posted February 26, 2008 02:39 PM         

b]Om[/b], Aum, Ohm is a holy meditation symbol of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (see
graphic at top of page) with a profusion of esoteric and exoteric meanings. In modern
usage Om means the Word, the “parnava,” the eternal. Various accounts are given of
its origin; one that it is the term of assent used by the gods, and probably an old
contracted form of the Sanskirt word "evam" meaning "thus." The laws of the "Manu"
say that the word was formed by Brahma himself, who extracted the letters "a" "u" "m"
from the "Vedas," one from each; and they thus explain its mysterious power and
sanctity. "Om" is also the name given by the Hindus to the spiritual sun, as opposed to
"Sooruj," the natural sun.