palate; it is the least differentiated of all sounds. Again, all articulate sounds are produced in the space between the root of the tongue and the lips; the throat sound is A, and M is the final sound produced by the closing of the lips. U represents the rolling forward of the impulse that begins at the root of the tongue and ends at the lips. When properly pronounced, AUM represents the whole gamut of sound-production as no other word can. It is therefore the matrix of all sounds, and thus the fittest symbol of the Godhead; it is the Word, which, according to St.John, was in the beginning, was with God, and was God.” - Swami Nikhilananda  of  Sri Ramakrishna Math:

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Normally house holders are not allowed to attend to the ‘Aumkara Japa' as it will destroy their homely life. Those who have no connection with home are allowed to do this without any hindrance. Even in case of women they are being instructed to adhere to the ‘SRI' ‘akshara', which could easily grant them with more favours.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

 The word AUM is not invented by any man. It is the primordial and uncreated sound which is heard by mystics absorbed in contemplation, when their minds and senses are withdrawn from the world. - Swami Nikhilananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math:

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

I had the wonderful experience in our rally to
Free the people of Tibet ,
chanting and walking in an anti-clockwise circle ,
with others made me “speak” the AUM in my soul.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

In Tibet, they used to chant as ' Aum, mani padme hum'.
(Dalai lama is still in India) 

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

' Aum, mani padme hum'.
thankyou sanmugan -yes that is what they
were chanting -I just didn't know how to say it
before.
Have we helped a little -I hope so .

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

The word AUM signifies God. By repeating it and meditating on its meaning, the aspirant develops introspection and overcomes such obstructions to the spiritual life as 'disease, mental laziness, doubt, lack of enthusiasm, lethargy, clinging to sense-enjoyments, false perception, non-attaining of concentration, and falling away from concentration when attained'. - by Swami Nikhilananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math:

  

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

FREE TIBET -NOW !

In every pod , in every place ,
please unite in strong support to
FREE THE PEOPLE OF TIBET.

IT SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR US ALL -
THE TIME HAS NEVER BEEN MORE RELEVANT
TO SUCCEED


AUM alone is not enough to help -

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

The Udgitha chant is the most essential of all essences, the supreme, the highest, being the eighth [in the series]. Which is the Rig Veda? Which is the Samaveda? Which is the Udgitha chant? This is to be considered. Speech is the Rig Veda, breath is the Samaveda, the syllable AUM is the Udgitha. Now, these [two] form a union, speech with breath and the Rig Veda with the Samaveda. Their union consists in AUM; it is in this syllable that they are united. Whenever they come together and unite, they fulfill each other's desire. He who knows this and meditates on this syllable as the Udgitha chant he himself becomes a fulfiller of desires.
- Chandogya Upanishad I, 1, 3 - 7

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

The three aspects of creation, preservation and destruction are expressed by the three letters AUM. A signifies the creative aspect of the Deity because A is the beginning of all sounds. U signifies the preservative aspect because the sound that is produced in the throat is preserved, as it were, by U, while rolling through the mouth. Finally, M is the symbol of the destructive aspect of the Deity because all sounds come to an end when the lips are closed. There is also an undifferentiated sound which comes at the end of the utterance of AUM and which is the symbol of pure consciousness, or the attribute less Brahman. Both the symbol and the entity signified by it are without parts or relationships. The undifferentiated sound finally merges in silence, which also is the final experience of the mystics.

An explanation by Swami Nikhilananda

Sri Ramakrishna Math:

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Legend has it that the Vedic civilization was highly advanced. The sages that oversaw its development, through their mystic insight and deep meditation, discovered the ancient symbols of spirituality: Aumkara and Swastika. They also discovered many scientific principles that they applied to develop a highly advanced technology. They gave the atom its Sanskrit name “Anu”. - Darren-George Walker

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

AUM, One should meditate on this syllable as the Udgitha chant, for every chant starts with AUM Of this the explanation is as follows: The essence of all beings is the earth; the essence of the earth is water; the essence of water is plants; the essence of plants is man; the essence of man is speech; the essence of speech is the Rig Veda; the essence of the Rig Veda is the Samaveda, and the essence of the Samaveda is the Udgitha chant.
- Chandogya Upanishad I, 1, 1 - 2

