In vedic culture, the syllable "OM" represents the creation, sustenance and dissolution of the entire universe. Scholars write it as one letter, but within that one letter is the primordial sound of everything that exists. In the ancient vedic texts, they say OM was the very first sound that came into being during the birth of the world. In the chakra system, it is connected to Ajna chakra, the third eye, which represents intuition and self-knowledge.

 

While yoga is not a religion, OM and OM-containing mantras are commonly used in spiritual practices where they are afforded great and highest respect. Being mindful of its true significance makes it easier to use the same respect when incorporating OM into your daily life or yoga routine. The sound actually contains three parts. The beginning is "ah," which represents the creation. The transition through "oh" to "oo" in the middle represents the preservation of a life span. The final "mm" sound at the end symbolizes the dissolution of all that exists back into its original source.