Om: The Sound Symbol

Om: The Sound Symbol

Publisher:
Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd.;
New Delhi, India
www.mrmlbooks.com

Synopsis

Om: The Sound Symbol is on the various meanings of Om, as unfolded by Swami Dayānanda Saraswati. The first part contains linguistic interpretation of Om, Om as a word symbol – ‘pratika’, superimposition of the three states of experience on AUM by the Upanishad, Om as a phonetic symbol of Brahman, and the mantra So’ham being Om.

The Second part of the book is a collection of origin of Om in various Vedic literatures- the Vedas, its origin is in Chāndogya Upanisad. Om is equated with Brahman in Taittiriya, superimposition of the three states of experience on A-U-M in Mandukya, Om being the representation of Saguna-Brahman as well as Nirguna-Brahman Katha, Om as the bow in an imagery of archery in Mundaka, how chanting Om during the last stages takes a person to higher lokas, also is mentioned in Prashna Upanisads. Its references are in Isāvāsya, Brhadāranyaka, Maitrāyani, and Mahānārayana Upanisads; besides Upanishads, also is about on Om in Yogasutra, Bhagavadgitā, Baudhāyana Dharmasutra, and Manusmrti. The book has an elaborate Glossary and Index, along with some images. The text will be immensely helpful to spiritual seekers, as well as Indological scholars in demystifying Om.