Hindu Simpoo
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What does Om mean?
In Hinduism, Om (also spelled Aum) is a Hindu sacred sound that is considered the greatest of all mantras. The syllable Om is composed of the three sounds a-u-m (in Sanskrit, the vowels a and u combine to become o) and the symbol's threefold nature is central to its meaning. It represent several important triads:
- The three worlds - earth, atmosphere, and heaven
- The three major Hindu gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva
- The three sacred Vedic scriptures - Rg, Yajur, and Sama
Thus Om mystically embodies the essence of the entire universe. This meaning is further deepened by the Indian philosophical belief that God first created sound and the universe arose from it. As the most sacred sound, Om is the root of the universe and everything that exists and it continues to hold everything together.
Om in Hindu culture
The syllable is discussed in a number of the Upanishads, which are the texts of philosophical speculation, and it forms the entire subject matter of one, the Mandukya.
AUM is a bow, the arrow is the self, And Brahman (Absolute Reality) is said to be the mark. (Mandukya Upanishad) The essence of all beings is the earth. The essence of the earth is water. The essence of water is the plant. The essence of the plant is man. The essence of man is speech. The essence of speech is the Rigveda. The essence of Rigveda is the Samveda. The essence of Samveda is OM. (Chandogya Upanishad) All those activities which people start with uttering the syllable OM do not fail to bear fruit. (Shankaracharya's Commentary on the Taittriya Upanishad 1.8.1) In the Puranas the syllable Om became associated in various ways with the major Hindu devotional sects. Saivites mark the lingam (a symbol of Shiva) with the symbol for Om, while Vaishnavites identify the three sounds as referring to the trinity of Vishnu, his wife Sri, and the worshiper.
Om is spoken at the beginning and the end of Hindu mantras, prayers, and meditations and is frequently used in Buddhist and Jain rituals as well. Om is used in the practice of Yoga and is related to techniques of auditory meditation.
From the 6th century, the written symbol of Om was used to mark the beginning of a text in a manuscript or an inscription. Om Parvat, a sacred peak at 6191m in the Indian Himalayas, is revered for its snow deposition pattern that resembles Om.
More Detailed Symbolism
With its threefold nature, special shape and unique sound, Om lends itself to a variety of detailed symbolic interpretations. The symbol of AUM consists of three curves (curves 1, 2, and 3), one semicircle (curve 4), and a dot.
The large lower curve 1 symbolizes the waking state (jagrat), in this state the consciousness is turned outwards through the gates of the senses. The larger size signifies that this is the most common ('majority') state of the human consciousness.
The upper curve 2 denotes the state of deep sleep (sushupti) or the unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing nor beholds any dream.
The middle curve 3 (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state (swapna). In this state the consciousness of the individual is turned inwards, and the dreaming self beholds an enthralling view of the world behind the lids of the eyes.
These are the three states of an individual's consciousness, and since Indian mystic thought believes the entire manifested reality to spring from this consciousness, these three curves therefore represent the entire physical phenomenon.
The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, known in Sanskrit as turiya. In this state the consciousness looks neither outwards nor inwards, nor the two together. It signifies the coming to rest of all differentiated, relative existence This utterly quiet, peaceful and blissful state is the ultimate aim of all spiritual activity. This Absolute (non-relative) state illuminates the other three states.
Finally, the semi circle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. Thus it is the illusion of maya that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of bliss.
The semi circle is open at the top, and when ideally drawn does not touch the dot. This means that this highest state is not affected by maya. Maya only affects the manifested phenomenon. This effect is that of preventing the seeker from reaching his ultimate goal, the realization of the One, all-pervading, unmanifest, Absolute principle. In this manner, the form of OM represents both the unmanifest and the manifest, the noumenon and the phenomenon.
As a sacred sound also, the pronunciation of the three-syllabled AUM is open to a rich logical analysis. The first alphabet A is regarded as the primal sound, independent of cultural contexts. It is produced at the back of the open mouth, and is therefore said to include, and to be included in, every other sound produced by the human vocal organs. Indeed A is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet.
The open mouth of A moves toward the closure of M. Between is U, formed of the openness of A but shaped by the closing lips. Here it must be recalled that as interpreted in relation to the three curves, the three syllables making up AUM are susceptible to the same metaphorical decipherment. The dream state (symbolized by U), lies between the waking state (A) and the state of deep sleep (M). Indeed a dream is but the compound of the consciousness of waking life shaped by the unconsciousness of sleep.
AUM thus also encompasses within itself the complete alphabet, since its utterance proceeds from the back of the mouth (A), travelling in between (U), and finally reaching the lips (M). Now all alphabets can be classified under various heads depending upon the area of the mouth from which they are uttered. The two ends between which the complete alphabet oscillates are the back of the mouth to the lips; both embraced in the simple act of uttering of AUM.
The last part of the sound AUM (the M) known as ma or makar, when pronounced makes the lips close. This is like locking the door to the outside world and instead reaching deep inside our own selves, in search for the Ultimate truth.