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Then they meditated on the Udgitha as the eye. But the demons pierced it with evil. Therefore one sees both what is sightly and what is unsightly. For the eye is pierced by evil. Then they meditated on the Udgitha as the ear. But the demons pierced it with evil. Therefore one hears both what is worth hearing and what is not worth hearing. For the ear is pierced by evil. Then they meditated on the Udgitha as the mind. But the demons pierced it with evil. Therefore one thinks both proper and improper thoughts. For the mind is pierced by evil. Then they meditated on the Udgitha as the principal (mukhya) prana. But as a clod of earth hitting a stone is scattered, even so the demons were destroyed when they hit it. As a clod of earth is scattered when hitting a stone, thus will he be scattered who wishes evil to one who knows this or who injures him; for he is a solid stone. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II , 4 - 8

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

With this (i.e. the principal vital breath) one does not discern what pleasant-smelling and what is foul-smelling; for it is unsmitten by evil. Whatever a person eats or drinks with it (the principal vital breath) supports the other pranas. That is why they depart when, at the time death, it no longer supports them by eating and drinking. It opens the mouth at the time of death as if the dying man wished to eat. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 9

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Angira meditated on the Udgitha as the principal prana. people call it (i.e. the prana) Angiras, because it is the essence (rasa) of the limbs (anga). Brihaspati meditated on the Udgitha as the principal prana. People call it (the prana) Brihaspati, because speech is great (brihat) and it is the lord (pati) of speech. Ayasya meditated on the Udgitha as the principal prana. People call it (the prana) as Ayasya; because it comes (ayate) from the mouth (asya). Vaka, the son of Dalbhya, knew it (the prana); he became the udgatri priest of the sacrificers dwelling in the Naimisha forest. By singing the Udgitha he fulfilled all their desires. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 10-13

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

He who knows this as described above and meditates upon the imperishable Udgitha (Om) obtains all his desires by singing the Udgitha. So much for the Udgitha as meditates on with reference to the body. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 14

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Now is described the meditation on the Udgitha with reference to the gods: One should meditate on the Udgitha as the sun who gives warmth. When he (the sun) rises he sings the Udgitha for the benefit of all creatures. When he rises he destroys darkness and fear. He who knows this becomes the destroyer of darkness and fear. This prana and that sun are the same. This is warm and that is warm. This they call svara (what goes out) and that, pratyasvara (what returns). Therefore one should meditate on the Udgitha as this and that. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III  ,Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana 1 - 2

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One should meditate on the Udgitha as the vyana. That which one breathes out is the prana and that which one breathes in is the apana. That which is the junction of the prana and the apana is the Vyana. This vyana is speech. Therefore when one utters speech one stops the prana and the apana. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 3

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

That which is speech is the Rik. Therefore when a man utters a Rik he neither breathes out nor breathes in. That which is the Rik is the Saman. Therefore when a man sings a Saman, he neither breathes out nor breathes in. That which is the Saman is the Udgitha. Therefore when a man sings the Udgitha he neither breathes out nor breathes in. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 4

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

And other works also which require strength, such as the kindling of fire by rubbing, running a race and stringing a strong bow, are performed without breathing out or breathing in. Therefore one should meditate on the Udgitha as the vyana. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 5

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

One should meditate on the letters of the word Udgitha (i.e. ut, gi and tha). Ut is the prana, for a man rises (uttishthati) by means of the prana. Gi is speech, for speeches are called girah. Tha is food, for all this subsists (sthita) on food. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 6

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

From all knowledge, yoga practice and meditation, all that relates to the Aum sound is to be meditated on as the only blissful (Siva). Indeed, the Aum sound is Siva.

- Atharvasikha Upanishad 2. upb, 782

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Now with reference to the body: One should meditate on the Udgitha as the principal prana, for (i.e. the prana) moves in the body uttering Om. - Chandogya Upanishad I, V - Meditation on Om as the Sun and the Prana, 3

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The Infinity of Brahman

AUM. Infinite is That Brahman, infinite in this manifested universe. From the Infinite Brahman proceeds the infinite. After the realization of the Great Identity or after the cosmic dissolution, when the infinity of the infinite universe merges in the Infinite Brahman, there remains the Infinite Brahman alone. AUM is the Akasa Brahman-the primeval akasa. It is the akasa containing air, says the son of Kauravayarn. It (AUM) is the Veda-thus the knowers of Brahman know; for through it one knows what is to he known. - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad V, I-1,

