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| The Sacred Symbol OM |
What does Om even mean? Here's a brief breakdown taken from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:
In chapter 1 (Samadhi Pada) of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali gives us the concept of Ishvara as "Ishvara is the supreme Purusha, unaffected by any afflictions, actions, fruits of actions or by any inner impressions of desires." (translation by Sw. Satchidananda) (sutra 1.24). The following sutras provide us an insight into the sacred symbol OM:
- sutra 1.27: "The word expressive of Ishvara is the mystic sound OM (pranava)"
- sutra 1.28: "To repeat it with reflection upon its meaning is an aid."
- sutra 1.29: "From this practice all the obstacles disappear and simultaneously dawns knowledge of the inner Self."
- sutra 1.30: "Disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensuality, false perception, failure to reach firm ground and slipping from ground gained – these distractions of the mind-stuff are the obstacles."
- sutra 1.31: "Accompaniments to the mental distractions include distress, despair, trembling of the body, and disturbed breathing."
As we can see from these sutras by Patanjali, chanting of OM can make us free from obstacles and provide us a glimpse of the inner self.
