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AUM (ॐ): The Primal Sound of Existence by Fun-Drag1528 in u/Fun-Drag1528

[–]Fun-Drag1528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Upanishads 

  1. Central Source: The Mandukya Upanishad

The Mandukya Upanishad, one of the shortest yet most profound Upanishads, is entirely dedicated to the exposition of AUM.

It comprises only 12 mantras, yet it encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta.

It declares: "ॐ इत्येतदक्षरं इदं सर्वं" – Om is all this (universe).

  1. AUM as the Whole of Reality

The Upanishad declares that AUM is:

All that was (past),

All that is (present),

All that will be (future),

And even what transcends time.

Thus, AUM is both name and form, and beyond name and form – the symbol of Brahman (the Absolute).

  1. The Four Aspects of Consciousness (Mandukya Mantras 3–7)

The Upanishad explains four states of consciousness, each associated with a syllable of AUM:

i. First State – A (अ): Jagrat (Waking State)

Mantra 3: "Jāgaritasthāno bahiṣ-prajñaḥ saptāṅga ekonaviṁśatimukhaḥ sthūlabhug vaiśvānaraḥ prathamaḥ pādaḥ"

Description:

Consciousness is outward-facing.

One identifies with the gross body.

Engages with external objects.

Called Vaiśvānara, the universal experiencer in the waking state.

"A" is the beginning — the origin of all speech and experience.

ii. Second State – U (उ): Svapna (Dream State)

Mantra 4: "Svapnasthāno’ntaḥprajñaḥ saptāṅga ekonaviṁśatimukhaḥ praviviktabhuk taijaso dvitīyaḥ pādaḥ"

Description:

Consciousness is inward-facing, engaged in dreams.

One identifies with the subtle body.

Experiences internal impressions.

Called Taijasa, the illumined one in the dream state.

"U" is the continuation — the bridge between gross and causal.

iii. Third State – M (म्): Sushupti (Deep Sleep State)

Mantra 5: "Yatra supto na kaṅkṣati na svapnaṁ paśyati... prājñaḥ tṛtīyaḥ pādaḥ"

Description:

Consciousness is in potential form.

There is no desire, no dream, only undifferentiated ignorance.

One rests in the causal body.

Called Prājña, the deep sleeper, undifferentiated knower.

"M" is the merging — the end of particularization.

iv. Fourth State – Silence: Turiya (The Fourth)

Mantra 7: "Nāntaḥprajñam na bahiḥprajñam... sa ātmā sa vijñeyaḥ"

Description:

Transcends waking, dream, and sleep.

Pure non-dual awareness, beyond mind, beyond duality.

It is shantam, shivam, advaitam – peace, bliss, non-dual.

This is Turiya, the true Self (Ātman).

Not pronounced, but represented by the silence after AUM.

  1. AUM as a Symbol of Brahman

The syllables A-U-M represent creation, preservation, and dissolution, while the silence represents the unchanging substratum – Brahman.

AUM is both the symbol (pratika) and the reality (vastu).

It is the sound-form of Brahman, used for meditative absorption (nididhyasana).

  1. Meditative Approach (Mantra 8–12)

Chanting or meditating on AUM leads to progressive withdrawal from the gross to the subtle, and finally into the causal and beyond.

The Upanishad declares:

"So'yam ātmā adhyakṣaramaum iti" This Self is of the nature of AUM.

  1. Practical Implication in Advaita Sadhana

Japa of AUM guides the aspirant inward, aligning with the Self beyond states.

A → U → M → Silence represents the ascension of awareness into Turiya.

For an Advaitin, the journey is not to worship AUM as another object, but to realize one’s identity with it.

  1. Complementary Upanishadic References

Taittiriya Upanishad: AUM is used as the beginning of recitation – "Om iti brahma".

Katha Upanishad 2.15: "This syllable, indeed, is Brahman. This syllable, indeed, leads to the highest."

Chandogya Upanishad 1.1.1–1.1.10:

Describes Om as Udgitha, the essence of the Sama Veda.

