The Mystique of Om

Om is the most sacred mantra in major Indic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It symbolizes affirmation, benediction and peace and is used ritualistically in prayers, invocations and ceremonies, religious as well as secular. It is also a magical symbol beyond compare and is regarded as a vehicle of attaining liberation (moksha). Not only this, at the highest level, it is identified with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. Using the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga, Tantra and several religious texts as his sources, the author describes a plethora of interpretations of this mystical monosyllable which has since time immemorial captivated its worshipers, put yogis into trance, made Tantra practitioners ecstatic and sent its changers into religious frenzy. The author also explains secular interpretations of Om in linguistics, psychology and structural analysis.