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Vedic religion

In Sanskrit 'Weeryavath' means powerful, when you add 'dharam' to this word , it becomes ' Weeryavathdharam' it becomes more powerful.
Chandokya Upanishad - 1:1:10 , it says when you understand 'Aumkaara' and worship it and repeat it, you become more powerful.
Actually speaking whether you know it or not while you repeat it , you obtain the full power from it.
Great people have told so, our ancestors have done that, hence while some one practice it , it brings the full power just because of this mentality.
This applies to any holy word - mantra- repettition of the holy word does not require doing any thing, pronunciation of every letter there in and the vibration connected to it is more important, even the the meaning concerned too gets importance only next to it.
It becomes that attending to the repettition without any knowledge brings more  profit rather than doing it with the understanding.
God knows the meaning.
Simply having knowledge is not sufficient, obedience must be there.
similarly while learning 'vedas' uttering at the most sound possible to you expanding it to largest space possible brings more benefits.Vedas gives benefits to the practitioner and the listeners too. Actually the vibrations must reach the most distant atmosphere.
So to obtain the full benefits of the holy words - mantras - all the six conditions must be strictly adhered to.

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Ut is heaven, gi the mid-region and tha the earth. Ut is the sun, gi the air and tha fire. Ut is the Sama-Veda, gi the Yajur-Veda and tha the Rig-Veda. To him who thus meditates speech yields milk and milk is speech. He who knows this and meditates on the letters of the Udgitha becomes the possessor of food and the eater of food. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 7

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

By means of the hymns one attains this world, by the sacrificial formulas the space in-between, by holy chant the world revealed by the sages. With the syllable Aum as his sole support, the wise man attains that which is peaceful, unageing, deathless, fearless-the Supreme. - Prasna Upanishad 5.7. ve, p. 775

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Next follows the fulfilment of prayers. One should thus meditate on the object one wishes to obtain through meditation: he (i.e. the udgatri priest) should meditate on the Saman with which he is going chant the praise. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 8

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

He (the udgatri priest) should meditate on the Rik in which that Saman occurs, on the rishi to whom it was revealed and on the deity whom he is going to praise.  - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 9

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

The mantra AUM stands for the supreme state
Of Turiya, without parts, beyond birth
And death, symbol of everlasting joy.
Those who know AUM as the Self become the Self;
Truly they become the Self.

Om shanti shanti shanti

-Mandukya Upanishad

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

He (the udgatri priest) should meditate on the metre in which he is going to chant the praise; he should meditate on the hymn by which he is going to chant the praise. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 10

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

He (the udgatri priest) should meditate on the quarter of space facing which he is going to chant the praise. - Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 11

Re: AUM (The most sacred symbol in Hinduism)

Finally, he (the udgatri priest) should meditate on himself and then on the object desired and chant the praise correctly. Thus will be quickly fulfilled for him the desire, desiring which he may offer the hymn of praise, yea, desiring which he may offer the hymn of praise.

- Chandogya Upanishad I, III - Meditation on the Udgitha as the Sun and the Vyana, 12

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Now, verily, that which is the Udgitha is the Pranava; that which is the Pranava is the Udgitha. Yonder sun is the Udgitha. It is the Pranava, because it moves along uttering Om.  - Chandogya Upanishad I, V - Meditation on Om as the Sun and the Prana, 1

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Kaushitaki in olden times said to his son: I sang the praise of the sun regarding it as one with its rays; therefore you are my only son. Meditate on the rays and the sun as different from each another and you will have many sons. So much with reference to the gods. - Chandogya Upanishad I, V - Meditation on Om as the Sun and the Prana, 2

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Kaushitaki in olden times said to his son: I sang the praise of the principal prana alone; therefore you are my only son. Meditate on the Udgitha as the manifold prana and you will have many sons. - Chandogya Upanishad I, V - Meditation on Om as the Sun and the Prana, 4

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Now, verily, that which is the Udgitha is the Pranava; that which is the Pranava is the Udgitha. He (i.e. the udgatri priest) who knows this, rectifies from the seat of the hotri priest any mistake committed by him (the udgatri priest), yea he rectifies. - Chandogya Upanishad I, V - Meditation on Om as the Sun and the Prana, 5

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Sanmugan, could you explain what are the hotri and udgatri priests?

