Om (Aum)

/oʊm/

The sacred syllable said to be the sound of the universe — the hum at the start of mantras and the end of yoga classes.

Origin

In Hinduism, Om (often written Aum to show its three parts — A-U-M) represents the totality of existence: the absolute (Brahman), past-present-future, waking-dreaming-deep sleep. It opens and closes the Vedas and Upanishads and is the seed sound from which mantras grow. Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all use it. The ॐ symbol is among the most recognised in world religion.

Modern usage

In Western yoga and meditation, chanted at the start or end of class. Often stripped of metaphysics — used as a long calming hum. The symbol turns up in tattoos, jewellery, and studio branding.

Mantra

A sacred sound or phrase repeated in meditation — and, in English, any phrase someone says to themselves over and over.

concept

Eastern Traditions

Yoga

A Hindu spiritual discipline of uniting body, mind, and the divine — and, in the West, mostly the stretching part.

concept

Eastern Traditions

Chakra

Energy centres running up the spine — seven in the popular Western version, each tied to a colour, organ, and state of mind.

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