But over and above the threefold nature of OM as a sacred sound is the invisible fourth dimension which cannot be distinguished by our sense organs restricted as they are to material observations. This fourth state is the unutterable, soundless silence that follows the uttering of OM. A quieting down of all the differentiated manifestations, i.e. a peaceful-blissful and non-dual state. Indeed this is the state symbolized by the dot in the traditional iconography of AUM.
The threefold symbolism of OM is comprehensible to the most 'ordinary' of us humans, realizable both on the intuitive and objective level. This is responsible for its widespread popularity and acceptance. That this symbolism extends over the entire spectrum of the manifested universe makes it a veritable fount of spirituality. Some of these symbolic equivalents are:
- Colors : Red, White, and Black. - Seasons : Spring, Summer, and Winter. - Periods : Morning, Midday, and Evening. - States : Waking-consciousness (jagriti), Dream (svapna), and deep-sleep (sushupti). - Spheres : Earthly, Heavenly, and Intermediary. - Poetic Meters : Gayatri (24 syllables), Trishtubh (44 syllables), and Jagati (48 syllables). - Veda : Rigveda (knowledge of the meters), Yajurveda (knowledge of contents), Samaveda (knowledge of extension). - Elemental Deity : Fire (Agni), Sun (Aditya), Wind (Vayu). - Manifestation of Speech : Voice (vak), Mind (manas), Breath (prana). - Priestly Function : Making offering, Performing ritual, and Singing. - Tendencies : Revolving, Cohesive, and Disintegrating. - Quality : Energy (rajas), Purity (sattva), and Ignorance (tamas). - Ritual fire : Of the home, of the Ancestors, and of Invocation. - Goddess : Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. - Gods : Of the elements (Vasus), of the sky (Adityas), of the sphere-of-space (Rudras). - Deity : Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. - Action : Creation, Preservation, and Destruction. - Power : of Action (kriya), of Knowledge (jnana), and of Will (iccha). - Man : Body, Soul, and Spirit. - Time : Past, Present, and Future. - Stages of Existence : Birth, Life, and Death. - Phases of the Moon : Waxing, Full, and Waning. - Godhead : Father, Mother, and Son. - Alchemy : Sulphur, Quicksilver, and Salt. - Buddhism : the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (three jewels of Buddhism). - Qabalism : Male, Female, and the Uniting intelligence. - Japanese Thought : Mirror, Sword, and Jewel. - Divine Attributes : Truth, Courage, and Compassion.
According to Indian spiritual sciences, God first created sound, and from these sound frequencies came the phenomenal world. Our total existence is constituted of these primal sounds, which give rise to mantras when organized by a desire to communicate, manifest, invoke or materialize. Matter itself is said to have proceeded from sound and OM is said to be the most sacred of all sounds. It is the syllable which preceded the universe and from which the gods were created. It is the 'root' syllable (mula mantra), the cosmic vibration that holds together the atoms of the world and heavens. Indeed the Upanishads say that AUM is god in the form of sound. Thus OM is the first part of the most important mantras in both Buddhism and Hinduism, e.g. Om Namoh Shivai and Om Mani Padme Hum.
Another ancient text equates AUM with an arrow, laid upon the bow of the human body (the breath), which after penetrating the darkness of ignorance finds its mark, namely the lighted domain of True Knowledge. Just as a spider climbs up its thread and gains freedom, so the yogis climb towards liberation by the syllable OM.
The omnific and omniparous quality of OM makes it omnipresential, and in-omissible from any spiritual practice. As an omnipotent symbol, the yogi who penetrates its mystery is indeed truly omnicompetent and omnipercipient, and as an omniscient source, it is a virtual omnibus of sacred and mystical inspirations.
Sources
- - 'Om.' Encyclopædia Britannica (2007). Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
- Nitin Kumar, 'Om.' Exotic India Arts
The Swastika is regarded as one of the most important symbols in Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma). It’s an extremely special symbol in Hinduism. Every Hindu respects the sacred Swastika symbol. In fact, no Hindu religious ritual is deemed complete without the symbol of Swastika.
Moreover, Swastika holds the status of being one of the oldest symbols made by humans. The symbol is almost 12000 years old. Most of the scholars believe that the Swastika symbol originated in India.
The Swastika symbol looks like a cross having four arms of equal length, after the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. Often dots are added between each arm.
Importance of Swastika
Swastika signifies good luck, peace, prosperity, auspiciousness, and universal brotherhood. Any Hindu ritual, whether it is a wedding, Satya Narayan Katha, Nav Graha Poojan, Grah Pravesh, or any other Pooja ceremony is not complete without using this symbol.
It is marked all over the objects used in Hindu Pooja Rituals. The Swastika symbol can be seen in abundance on temples, on the cover of books, and is also painted on the walls of houses.
The swastika is derived from Sanskrit word “Swasti” meaning may all be well with you. The Swastika symbol has gained widespread popularity not only in the Hindu Religion but is also used in Buddhism and Jainism.
Use of Swastik Across Cultures and Continents
In fact, Swastik has been used across many cultures and continents. The symbol of Swastika was used in Ancient Greece. It can be found in the remains of the ancient city of Troy.
