The three-letter-word represents the divine energy (Shakti) united in its three elementary aspects
Aum mantra is not a mere human invention, going along
with particular cultures or groups. Rather, the mantra is a symbol of
deep realities that already exist. For example, the deep vibration
quality is definitely experienced by the mystic traveller, whether or
not one has ever heard of the aum mantra as such. The levels of gross
(A), subtle (U) and casual (M), and the states of waking (A), dreaming
(U), and deep sleep (M) are definitely there, regardless of the
symbolism captured in the mantra when stated as aum Mantra. It is these
realities that are most useful in our spiritual practices.
The word aum is first described as an all-encompassing mystical entity in the Upanishads. Today, in all Hindu art and all over Nepal and India, aum can be seen virtually everywhere, a common sign for Hinduism and its physiology and theology. Hindus believe that as creation began, the divine, all encompassing consciousness took the form of the first and original vibration manifesting as the sound aum. Before creation began, it was Shunyakasha, the emptiness or the void. Shunyakasha, meaning literally ‘no sky’, is more than nothingness, because everything then existed in a latent state of potentiality. The vibration of aum symbolises the manifestation of God in the form (Saguna Brahman). Aum is a reflection of the absolute reality, it is said to be Adi Anadi, without beginning or the end and embracing all that exists. The mantra aum is the name of God, the vibration of the supreme. When taken letter by letter, A-U-M represents the divine energy (Shakti) united in its three elementary aspects: Brahma Shakti (Creation), Vishnu Shakti (Preservation) and Shiva Shakti Liberation/ Destruction).
‘Aum meditation’ is another name for mantra or transcendental meditation. Aum is a word known as a mantra and a mantra is what you quietly focus on during ‘Aum meditation’. Aum is one of many mantras which you can use. A mantra is a syllable or set of syllables (sound vibrations) which help clear the mind. When you first practice ‘Aum meditation’ you speak the mantra, then whisper it and eventually think it. ‘Aum meditation’ can be practised anywhere and because you are simply repeating the mantra in your mind, nobody will be aware of what you are doing.
If you are travelling on a train, plane or bus, you will appear to be simply taking a nap. When we are feeling stressed, a few moments of aum meditation can clear the mind and bring clarity to situations. When you want to sleep, mantra repetition will calm the mind, and allow the body to relax.
When our mind is calm and clear we make our best decisions. When we create peace and harmony in our own life, we create a ripple effect which influences other people’s feelings of peace and harmony. Our encouraging and kind words and actions sanctify and bless ourselves, and we also set a great example for others.
There are currently over six million people practising ‘Aum Meditation’ worldwide according to the ‘Transcendental Meditation Movement’. Those practise it will tell you upon reflection, that it has been their key to clearer thinking, better well-being, more satisfying relationships, and the way to a peaceful world. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practise and will most definitely enrich all areas of life. Is transcendental or ‘Aum meditation’ worth some serious consideration and deliberation? I would say, without a doubt. The benefits are cumulative day by day, month by month and year by year. Life becomes enhanced and constantly improves. When your mind begins utilising more of its full potential and your body benefits from deeper rest, the payback you’ll become aware of primarily, is very often in areas where you need them the most.
When our mind is calm and clear we make our best decisions. When we create peace and harmony in our own life we create a ripple effect which influences others’ feelings of peace and harmony. Our encouraging and kind words and actions sanctify and bless ourselves and we also set a great example for others.
Dr Madhu Rajeev is a student at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana
The word aum is first described as an all-encompassing mystical entity in the Upanishads. Today, in all Hindu art and all over Nepal and India, aum can be seen virtually everywhere, a common sign for Hinduism and its physiology and theology. Hindus believe that as creation began, the divine, all encompassing consciousness took the form of the first and original vibration manifesting as the sound aum. Before creation began, it was Shunyakasha, the emptiness or the void. Shunyakasha, meaning literally ‘no sky’, is more than nothingness, because everything then existed in a latent state of potentiality. The vibration of aum symbolises the manifestation of God in the form (Saguna Brahman). Aum is a reflection of the absolute reality, it is said to be Adi Anadi, without beginning or the end and embracing all that exists. The mantra aum is the name of God, the vibration of the supreme. When taken letter by letter, A-U-M represents the divine energy (Shakti) united in its three elementary aspects: Brahma Shakti (Creation), Vishnu Shakti (Preservation) and Shiva Shakti Liberation/ Destruction).
‘Aum meditation’ is another name for mantra or transcendental meditation. Aum is a word known as a mantra and a mantra is what you quietly focus on during ‘Aum meditation’. Aum is one of many mantras which you can use. A mantra is a syllable or set of syllables (sound vibrations) which help clear the mind. When you first practice ‘Aum meditation’ you speak the mantra, then whisper it and eventually think it. ‘Aum meditation’ can be practised anywhere and because you are simply repeating the mantra in your mind, nobody will be aware of what you are doing.
If you are travelling on a train, plane or bus, you will appear to be simply taking a nap. When we are feeling stressed, a few moments of aum meditation can clear the mind and bring clarity to situations. When you want to sleep, mantra repetition will calm the mind, and allow the body to relax.
When our mind is calm and clear we make our best decisions. When we create peace and harmony in our own life, we create a ripple effect which influences other people’s feelings of peace and harmony. Our encouraging and kind words and actions sanctify and bless ourselves, and we also set a great example for others.
There are currently over six million people practising ‘Aum Meditation’ worldwide according to the ‘Transcendental Meditation Movement’. Those practise it will tell you upon reflection, that it has been their key to clearer thinking, better well-being, more satisfying relationships, and the way to a peaceful world. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practise and will most definitely enrich all areas of life. Is transcendental or ‘Aum meditation’ worth some serious consideration and deliberation? I would say, without a doubt. The benefits are cumulative day by day, month by month and year by year. Life becomes enhanced and constantly improves. When your mind begins utilising more of its full potential and your body benefits from deeper rest, the payback you’ll become aware of primarily, is very often in areas where you need them the most.
When our mind is calm and clear we make our best decisions. When we create peace and harmony in our own life we create a ripple effect which influences others’ feelings of peace and harmony. Our encouraging and kind words and actions sanctify and bless ourselves and we also set a great example for others.
Dr Madhu Rajeev is a student at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana
No comments:
Post a Comment