The Significance of Omkara in the Vedas and Spiritual Wisdom
Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Aranyaka, 7.4.1
says
He who is, like a bull pre-eminent in the Vedas; He who pervades all words; He who emerged super-excellently from the immortal Vedas; He who is the chief among the Vedas (even as Indra is among the gods); may He strengthen me with wisdom; O God! may I attain immortality (i.e. knowledge of Brahman).
May my body become fit, may I utter sweet speech; may I hear more and more (of spiritual truths from teachers and scriptures); You (i.e. Om) are the sheath of the Brahman (like the scabbard of a sword i.e. the seat of realization); You are veiled by worldly intelligence (i.e. people of worldly intellect cannot know you); Protect the things that I have acquired through hearing (i.e. may I not forget what I have learnt from my guru).
Explanation
The mantra from the Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Aranyaka (7.4.1) presents a profound prayer addressed to Omkara (Om). It describes Omkara as the supreme sound, the essence of the Vedas, and the path to enlightenment. This article delves into the deeper meaning of Omkara, its significance in Hindu philosophy, and how it serves as a guiding force for spiritual seekers.
Understanding Omkara: The Supreme Sound
Omkara (Om) is considered the primordial sound of the universe. It is not just a syllable but the vibration from which all existence manifests. The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and various other Hindu scriptures emphasize the importance of Om.
Om: The Bull of the Vedas
The mantra refers to Omkara as the "bull" of the Vedas. In Indian tradition, the bull symbolizes strength, leadership, and prominence. Just as the bull leads a herd, Om leads all words and sounds in the Sanskrit language. It is the root of all mantras and spiritual sounds.
For instance, in the Bhagavad Gita (10.25), Lord Krishna says:
"Among words, I am Om."
This verse highlights Om as the most superior and divine sound.
Om: The Eternal Sound of Creation
Om is often said to be "born from the immortal Vedas." This means that our knowledge of Om and its divine nature comes through the sacred texts. The Vedas, considered the oldest scriptures of humanity, reveal the greatness of Om and its role in creation and realization.
In the Mandukya Upanishad (Verse 1), it is stated:
"Om is this whole world. Whatever has been, whatever is, and whatever will be—everything is Om."
This verse asserts that Om is not just a sound but the very fabric of existence. It represents the past, present, and future, symbolizing the eternal nature of reality.
The Transformative Power of Omkara
The mantra from the Taittiriya Aranyaka is a prayer asking for wisdom, strength, and clarity to comprehend the ultimate truth—Brahman (the Supreme Reality). Let us explore how Omkara influences different aspects of our spiritual journey.
1. Strengthening the Body and Mind
The mantra prays for a strong body and mind so that one can engage in spiritual learning and practice. Just as a healthy body is essential for worldly success, it is equally crucial for spiritual pursuits. Chanting Om regularly has been shown to:
Improve concentration and focus.
Reduce stress and anxiety.
Enhance overall well-being.
2. Sweet Speech and Spiritual Listening
The prayer also asks for the ability to speak sweetly and to listen more deeply to spiritual truths. This highlights the importance of both communication and receptivity in one's spiritual path. When we chant Om, it purifies our speech, making our words more powerful and positive.
Sri Ramakrishna, a great saint, once said:
"The tongue should always utter good words; words have immense power."
Similarly, listening to the wisdom of teachers and scriptures helps in attaining higher knowledge.
3. Omkara as the Seat of Realization
The mantra compares Om to a sheath covering Brahman, much like a scabbard holding a sword. This metaphor suggests that Om serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. Through meditation and contemplation on Om, seekers can pierce the veil of illusion and attain self-realization.
The Katha Upanishad (1.2.15) states:
"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead a life of continence, is Om."
This means that Om is not just a sound but the key to unlocking the highest wisdom.
Examples and Analogies for Better Understanding
For those new to this concept, here are a few simple analogies:
Om as the Sun: Just as the sun illuminates everything, Om enlightens our intellect and consciousness.
Om as the Ocean: Just as waves arise and dissolve in the ocean, all sounds and words originate from Om and merge back into it.
Om as a Seed: Just as a seed contains the potential for a giant tree, Om contains the essence of the universe.
Teachings from Hindu Saints and Philosophers
Great sages and saints have emphasized the power of Om throughout history. Some notable teachings include:
Adi Shankaracharya: In his commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad, he explains that Om is the ultimate reality and meditating on it leads to liberation (Moksha).
Swami Vivekananda: He described Om as the basis of all spiritual experiences and encouraged chanting it with deep focus.
Paramahansa Yogananda: He taught that deep meditation on Om allows one to hear the "cosmic sound" and experience divine bliss.
How to Integrate Om into Daily Life
To harness the power of Om, one can:
Chant Om daily: Begin or end your meditation with Om chanting.
Practice mindfulness: Use Om as a focal point to calm the mind.
Reflect on its meaning: Contemplate its significance in your personal and spiritual growth.
The mantra from the Taittiriya Aranyaka is a powerful invocation that seeks wisdom, strength, and clarity through Omkara. Om is not just a syllable; it is the very essence of the Vedas and the cosmic sound of existence. By chanting and meditating on Om, one can purify the mind, gain spiritual insight, and ultimately realize the eternal truth.
As the Upanishads declare:
"Om is Brahman, Om is all this. He who meditates on Om attains the highest." (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.8.1)
Let us embrace the divine power of Omkara and embark on a journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment