What is the meaning of Om?
Before the beginning, the absolute reality was one and non-dual. It thought, “I am only one—may I become many.” This caused a vibration which eventually became a sound, and this sound was Om, pronounced “aum”.
The primordial sound made when the the universe was created. “Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of Om.”
What does the symbol Om represent?
The Om symbol written in Sanskrit represents everything. The material world of the waking state is symbolized by the large lower curve. The deep sleep state is symbolized by the upper left curve. The dream state, lying between the waking state below and deep sleep state above, emanates from the confluence of the two. The point and semicircle are separate from the rest and rule the whole. The point represents the state of absolute consciousness. The open semicircle is symbolic of the infinite and the fact that the meaning of the point cannot be grasped if one limits oneself to finite thinking.
The importance of “Om” in the six true words;
Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum.
The first word Om is composed of three letters, A, U, and M. These symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha.