Often spelled OM. The mystic syllable of Hinduism is placed at the beginning of most sacred writings. As a mantra, it is pronounced aw (as in law), oo (as in zoo), mm. Aum represents the Divine and is associated with Lord Ganesha, for its initial sound “aa,” vibrates within the Muladhara, the chakra at the base of the spine upon where God sits.

The second sound of this mantra, “oo,” vibrates within the throat and chest chakras. The realm of Lord Murugan, or Kumara. The third sound, “mm,” vibrates within the cranial chakras, Ajna, and Sahasrara, where the Supreme God reigns.

The dot above, called anusv=ra, represents the Soundless Sound, Paranada. Aum explained in the Upanishads as standing for the whole world and its parts, including past, present, and future.

It is from this primal vibration that all manifestation comes forth. Aum is the first mantra and often precedes other mantras. It is safely chanted by anyone. Three letters represent the three worlds: the power of creation, preservation, and destruction.