Pranava

The sacred syllable “Om” is termed praŠava in Hinduism. The word praŠava literally means “reverberate,” “make a droning sound,” or “thunder.” It is derived from the Sanskrit prefix pra- meaning “forth,” “forward,” or “before” added to the root nu meaning “sound loudly,” “exult,” “praise,” or “roar” (as thunder). It became associated with “om” because of the sonic value of that syllable in its association with sacred chants. The Secret Doctrine (I:138), quoting T. SUBBA ROW, associates the praŠava with creation by v€c, i.e., the Word or sound (cf. the Logos doctrine in Greek philosophy). In fact, “Om” is a wonderfully appropriate syllable to represent that idea since, first of all, it is an indivisible (akara) unit of speech, yet, secondly, it is composed of three letters: a, u, and m (a + u in Sanskrit = o), and it is sometimes written “aum.” Furthermore, the first letter (a) is the basic unit of speech: the vocal chords vibrating. The second letter (u) may be said to stand for another element of language: shaping the basic vibration into different sounds. The third letter (m) represents the termination of the sound into individual words. Thus, “Om” is a triune unity, symbolic of spoken language.

The letters a-u-m are considered by some Hindus to represent the trinity of Brahm€, ViŠu, and ®iva. The a represents the basic energy of creation (Brahm€ breathing forth the universe); the u represents the shaping and sustaining of that energy in manifested forms (ViŠu), and the m represents the termination or destruction of that energy (®iva). But the fact that the final sound does not cut off immediately also implies the idea that ®iva is, more properly, the regenerator of the universe, impelling it back into manifestation in a higher form after its destruction.

The M€Š™kya Upaniad, which is an explanation of the meaning and significance of “Om,” states that the syllable is “all that has been, is, and will be” as well as “whatever is beyond the three times.” It also relates the letter a to the waking or “worldly” (jagrat) state of consciousness, u to the dream state, m to the deep or dreamless state, and the silence which follows pronunciation of “Om” to the “fourth” state (tur…ya) or state of Self-realization. It suggests that meditating on these correspondences while pronouncing the sacred syllable, silently or aloud, will assist the meditator to attain that Self-knowledge.

Theosophical authors add that pronouncing “Om” has an occult effect on one’s consciousness, helping to purify it, to still the mind, to focus one’s meditation. It is used as a preface by many Theosophists to their daily meditation, just as it is used as a prefatory syllable to most Hindu mantras. It also is used, in conjunction with the Sanskrit word for “peace” (anti), at the end of such mantras, i.e., “Om, anti, anti, anti.”

See also OM.

R.W.B.

© Copyright by the Theosophical Publishing House, Manila