It was also used by the ancient Druids and Celts, the Nordic Tribes, and even by the early Christians. Adolf Hitler also used the Swastika Symbol.
The Swastika symbol is known by different names in different countries. In China, Swastika is known as ‘Wan.’ In Japan, it is known as ‘Manji.’ In England, it is known as ‘Fylfot.’ In Germany, it is known as ‘Hakenkreuz’ and as ‘Tetraskelion’ or ‘Tetragammadion’ in Greece.
A very renowned Sanskrit Scholar P.R. Sarkar in 1979 pointed out that the deeper meaning of ‘Swastika’ word is ‘Permanent Victory.’ He also stated that the Swastika symbol could take positive and negative meaning depending on how it is drawn.
A right-handed Swastika stands for Lord Vishnu and the Sun, while the left-handed Swastika is a symbol of Kali and Magic.
The earliest Swastika was uncovered in Mezine, Ukraine. It was carved on an ivory figurine, which dates back an incredible 12,000 years.
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One of the earliest cultures to use Swastika was a Neolithic culture in Southern Europe, dating back to around 8000 years. It is the area that now comprises the modern Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Herzegovina, known as the Vinca Culture.
The symbol of Swastika can also be seen on the walls of Christian catacombs in Rome, where it appears next to the words, “ZOTIKO ZOTIKO” meaning “Life of Life.”
The Swastika symbol can be seen on the window openings of the mysterious Lalibela Rock Churches of Ethiopia. It is also found in various other churches around the globe.
Buddhists regard the Swastika as the symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and abundance. The swastika is directly related to Buddha.
It is carved on the statues of Buddha, on the soles of his feet as well as on his heart. They believe that it contains the Buddha’s mind.
Ancient Greeks used the Swastika symbol linking heaven and earth. Its right arm pointed to the heaven, and the left arm pointed to Earth.
Pythagoras used the Swastika symbol under the name ‘Tetraktys.’ The Swastika was also used by the Phoenicians as the symbol of the Sun. It was regarded as a sacred symbol by the priestesses.
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So, we see that the Swastik symbol was used by many diverse countries and cultures. It is an ancient symbol which was commonly used as charms for bringing good fortune.
The Origin of ‘Swastika’
Much is talked about how this symbol came to be used.
Many link the use of Swastika to the beginning of our earth and the solar system. It is believed that the Universe was formed due to a massive explosion and scattering of energy in all directions. Scientists have named this explosion as the Big Bang.
The energy was scattered in the shape of Swastik. Accordingly, the Swastik symbol was created to symbolize the ‘Sun’ as it was the source of energy for all planets and life that existed on earth.
As Swastika is considered to be the mark of Creation, it is used at the beginning of every auspicious occasion.
What does a Swastik (Swastika) Symbolize
The four arms of the Swastika symbolize the four main directions: North, South, East, West. Also the four Vedas: Rig, Atharva, Yajur, and Sama, the four aims of human life (Purusharthas): Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, and the four stages of life (ashramas): Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyas.
Religious Significance of Swastika
Now, let us know the religious significance of the Swastika symbol.
The swastika is primarily regarded as the symbol of good luck in Hinduism. It can be seen drawn on doors, walls, and other auspicious places in Hindu homes signifying good luck and well being. It is also used in festivals and Hindu religious ceremonies.
Swastika is Associated with Lord Vishnu
There are about 108 different symbols that are associated with Lord Vishnu, and Swastika is one of them. The swastika is usually drawn on the right palm of Lord Vishnu. It is sometimes held in hand or drawn in some other form around Lord Vishnu.
Swastik as a Symbol of Brahma
When seen from above, Swastika points in all directions simultaneously. Interestingly, it coincides with the four “all seeing faces” of Brahma and so Swastika is regarded to be associated with Lord Brahma.
Swastika as a Symbol for the Sun God
Besides being associated with Lord Vishnu, Swastika is sometimes used as a symbol for the Sun God. It resembles the mid-day Sun’s rays falling in all directions simultaneously. The swastika was used in ancient times as a symbol of nature worship.
Swastika for Life and Preservation
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As Swastika is one of the symbols used for Lord Vishnu who protects, sustains, and preserves all life on Earth, so Swastika is also regarded as a symbol of life and preservation.
The swastika is associated with well-being, abundance, and prosperity. As Swastika also represents the Sun God which is responsible for good crops and food production, Swastika becomes a symbol of good luck and well-being.
Swastika as Part of Ashtamangala
Astha-Mangala is part of an age-old Hindu Tradition wherein eight sacred symbols are offered to Gods on various auspicious occasions. These symbols may differ from region to region, but Swastika has been a common feature along with other symbols like Conch/Shell, Lotus, Wheel, Kalasha, Dhwaja (Flag or Banner), Matsya (fish), Elephant, Bull, Sinh (Lion), etc.
So, this was all about Swastika in Hinduism and its use across different cultures and continents. The swastika is one of the core elements of Hinduism.
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Moreover, Swastik is an integral part of Hinduism. As we have seen above, the use of Swastika as a symbol of good luck and prosperity is not limited to India alone. It is widely recognized as a sacred symbol in many countries including China, Japan, and Thailand.