Significance of Sacred syllable
The sacred syllable, primarily 'Om', holds profound significance across various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Vedanta. In Hinduism, it transforms sacrifices, while in Jainism it represents holy sounds significant to spiritual practices. Tibetan Buddhism encompasses a range of sounds for invoking specific energies. Moreover, Purana emphasizes its use in mantras during worship for divine connection. Overall, the sacred syllable serves as a critical element in meditation and rituals across these diverse belief systems.
Synonyms: Mantra, Chant, Invocation, Holy sound, Sacred sound, Holy word, Divine sound
In Dutch: Heilige lettergreep; In Finnish: Pyhä tavu; In Spanish: Sílaba sagrada
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred syllable'
The Sacred syllable in Buddhism encompasses specific sounds like Om and TRAM, representing cosmic origins, universal energies, and spiritual significance, crucial in practices that invoke particular states of mind and embody various spiritual meanings.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The specific syllables associated with both hands that embody the essence of the practice and the corresponding emblems.[1] (2) Powerful sounds or symbols used in spiritual practices to invoke specific energies or states of mind.[2] (3) The collection of powerful sounds including TRAM, HUM, and others which hold significance in the tantric practices.[3] (4) Sound representations that embody different meanings and symbols in the spiritual context, significant for practitioners.[4]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The syllable Om, significant in Vedic traditions, symbolizing the origin and universality of the cosmos.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred syllable'
In Hinduism, the sacred syllable refers to 'Om', a powerful sound representing ultimate reality, deeply embedded in rituals, meditation, and spirituality, symbolizing divine connection and the essence of existence.
From: Agni Purana
(1) A charge recited to invoke divine presence or connection, often associated with the great vyahritis.[6] (2) A holy sound or mantra like 'om' that is chanted during meditation for spiritual benefits.[7] (3) Chants like Om, hrum, hraum, haum used to stimulate the principal mantra and enhance spiritual practices.[8] (4) Divine sound units such as 'om' used in practices and rituals to resonate with spiritual significance.[9] (5) Syllables such as Om, hrim, kshaum, haum, ham that are used for spiritual union and meditation.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Mantras or names of God used in worship and meditation, which anchor devotees in their spiritual practice.[11] (2) A powerful sound or symbol that carries spiritual significance, used in mantras for invoking protection.[12] (3) Om, which Bharata repeated while sitting on the bank of the river.[13] (4) Refers to OM, which expresses the Supreme Soul directly and is the eternal seed of all Mantras and Vedas.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the recitation of 'Om', which is considered a powerful and holy sound in many spiritual practices.[15] (2) The holy sounds that comprise the Mantra, regarded as powerful and beneficial for spiritual elevation.[16] (3) Words or chants considered holy that are recited during spiritual practices by saints and noble souls.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Identifies 'Om' as a sacred word utilized exclusively in Vedic and Sanskrit writings, indicating its purity compared to popular vernacular languages.[18] (2) The sacred syllable refers to 'om', which is considered to have significance in the beginning of sacred hymns.[19]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The sound 'Vashat' and 'Aum', considered powerful and significant in spiritual practices.[20] (2) The sound 'aum', which holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu philosophy.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The sound 'Om', considered holy and purifying within the spiritual context of Vedic teachings.[22]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Aum is referred to as the sacred syllable, representing a fundamental aspect of both the Lower Brahman and the Supreme Brahman.[23] (2) Aum, which serves as the sound representation of the ultimate reality and the source of all existence.[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to syllables within the context of meditation practices that hold sacred significance and are connected to the divine.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the sound 'Om', which is considered sacred and significant in the context of worship and spirituality.[26]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Sound and meaning believed to encapsulate divine essence, often linked with Dattatreya's teachings.[27] (2) Refers to 'Om', which is chanted at the time of Nrisimhasarasvati's birth, marking its significance in Hindu spiritual practices.[28]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A term reflecting the deep, spiritual sounds associated with rituals and worship in the context of Brahmanical practices.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The sound 'OM', often used during breathing exercises to enhance focus and connect with divine energy.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the syllable Om, which is regarded as a powerful and spiritual expression of the divine.[31]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) The magical charms pronounced by Brahma that were instrumental in the creation of the noble elephants.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The importance of using 'svaha' in offerings, indicating the proper formula for evoking divine presence during Homa.[33]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The sacred syllable (om) transforms the nature of the sacrifice when uttered, giving it a divine quality.[34]
Jain concept of 'Sacred syllable'
In Jainism, the Sacred syllable represents a holy sound or word that holds deep significance in spiritual practices and religious rituals, embodying the essence of Jain beliefs and enhancing meditative experiences.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A holy sound or word, particularly significant in religious or spiritual contexts.[35]