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By the Hotri priest, who is Agni (fire), who is speech. For speech is the Hotri of the, By the Udgatri priest, who is vayu (the wind), who is the breath

The Brahman priest performs one of them in his mind, the Hotri, Adhvaryu, and Udgatri priests perform the other by words.

the Rig-Veda was used by the hotri who, taken from the Rig-Veda and were utilized by the udgatri chanters. The Yajur-Vedas was used by the adhvaryu priests.

They were known as hotri, adhvaryu, udgatri and brahman (brahmin) each priest could have three helpers if necessary. The Vedic priests were all chanting priests

Here it is said that the mistakes committed by the Udgatri or chanting priest of the Sama Veda are rectified by the recitation of the Hotri or invoking priest..

When the hotri priest recites the hymn, he says Om. When the udgatri priest sings the Sama, he says Om

He who knows that the udgitha is the pranava, and the pranava the udgitha, rectifies from the seat of the Hotri priest any mistake committed by the Udgatri priest

When the Hotri priest recites, he says Om. When the Udgatri priest sings, he says Om

Priest who attend fire sacrifice (Yajna of fire-Agni) some times called Agni hotri too.He will be the presiding priest, and they belong to the Rg veda.
It seems priests who sings samaveda are titled Udgatri.

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When the gods and the demons, both offspring of Prajapati, fought with each other, the gods took hold of the Udgitha, thinking that with this they would vanquish the demons. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 1

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They (i.e. the gods) meditated on the Udgitha (Om) as the prana which functions through the nose. But the demons pierced it (i.e. the prana) with evil. Therefore with it (i.e. the breath) one smells both what is pleasant-smelling and what is foul-smelling. For the breath is pierced by evil. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 2

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Then they meditated on the Udgitha as speech. But the demons pierced it with evil. Therefore one speaks both truth and falsehood. For speech is pierced by evil. - Chandogya Upanishad I, II - Meditation on Om as the Prana, 3

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Pranava yoga is a name given to the classical method of meditation outlined in the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It is also called Om yoga and Om yoga meditation. It is, simply put, fixing the mind on the sound of the mantra “Aum” - the sacred syllable that both symbolizes and embodies Brahman, the Absolute Reality - as the mantra is constantly repeated in unison with the breath. The purpose of pranava yoga is to become free from suffering and limitation. - Wikipedia

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Pranava is the ‘AUM'

While there are plenty of mantras available, there are a few that are chanted with high esteem by the ‘Saivas'. Definitely those are highly powerful ones that can lead the chanter on the great path to ‘Mukthi' - ‘liberation'. ‘Pranava', ‘Panchakshara', ‘Gayatri' to name a few. For ‘Saivites' the Holy Five Syllables - ‘Panchakshara' with or without combined with the ‘Pranava' is the ultimate mantra. This is the ‘ Aum Namahsivaya' in Sanskrit ‘Namahsivaya' contains only five letters.

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 The autonomic and respiratory variables were studied in seven experienced meditators (with experience ranging from 5 to 20 years). Each subject was studied in two types of sessions - meditation (with a period of mental chanting of “OM”) and control (with a period of non-targetted thinking). The meditators showed a statistically significant reduction in heart rate during meditation compared to the control period (paired “t” test). During both types of sessions there was a comparable increase in the cutaneous peripheral vascular resistance. Keeping in mind similar resulta of other authors, this was interpreted as a sign of increased mental alertness, even while being physiologically relaxed (as shown by the reduced heart rate).
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/research_papers/oms/om.asp

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Mentally chanting “OM” was shown to increase the efficiency with which sensory information was processed in subjects with more than 10 years of meditation experience, whereas mentally chanting “one” had the opposite effect (1). These changes occurred mainly at the mesencephalic or diencephalic level. Another study of 7 proficient subjects (3 of whom had 20 years experience of meditation), revealed that mental chanting of “OM” activated higher neural centres, i.e. the association cortices (2). Mental chanting of “OM” leads to a single thought state, and a subjective feeling of deep relaxation. Hence the present study was carried out to find out whether “OM” meditation would also cause changes in the autonomic and metabolic functions of the seven experienced meditators whose neural responses to the meditation were described above (2).

http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/research_papers/oms/om.asp

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“The purport of prescribing meditation on the Pranava is this. The Pranava is Omkara…the advaita-mantra which is the essence of all mantras…. In order to get at this true significance, one should meditate on the Pranava. …The fruition of this process is samadhi which yields release [moksha], which is the state of unsurpassable bliss.” - Ramana Maharshi

