As I started my day today early morning, switching on my computer and started the chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, the Microsoft’s Chatbot Capilot with GPT4 responded by generating the meanings of the Mantra as follows:
“The phrase “Om Namah Shivaya” translates to “I bow to Lord Shiva.”
Each syllable in the mantra holds significance:
“Om” represents the universe and ultimate reality.
“Na” represents earth.
“Ma” represents water.
“Shi” represents fire.
“Va” represents air.
“Ya” represents space1.
By chanting this mantra, devotees express reverence and seek blessings from Lord Shiva or going by the above it can be understood as reverence to the creator of the universe that is ultimate reality and manifests itself in the nature comprising of earth, water, fire, air and space. To quell my curiosity, I started exploring the meaning of the syllable, Om or ‘Aum’ which is considered sacred and holds profound significance in Hinduism. It is often regarded as the sound of the universe and the ultimate reality because of its multifaceted symbolism:
- Cosmic vibration: Om is believed to be the primordial sound that existed before the creation of the universe. It represents the cosmic vibration from which all of creation emanates.
- Representation of the divine: Om is associated with the divine and is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers, rituals, and meditation sessions. It symbolizes the presence of the divine in all aspects of existence.
- Triadic nature of reality: Om consists of three syllables: A (pronounced as “ah”), U (pronounced as “oo”), and M (pronounced as “mm”). These syllables represent the three fundamental aspects of existence: creation (A), preservation (U), and destruction (M), which cyclically occur in the universe.
- Unity and oneness: Om is considered to encapsulate the essence of all existence, uniting the individual self (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). It signifies the interconnectedness of all beings and the underlying unity of the cosmos.
- Harmony and balance: It is believed that chanting Om harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit, bringing about a sense of peace, balance, and inner harmony. It is seen as a powerful tool for meditation and spiritual awakening.
- Symbol of transcendence: Om represents the journey from the material world to the spiritual realm. By chanting Om, individuals seek to transcend the limitations of the physical realm and attain higher states of consciousness.
I became curious to explore further and started exploring the similarities in different faiths in revering the universe and ultimate reality. I didn’t come across a similar syllable yet, there are similar beliefs and practices in other faiths that resonate with the idea of a sacred sound or symbol representing the divine and the interconnectedness of existence. Here are a few examples:
- Sikhism: While Sikhism does not have a direct equivalent to Om, the central religious text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is considered a manifestation of the divine Word (Shabad Guru). The recitation of hymns (shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib, especially the Mul Mantar and other sacred compositions, holds great importance in Sikh worship and meditation. The Mul Mantar, which begins with the phrase “Ik Onkar” (There is only one God), affirms the monotheistic belief and unity of God in Sikhism, akin to the concept of Brahman in Hinduism.
- Jainism: In Jainism, the sacred sound “Om” is not explicitly emphasized, but there are similar concepts related to the nature of reality and spiritual practices. Jainism teaches the principle of Anekantavada, which acknowledges the multiplicity of perspectives and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The practice of meditation and recitation of mantras, such as the Navakar Mantra (“Namo Arihantanam”), is central to Jain spiritual discipline. These mantras are believed to purify the mind, cultivate virtues, and deepen one’s spiritual awareness, reflecting the Jain emphasis on inner transformation and enlightenment.
- Christianity: In Christianity, the concept of the Word of God holds parallels to the idea of a sacred sound. In the Gospel of John, it is stated, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This Word is often interpreted as Jesus Christ, who is considered the divine manifestation of God’s message and presence in the world.
- Buddhism: While Buddhism doesn’t have a direct equivalent to Om, there are similar practices centered around sacred sounds and mantras. For example, the chanting of “Om Mani Padme Hum” is a common mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, believed to invoke the blessings of compassion and wisdom. Additionally, the concept of interconnectedness (dependent origination) in Buddhism aligns with the Hindu idea of unity and oneness.
- Islam: In Islam, the Quran is considered the ultimate revelation of God’s message to humanity. The recitation of Quranic verses, known as “Qirat,” holds great spiritual significance for Muslims and is believed to have a purifying effect on the soul. The opening chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatiha, is recited in daily prayers and is often compared to the Lord’s Prayer in Christianity.