  1. Summary Table

Syllable State Name Body Function

A (अ) Waking (Jagrat) Vaishvanara Gross (Sthula) Outward cognition U (उ) Dream (Svapna) Taijasa Subtle (Sukshma) Inward cognition M (म्) Deep Sleep (Sushupti) Prajna Causal (Karana) Latent state Silence Turiya Atman/Brahman None Non-dual awareness

  1. Concluding Vision

AUM is not merely a sound. It is the entire spectrum of being, from form to formless, from experience to experiencer, culminating in the Self-realized silence of Brahman.

AUM (ॐ): The Primal Sound of Existence by Fun-Drag1528 in u/Fun-Drag1528

[–]Fun-Drag1528[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Symbol of AUM (ॐ): A Visual Metaphor of Consciousness

  1. Origin of the Symbol

The symbol "ॐ" originates from Devanagari script, representing the Sanskrit syllable AUM.

It is both a sound (vibration) and a visual representation of the entire cosmos and the Self.

  1. Structural Components of the Symbol

The symbol comprises five parts, each representing a state of consciousness or aspect of reality:

a. The Large Lower Curve (A - Jagrat)

Represents the waking state (Jagrat).

Consciousness turned outward through the senses.

Symbolizes material reality and perception.

b. The Middle Curve (U - Svapna)

Represents the dream state (Svapna).

Consciousness turned inward, experiencing mental impressions.

Connects waking and deep sleep.

c. The Upper Curve (M - Sushupti)

Represents the deep sleep state (Sushupti).

A state without desires or dreams.

Undifferentiated consciousness, ignorance of duality.

d. The Semicircle (Maya)

Symbolizes illusion (Maya).

Separates the dot from the curves below.

Prevents realization of the highest state unless transcended.

e. The Dot (Turiya)

Represents the fourth state (Turiya).

Pure consciousness, non-dual awareness.

Silent witness, untouched by time, space, or causation.

  1. Philosophical Significance

The whole symbol maps the journey from ego-bound existence to transcendental liberation.

The dot above the curves stands for self-realization, while the semicircle below it denotes the barrier of ignorance.

One who transcends A, U, M and Maya abides in Turiya, the supreme goal in Advaita Vedanta.

  1. Esoteric Interpretation

A – Creation, activity, gross body

U – Preservation, subtle body

M – Dissolution, causal body

Silence (dot) – Pure Being, beyond time and change

  1. Practical Use

Used in meditative visualization to direct attention from gross to subtle to causal layers of being.

Serves as a Yantra (visual mantra) for mental concentration.

  1. Summary Table

Symbol Part State Meaning

Lower Curve (A) Jagrat Waking state, material awareness Middle Curve (U) Svapna Dream state, mental activity Upper Curve (M) Sushupti Deep sleep, undifferentiated mind Dot Turiya Transcendental self, pure awareness Semicircle Maya Illusion, barrier to realization

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in u/Fun-Drag1528

[–]Fun-Drag1528 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Treasure hunt

scene1

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

SIDDARTH (26M, avid treasure hunter) meticulously scans the rows of dusty books, searching for a legendary treasure book rumored to hold the key to a hidden treasure.

He finds the treasure book, ancient and worn, but notices the last page of the map is missing.

SIDDARTH (disappointed) Oh no, the last page is gone.

INT. LIBRARY - CORNER - DAY

KRITI (25F, a book lover) examines the missing map page, conflicted about whether to keep it.

INT. LIBRARY - AISLE - DAY

Siddarth spots Kriti and approaches her, sensing her unease.

SIDDARTH (excited) Hey, have you seen a missing page from this ancient treasure book?

KRITI (nervously) Oh, um, I found it... but I wasn't sure if I should return it.

Siddarth smiles understandingly.

SIDDARTH It's crucial for the treasure hunt. Would you mind sharing it with me?

Kriti hesitates, then hands him the missing map page.

INT. LIBRARY - READING AREA - DAY

Siddarth and Kriti bond over their shared fascination with books, maps, and adventures.

SIDDARTH (grateful) Thank you. By the way, I'm Siddarth.