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There are three ways to do mantras - aloud, silently but while mouthing or humming the mantra, and completely silently within oneself. When done aloud and particularly when done with others, the sound of Om is energizing, calming, and healing. Although it is often encouraged to do your mantra all the time, it would certainly be questionable to consider chanting Om aloud in the middle of a board meeting. Similarly, it may be preferable to do Om silently just by moving your lips if you are in a movie theater. Chanting Om completely silently is considered the most potent method because it is not dependent on having a human voice box, or lips, or facial muscles, all of which are temporary manifestations compared to the billions of years you will be fully at one with Om. It is advantageous to spiritual development to consider the theological, philosophical and mystical aspects of Om while chanting with your physical eyes closed, looking through the third eye, and paying attention to your breath. This may seem complex and complicated, but once in synch, it happens naturally as Om reveals itself, your Real Self, to you. - Meditation Society of America

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“What world does he who meditates on Aum until the end of his life, win by That? If he meditates on the Supreme Being with the syllable Aum, he becomes one with the Light, he is led to the world of Brahman [the Absolute Being] Who is higher than the highest life, That Which is tranquil, unaging, immortal, fearless, and supreme.” - Prashna Upanishad 5:1,5,7

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It is virtually impossible to chant Om “wrong”. It is, after all, an insentient sound. But the giver of this sound to the universe knows the intention and devotion of the practitioner and that is by what we will be rewarded. It is said that one minute of sincere chanting is superior to a thousand hours of mere sounding of the words. A parrot can be taught to recite a mantra but this will be just mere vibrations in the air. It is the love and worship behind the sound that counts. Technically though, there is a “correct” way to chant Om. It is made up of three letters: A, U, M. These contain all the sounds there are. The A is guttural and comes from the throat. It is pronounced without any part of the tongue or palate in contact. The U sound comes from the middle of the sounding board, the palate. In Sanskrit, the A and U join together to become O. The O sound is vibrated from the navel/ solar plexus area and sent up to the sternum to the voice region, the lips, where the M sound is prolonged and vibrated up to the crown of the head. This vibrating M is felt in every cell of the body and is beamed out lovingly, soothingly, powerfully, to everything, everyone, everywhere. Intellectually and metaphysically, A stands for the physical world perceptible to the senses, the material world. U represents the astral and dream planes, heaven and hell. M is the unknown, deep sleep, and that which is unfathomable to the intellect. Thus Om contains the entire spectrum of sound, words, worlds, and concepts. Om represents the source of all light, love, and wisdom. - Meditation Society of America

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'AUM', in Hinduism & Buddhism.
The supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads and believed to be the spoken essence of the universe. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings.
- from answer.com

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“‘What will you gain', some sages ask, ‘by merely hearing this sound?' You hear the roar of the ocean from a distance. By following the roar you can reach the ocean. As long as there is the roar, there must also be the ocean. By following the trail of Om you attain Brahman, of which the Word is the symbol. That Brahman has been described by the Vedas as the ultimate goal.” - Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa

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These three sounds when they are separated
Cannot lead one beyond mortality;
But when the whole mantra, A, U, and M,
Indivisible, interdependent,
Goes on reverberating in the mind,
One is freed from fear, awake or asleep.

-Prashna Upanishad

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AUM ~

I find it very calming to AUM while reading through the
posts on this thread.

Makes it special and more spiritual for me ~

AUM

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Reading books and everything will help us to guide but we have to practice concentration to achieve. Any time and every where we can do that. No specifications. Just continuing the repetition inside mind. We can reach the results very soon.

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Sanmugan, you've shown some true dedication to the AUM!
I recently heard a theory that the cosmic sound of the universe is a deep sound similar to AUM, I can't remember where I saw it but if that's true then the AUM it is!
A is the lower body
U is the hips to neck body,
M is the head
focus on the different parts to help harmonise with them.

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Nasa had recorded the sound. Thanks you very much.