- Sufism: Within Islam, Sufism is a mystical tradition that emphasizes spiritual practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God) and chanting of sacred names and phrases. Sufi mystics often use repetitive chants, known as “dhikr circles,” to achieve states of spiritual ecstasy and union with the divine.
- Judaism: In Judaism, the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is a central prayer affirming the oneness of God. It begins with the words, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” emphasizing the monotheistic belief in the unity of God. The recitation of Psalms and other sacred texts also holds spiritual significance in Jewish tradition.
While, I agree that each religion has its own teachings and faith, yet the route of all religions lies in spirituality-why then there should be strife over the religion. If we delve a little, we realise that all these arise from human desire of the selfishness of the preachers of each religion and their ill-informed followers whose actions deny the humans their right to peaceful coexistence.
Sometime ago, I had penned a poem in Hindi with similar thoughts:
परमात्मा राम कृष्ण या अल्लाह
या फिर हम सब की कश्ती के मल्लाह
कब और कहाँ सलाह देते हैं नफरत की
बात hai yeh चंद लोगों की फितरत की
बस खुदगर्ज़ी की हद को पार कर
एक गुमराह सी भीड़ को तैयार कर
सिर्फ अपने वर्चस्व अपने परिवार के लिए
ज़ुबान पार दुधारी तलवार लिए
कभी लड़वाते हैं तो कभी बवाल कराते हैं
खुद ऐश करते हैं पर आम आदमी को मरवाते हैं
कभी मज़हब तो कभी जात के नाम पर
अपने भाषण में नफरत का ज़हर भर
बेसिरपैर की अफवाहों की बना खबर
किस्मत अपनी व अपनों की चमकाते हैं
लोग यूँ ही बस लड़ते मरते कटते जाते हैं
औरतों को बेवा और बच्चों को यतीम बनाते हैं
यह वो हैं जो आपने को उसका करीबी बताते हैं
चाहे राम हो या रहीम कृष्णा या अल्लाह
इन सब में तो न कन्फूज़न है न कलह
यह लड़ाई तो हैं इंसानो के दिमाग में
यह अल्लाह राम रहीम या कृष्ण की नहीं
ज़रो ज़मीन की और इंसानी जुलम की लड़ाई है
अल्लाह कृष्ण और राम पर तो बस तोहमत लगाई है
English Version:
The Supreme Soul called Allah, God, Krishna, or Ram,
Or perhaps the helmsman of our collective Sampan.
When and where do they advise on the matters of hate?
It’s the nature of a few people, this needless debate.
Crossing the limits of selfishness,
They prepare a misled crowd for distress.
Only for their own dominance, for their family’s sake,
They wield their tongues like sharp swords to rake.
Sometimes they incite fights,
Sometimes stir up chaos in nights.
They enjoy as the folks lose their lives,
In needless religious strife.
Sometimes in the name of caste,
They spread the poison of hate so vast.
Rumours without basis become their news,
Enjoying themselves when people blow up their fuse.
People just keep fighting, dying, throats cut,
Women widowed, children orphaned, so abrupt.
Alas, they claim closeness to Him,
But can it be Ram, Rahim, Krishna, or Allah’s whim?
With no confusion or quarrel among the divine,
Such battles are products of human mind.
It’s a struggle for supremacy that generates cruelty,
With Allah, Krishna, and Ram merely accused unjustly.
Thinkers and Gurus like Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and Wayne Dyer, among others agree that organized religion often leads to division and conflict among people due to differences in beliefs, practices, and interpretations. But spirituality serves as a unifying force that transcends religious boundaries and fosters a sense of connection and understanding among individuals.
Conclusion:
The above blog is reminder of the thought that argues that spirituality, which focuses on inner growth, personal transformation, and a connection to something greater than oneself. It can bring people together despite their religious affiliations or backgrounds. It suggests that by embracing spirituality, individuals can move beyond the limitations of religious dogma and embrace a more inclusive and harmonious worldview.
Let us resolve to celebrate human fraternity and spirituality!
Inspire Positivity 