OM : The Most powerful word we know.

I am not religious. Neither am I an atheist. I believe in Karma. I believe that Work is Worship. Despite all these thoughts I tend to chant Bhajans or Chants when I feel out of the place or restless. One of the chants commonly chanted is the word OM.

Personally, I feel it is a very powerful word. It has given me solace whenever in need. Recently my appetite for more information made me do research on this mantra OM and the results have amazed me.

So, the word OM means Supreme. It is an ancient mantra and is derived from, of course, Sanskrit. One can feel the vibration inside while chanting the sacred word. This vibration is very similar to that of a clap. It is the voice of the universe. It is believed that the sun produces the sound of OM. So the next time you see the sun try hearing it!

Speaking of our very own Yoga which has been responsible for keeping us fit and fine(not me because I have to yet begin with working out), OM is an integral part of it. The exercises in Yoga begin after the recitation of OM. It helps in focusing during meditation. It helps the mind and body to connect (Wait, aren't they connected?).
It is said that OM comprises of all the sounds of the universe. It is known to be the Matrix of all sounds. If you are into chants and mantras you will notice that all of them begin with OM. Even the aartis which are done after the Puja vidhi begin with OM.

The word is written in two forms. OM and AUM. Let's see what happens if they are broken into fragments.

1. “Ahhh”- This sound resembles the start of the universe and birth. This sound is made at the back of the throat. Deep down in our abdomen, this vibration can be felt.

1. “Ooooh”- the energy of the universe is represented by the sound ‘Ooooh’. With the help of this sound, we get connected to a sense which tells us that within us there lies something more that is beyond what we see or hear. When we chant this sound, the vibration moves from the back portion of the mouth to the middle portion.

1. “Mmmm”- This stands for death. When we utter this word, the vibration occurs at the lips which in turn vibrates the crown of the head.

1. Silence- This is the fourth sound in “OM”. This sound vibration is silent but the energy that is produced is very real and remains in the room even after the chant is finished.

There are many dark secrets in the universe. One such mystery is the word OM. Do we know who was the first to chant this word and how it became so prevalent.? It is said that a human heart is a deep ocean where lie many secrets. I think the world is a place of such mysteries and secrets.

It is believed that NASA has recorded a video of the sun producing the sound of OM. Well, if you believe it is, if you don't it is not. So the next time you chant OM, try finding out its little secret. Maybe chanting it a thousand times will give you enlightenment (something we all are in need of).