Good morning, Start today with a few minutes of chanting OM 🧘‍♀️

Symbolism of Om

While its symbol is recognized by most, much fewer actually know what the combination of curves, crescent, and dot, which make up Om’s visual representation, actually stand for.

Each aspect of the visual form of Om signifies a particular state of reality. The large lower curve marks the normal waking state (jāgrat). In this condition, the mind identifies with the physical body and perceives the world through the senses.

The upper curve indicates the unconscious state, or that of deep sleep (sushupti). This is a state of total unawareness, in which you are in a deep dreamless sleep, and you are withdrawn from both physical and mental activities.

The middle curve denotes the dream state (swapna). The dream state is in between the deep sleep and waking state, where a person explores the subconscious. Your consciousness is turned inwards, as your fears, hopes, and desires manifest themselves in an imaginary world.

The dot is a symbol of enlightenment (turiyā). In this state, a person becomes harmonized with the Absolute, recognizing that all of creation is made up of spirit and is united through that commonality. This state is beyond the mundane senses, and can only be achieved by associating with spiritual energy.

The crescent represents maya, which separates the three curves from the dot. Maya is the illusion that binds an individual soul to the material world. By chanting Om, one can transcend the three curves of material consciousness, and attain the dot of enlightenment. https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-om