Ohm Symbol Explained: Cosmic Forces in Sacred Sounds

You have probably seen the symbol hanging in yoga school or know the sound from meditation, but what does the Ohm sign really mean? Here you will discover the primal power of AUM!

Whether you spell it Ohm, Om, or Aum, this sign is one of the most important symbols in Sanskrit. Although its elegant appearance hints at its deeply beautiful meaning, you have to pronounce the sound to really understand it. For many people, the sound ‘aum’ is a mystical and sacred syllable that allows you to experience the power of the cosmos. But what does the Ohm sign actually mean? Here you can read everything about the Ohm Sign meaning!

How Is The Ohm Sign Used?

The Ohm symbol appears in several dharmic religions. It is common in Hinduism, but the Ohm also appears in Buddhist texts. Usually, Ohm indicates that something is about to begin. For example, Ohm is often written at the top of a scripture. Yoga practitioners also use the Ohm sound at the beginning and end of a meditation session or yoga class. But don’t mistake this for being just practical, like a school bell telling you that it’s time to begin or end. The drawn Ohm symbol and the sound that it represents, immediately create an experience of connection, tranquility, and attention.

Elements of the Ohm Symbol: Meaning in the Marks

There are many ways to understand the written sign of Ohm the syllable, but most Hindus see the line markings as different types of consciousness. The lower curves represent the basic human states of being awake, dreaming, and deep sleep. However, they can also refer to the physical, subtle, and causal body, or represent the powers of the cosmic trio Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The moon above it represents illusion or ‘maya’ and the dot above it indicates illumination. Together, the lines represent everything that creates the universe, and that gives most yogis a perfectly peaceful feeling!

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The Sound of the Ohm Sign

For many believers, the primordial sound of the universe is Ohm, meaning that the symbol is merely a representation of this sound. You can of course, gaze at the sign of Ohm and meditate on it, but it’s also important to chant it as a mantra. Pronouncing the sound out loud is a unique experience. If you pronounce the symbol correctly, you may be able to feel the vibration of a creative force – the energy from which the universe exists. Especially ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ is a very popular Ohm mantra. Yogis often use a Mala or prayer beads, so that they can repeat and count their chanting without thinking.

Chanting Ohm

Most people who chant Ohm pronounce  it as AUM. It breaks down into different sounds, A, U, M, which combine into one powerful syllable. Each of those three letters refers, just like the symbol, to different spiritual experiences. The A, according to many yogis, stands for an earthly or material plane of existence, so it connects you with your body and waking consciousness. The U is the sound of your inner world, so everything you think, feel, wish, and want. It corresponds to what yogis call the dream state or subtle body. Finally, the M. This sound evokes infinity and the stage of deep sleep where everything in the universe comes together. Because it represents this sleep, or meditative state, yogis hold the M extra long. The true meaning of Om symbols is to represent the sound; it’s really about experience rather than just decoration.

More Symbolism at Spiru

Now that you know the Ohm Meaning, you may have become curious about the meaning of more spiritual symbols. You can discover many more in Spiru’s blogs! Are you already familiar with the meaning of the Lotus Flower? Maybe you want to know everything about the Tree of Life, the Hamsa Hand, or what Ganesha represents. Or enjoy discovering them for yourself on our Blog Page!