Why do we chant AUM?

Aum Sairam

Aum is one of the most chanted sound symbols in Hinduism. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and Vedic prayers start with Aum. All auspicious actions begin with Aum. It is even used as a greeting - Aum, Hari Aum etc. it is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.

Aum is the universal name of the Lord. The sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as 'A' with the coming together of the lips, 'U' is formed and when the lips are closed, all sound ends with 'M'. The three letters symbolize the three states [waking, dream and deep sleep] the three Lords [Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva], the three Vedas [Rig, Yajur and Sama] the three worlds [Bhuh, Bhuvah and Suvah] etc. The Lord is all these and beyond. The formless, attribute-less Lord is represented by the silence between two Aum chants. Aum is also called pranav that means "that [symbol or sound] by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Aum.

It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Aum. Hence it’s sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake.

The Aum chant should have the resounding sound of a bell. It fills the mind with peace, makes it focused and replete with subtle sound. People mediate on its meaning and attain realization. Aum is written in different ways in different places.

Thus Aum symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the sacred, all forms and the formless.

Allah Malik