OM is considered "The Eternal Syllable". According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "OM is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it". OM is not a word but rather an intonation. Like music, OM transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or OM. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the center of one's being. OM provides a two-sided viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses every potential and possibility; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. OM is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined. The power of OM during meditation is wonderous. When we chant OM, we create a vibration within ourselves that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. The mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought "OM" is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of OM. To type OM on your computer try this! To get the Om symbol on your computer screen, open MS Word and key in backslash ( \ ) in Wingdings font. You will type in OM! It will look like the symbol below: \ OM Technique 1. Take several deep breaths and completely relax. Become comfortable in your designated out-of-body area. Close your eyes and begin to focus your attention just above the crown of your head. Concentrate all of your awareness above your head until the sensations of your body begin to disappear. 2. As your physical sensations begin to fade, softly intone the sound OM seven times. Let the sound resonate through the top of your head. 3. Repeat the OM sound in your mind seven times. Be completely aware of the sound resonating in your mind. Let the sound rise through the top of your head. 4. Focus all of your attention on the very core of the resonance and allow the sound to slowly ascend toward the ceiling. Feel your awareness merging with the sound. As much as possible, surrender and become one with the rising sound as your body becomes increasingly relaxed. 5. Feel your awareness rising with the
sound. Become one with the OM resonance. Enjoy the sound and
flow with it. Feel yourself become lighter and lighter as you
float with the sound. Allow your physical body to rest and sleep
as you focus all of your attention on the rising sound. Maintain
all of your attention on the rising sound as your body falls
to sleep. As you begin to fall asleep concentrate all of your
awareness on the rising sound.
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