what's om,What's OM?

What’s OM?

Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious word that seems to pop up in various languages, yet carries different meanings? Well, let’s delve into the enigmatic world of “OM” and uncover its many facets.

Definition and Etymology

OM, often abbreviated as “Oh My,” has gained popularity as an internet slang, typically used to express astonishment, surprise, or shock. It is often combined with other words or emojis, like “OMG,” “OMFG,” or “OML.” The term originated from English and was first used by American teenagers in the 1990s. With the rise of social media and the internet, it has become a widely-used internet slang.

Multiple Meanings

Beyond its usage as a slang, OM holds other meanings. In Hinduism, it is considered a sacred sound used in meditation and yoga to evoke inner peace and concentration. In some Asian countries, it is also used as a greeting or to express agreement.

Usage in Internet Culture

As internet culture has evolved, OM has become a popular emoji, seen across various social media platforms and chat apps. It not only conveys emotions like astonishment and shock but also adds humor to conversations. Its simplicity, ease of use, and ability to quickly express emotions make it a favorite among young people.

Pronunciation and Reading

In English, OM is pronounced as /m/, similar to the sounds in “arm” and “calm.” The pronunciation is short and catchy, making it easy to remember and use.

OM in Hinduism

OM, also known as “AUM,” is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing the universe and eternity. It is considered the first sound to emerge in the world and the first sound a baby makes after birth. This sound is believed to be sacred in Buddhism as well, with many tantric mantras starting with the sound “OM.” Artworks made using the “OM” symbol are common in India and Nepal, where Hinduism is widely practiced.

Origin of OM

The word “OM” first appeared in the Hindu scripture “Vedas.” The姊垫枃 representation of “OM” (U0950) is composed of a vowel (U0913, short O in Devanagari script) and a nasal symbol (U0901, chandrabindu). However, the left-side O, written in Brahmi script, resembles the numeral 3, leading some to mistake it for another vowel (U090A, long U in Devanagari script).

Symbolism of OM

OM, also known as the “Aum symbol,” is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing the essence of the religion. AUM is the combination of matter and divinity, symbolizing the initial sound (or vibration) of the universe. It represents the beginning, the end, past, present, and future, transcending the bounds of time. The three letters of AUM represent “earth, air, and sky,” symbolizing the world. Additionally, “A” symbolizes the creator god “Brahma,” “U” represents the preserver god “Vishnu,” and “M” signifies the destroyer and end.

OM in Yoga

In yoga, OM is considered the most original and natural vibration of the universe. It is believed to be the sound of the initial vibration of the universe, with a frequency of 432 Hz. This frequency is said to be the vibration of all things in the universe, connecting us with the external world. OM is symbolized in yoga as the symbol of the entire yoga world, much like the Tai Chi symbol represents the concept of Tai Chi.

OM in Mantra

OM is considered the most powerful and soothing mantra in yoga. It helps calm the mind and enter a state of meditation. Singing OM can slow down breathing and heart rate, leading to a state of tranquility and awareness. It is believed to be beneficial for both the body and the mind.

OM in Guitar

OM is also used in the context of guitar, referring to a special type of guitar that originated from Indian music culture. The term “OM” means “Ohm,” an important concept in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the original sound and sacred power of the universe. OM guitars have a unique shape, resembling traditional Indian musical instruments. They are made of high-quality materials, providing excellent sound quality and comfort during play.