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“Following the path of discrimination,
let the pure mind be firmly fixed in Om.”
- Avadhuta Nityananda Paramhamsa

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“He who utters Om with the intention ‘I shall attain Brahman' does verily attain Brahman.” - Taittiriya Upanishad 1.8.1

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Once upon a time in a land far away lived a poor uneducated, mentally challenged man who tended a herd of cows for his master. He happened upon a meditation teacher and was very taken with his calm, loving, gentle and happy nature. He decided he wanted to know that experience first hand. And so he went to the teacher and begged him to teach him a way to achieve the inner peace that radiated so obviously from the teacher. The teacher accepted him as his student but quickly found that the man couldn’t understand any of the philosophical points he was making and as a matter of fact couldn’t even remember the mantra Om when he tried to teach it to him. The teacher lovingly said, “My oh my, you don’t seem to know anything at all, can’t be taught, and can’t remember anything. You are devoted and sincere in your desire to gain happiness though, so I will try to help you. My son, what do you know?” The man said, “Oh great teacher, the only thing I know is cows. All my life I’ve spent caring for cows, making sure they graze, are milked, and are kept clean. Yes, for me, everything is cows.” “Well, that’s alright,” said the teacher, “then you know what sound the cows make.” “Oh yes,” said the man, “they say moo.” “Very well then,” said the teacher, “for you, moo will be your mantra. All you have to do is say moo continually and you will reach freedom from suffering and know real bliss.” So the man chanted moo, moo, moo when he took the cows out to graze and he chanted moo, moo, moo when he milked them, and he chanted moo, moo, moo when he cleaned them. He chanted moo all the time and very soon merged with that vibration, which is Om backward, and reached the highest heights of joyous understanding and lived happily ever after. - Meditation Society of America

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Beautiful in it's simplicity -moo!

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 A sacred verbal formula repeated in prayer, meditation, or incantation, such as an invocation of a god, a magic spell, or a syllable or portion of scripture containing mystical potentialities. - Hinduism.

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Swami Daya Nand Saraswathi (Arya Samaj founder) has also
said that this word AUM is the most glorious name for God as the one word AUM,
composed of the letters of A U M constitutes many names of God. At the same
time it connotes all the names of God. The Brahman loves this name even as a
father loves his child.

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What is this  “Anahatha Nadha”?
*This is the sound of silence, the voice of the Infinite and the voice of your soul. This is why we listen deeply. Below the thoughts we hear the one voice of the Infinite and our soul. It contains and resonates with the qualities of peace, neutrality, stillness, silence and stability. We meditate on these qualities until they become embodied in our being and we can operate out of this higher awareness of who we are in daily life.

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Immense power is produced from the sound of 'AUM' , this energy moves about as cosmic waves and
it evolves as the power of all the atoms.

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jai gurudev

dear friend,

meaning of om :

om is actually 3 sounds : a u m

a - means truth - satya

u - means conciousness- life force - chita [ from chita comes qi-chi etc ]

m - bliss unending happiness - anand

so aum means - satya chit anand - truth conciousness eternal bliss

om shakti

gopal

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Brahman is the highest of all. AUM is his name. AUM is also your real name. It covers the threefold experiences of man. From AUM this sense world has been projected. The world exists in AUM and dissolves in AUM.

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The sound produced in the flowing of the river Ganges, the sound that is heard at a distance, the sound that proceeds from the bustle of the market, that is produced by the fly­-wheel when it is set in motion, that is caused when it rains, or there is a conflagration, or thunder ­- it is all Om only. Split any word and you will find Om there. Om is all­-pervading, like akasa (space), like Brahman, the absolute.
- from the Philosophy of AUM

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Yogins meditate always on the AUM with the dot(on top of it), worshiping the Aumkaram desiring Moksha (utmost level).

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From this source

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Thanks for the source.
Turiya - There is a Thuriyadheetha state too.
Deep sleep or dreamless sleep (Prajna):
It seems the Lord Maha Vishnu seems to be always in a conscious sleep.
The snake he is lying on denotes Kundalini

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Let us meditate on OM the imperishable, the beginning of prayer. For as the earth comes from the waters, plants from earth, and man from plants, so man is speech, and speech is OM. Of all speech the essence is the Rig Veda, but Sama is the essence of Rig, and of Sama the essence is OM, the Udgitha. This is the essence of essences, the highest, the eight rung, venerated above all that human beings hold holy. OM is the Self of all.

- Chandogya Upanishad

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Om is the greatest of all mantras (mystic formula). Om bestows direct liberation. All mantras begin with Om. Om is the life, the soul, of all mantras. Every Upanishad begins with Om. Oblations that are offered to the various gods are all preceded by Om.- Swami Sivananda

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All languages, all sounds, come out of Om. The essence of the four vedas is Om. A-U-M covers the whole range of sound vibrations. `A' starts from the root of the tongue, `U' proceeds from the middle and `M' comes from the end, by closing the lips.- Swami Sivananda