OM/AUM Symbol

This ancient Sanskrit symbol, sacred to millions of people around the world, is hand carved in recycled wood and finished in antiqued deep red and gold.

The Om (or Aum) symbol is one of the most recognizable and sacred symbols in Hinduism and other Dharmic religions like Buddhism and Jainism and has also found meaning amongst other faiths with a common root. While a definitive origin story remains elusive, the available evidence suggests the Om symbol’s roots lie in a much older spiritual tradition that predates Hinduism in its formalized state.

It’s a syllable formed by the three sounds “a,” “u,” and “m,” often written as “ॐ” or “ओं.” The sound itself is considered a sacred mantra, chanted during meditation and prayer.

The meaning of Om is multifaceted and layered. On a basic level, it represents the divine Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism. Each sound within the symbol holds significance: “a” represents creation, “u” symbolizes preservation, and “m” signifies destruction and rebirth. Together, they represent the cyclical nature of the universe.

Interpretations go beyond the literal. Some view Om as the primordial sound from which all creation originates. Others see it as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things, the unity of mind, body, and spirit. The silence that follows the chanting of Om is considered equally important, representing a state of peace and enlightenment.