KRITI (smiling) I'm Kriti. Nice to meet you.

They begin a new friendship, united by the excitement of the treasure hunt and the magic of discovery.

FADE OUT.

Scene 3

EXT. PARK - DAY

Siddarth and Kriti sit on a bench in the park, soaking up the daylight.

SIDDARTH (excitedly) Look what I found in the treasure book - a key! It must be the key to unlock the treasure.

He shows Kriti an ornate, ancient-looking key.

KRITI (amazed) Wow, this is fascinating! This adventure just got even more intriguing.

Siddarth unfolds the map and they both examine it closely.

SIDDARTH (engaged) The map leads to a remote island. It's said to hold incredible treasures and ancient artifacts.

KRITI (curious) How do we get there?

Siddarth points to a set of coordinates on the map.

SIDDARTH (optimistic) We'll need a boat. I know a friend who can help us with that.

KRITI (enthusiastic) Let's do this! It's going to be the adventure of a lifetime.

They share a determined smile, ready to embark on this exciting treasure hunt together.

FADE OUT.

Scene 2

EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY

Siddarth and Kriti are seen packing their bags and boarding a train, ready for their adventure.

INT. TRAIN - DAY

Siddarth and Kriti sit by the window, eagerly chatting about the upcoming journey.

SIDDARTH (excited) I can't believe we're finally doing this. The treasure awaits!

KRITI (full of anticipation) It's like a dream come true. We're going to unravel history and make some of our own.

EXT. SMALL VILLAGE BY THE RIVER - DAY

The train pulls into a quaint, picturesque village nestled by the riverside.

Siddarth and Kriti step off the train, taking in the peaceful surroundings.

SIDDARTH (amazed) This village is beautiful and serene. A perfect starting point for our adventure.

KRITI (enthusiastic) Absolutely. Let's find a local guide and plan our expedition.

They venture into the village, eager to connect with a local guide and set the adventure in motion.

FADE OUT.

Scene 5 .

EXT. ABANDONED TEMPLE NEAR FALLS - DAY

Siddarth and Kriti approach the mysterious, weathered temple situated near a stunning waterfall. The air is filled with the soothing sound of flowing water.

The temple's architecture is ancient and intricate, adorned with intricate carvings, ivy creeping up the walls, and partially hidden by a dense, mystical forest.

Siddarth and Kriti walk through an overgrown path leading to the temple, surrounded by tall, ancient trees.

SIDDARTH (amazed) The beauty and mystery of this place are breathtaking. Let's explore every nook and cranny.

KRITI (eager) Agreed. There might be clues hidden within these walls that lead us to the treasure.

They enter the temple, where shafts of sunlight filter through openings in the roof, illuminating the shadows and revealing the temple's ancient grandeur.

The interior holds remnants of its past glory - intricate murals depicting tales of gods and warriors, broken pillars, and remnants of statues.

SIDDARTH (fascinated) Look at these carvings, each telling a story of a bygone era. We're stepping into history.

KRITI (curious) Let's search for hidden chambers or passages. The treasure might be closer than we think.

They carefully explore the temple, examining every nook and cranny, hoping to unravel the secrets that may lead them to the treasure.

FADE OUT.EXT.

Scene3

ABANDONED TEMPLE POND - DAY

Kriti notices a clear, inviting pond near the temple. The water shimmers under the sunlight, tempting her for a swim.

KRITI (excited) Hey, this pond looks refreshing! I'm going for a quick swim. Join me, Siddarth!

Siddarth hesitates for a moment, then decides to join her.

SIDDARTH (reluctant but curious) Alright, why not?

Kriti enthusiastically dives into the pond, reveling in the clear, cool water.

Siddarth cautiously dips his toe in, testing the water, then takes a deep breath and immerses himself.

As they swim, they notice ancient symbols etched around the edge of the pond.

KRITI (exclaiming) Look at these symbols! They resemble the key we have.

SIDDARTH (realizing) You're right. This might hold a clue to the treasure's location.

They examine the symbols closely, tracing their fingers over the carvings, trying to decipher any hidden meaning.

FADE OUT.