Om is an ancient symbol that has quietly persisted in the background of society for thousands of years. The Om symbol represents the most common mantra used in Yoga and meditation practices. It is a mantra embraced by eastern philosophies such as Vedanta, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
The mantra is often referred to as the universal sound and has multiple interpretations, but through its origin of the Vedas can be deciphered with the representation of the Om symbol itself.
The symbol Om can be broken into four curves and a point. Each curve and point represent a different experiential state of consciousness.
Waking State
The first state of consciousness is the waking state. This is the most common state of consciousness represented as the large bottom curve of the Om symbol. The waking state is the surface level of the mind which we experience outwardly through the five senses. Everything from this state of consciousness appears to be external and separate from the observer, but in Eastern philosophy and some modern scientific perspectives, this idea is considered to be an illusion. All matter is energy taking on various forms, perceived to be something different than what it truly is.
Dream State
Represented by the middle curve is the dream state. This is a state we all enter in our sleep but commonly are not fully aware of. This is the first state in which consciousness is turned inwardly toward its source and an alternate reality is experienced behind closed eyes. The dream state is the active part of our unconscious minds and can be learned from in various ways if we are able to stay aware.
Deep Sleep State
The third curve represents the latent unconscious. This is a state of pure awareness. The active mind is shut down and there are no dreams or desires. It is a state of inner peace and calmness.
Maya
The final small curve represents Maya. Maya can be looked at as a Veil of Illusion. It is the point where duality begins and manifests. This is where the egoic mind begins, creating an illusion of self and other. To transcend Maya, the ego and its attachments must be dropped. When the ego and its attachments are dropped, we do not actually lose anything. It is a paradox, when we drop everything and become nothing, we realize the totality of what we are and nothing is missing. Maya is what keeps us from experiencing our true innate nature, often referred to as the Absolute.
The Absolute
The top point of the Om symbol represents the Absolute, a transcendent state of consciousness impossible to comprehend with the mind. It has been labeled many names, but it cannot be confined to a label, because it is a state attained by the letting go of labels and attachments. The absolute is portrayed as the totality and source of all existence enduring in a state of nonduality. It is the realization that everything is consciousness, and at the core, we are the entirety of consciousness itself. This is the true nature of the Self. Our experience as individuals is merely one collective consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. This is nothing that can be fathomed logically but can only be known in union with the experience.
This is the map of consciousness the Om symbol portrays. It is such a simple yet profound symbol that expresses the core structure of consciousness according to Vedanta and other Eastern philosophies. Ultimately it points us to look for fulfillment internally rather than externally. Both the problem and solution come from within. Everything we’re longing for we already have within us, we are just too distracted to realize it.
Everything I refer to is what I have learned from my own experiences, and the concepts I have found to interpret them. Spirituality should be based on experience rather than taking anyone's word for it. My experiences have come from my own exploration of consciousness through meditation and plant medicine. I encourage you to find a practice that resonates with you in order to develop your own understanding.
Namaste 🙏🏻
“One who looks outside, dreams. One who looks inside, awakens.”
-Carl Jung