AUM
is a significant mystical symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, comprised of a combination of three sounds, aa as in father, ooo as in who, mm as in humm. It refers to all levels of consciousness; in our physical world, in each individual's life, the symbol represents the waking-state, deep-sleep, dream-state. It includes the ultimate level of consciousness, that of the unmanifest, merging into which is the goal of the spiritual seeker. This state of salvation is called moksha in Hinduism, nirvana in Buddhism.
The monogram for this universal sound ‘AUM’ is in ancient Sanskrit script, and is a single syllable. As such it is an ideal and simple mantra, (a short one, two or three syllable sound that is repeated over and over again, to induce a feeling of calmness within the mind,) which anyone can use for meditation. It represents primordial sound. This is the first sound vibration that set the universe in motion, and into the stirrings of creation, according to Indian traditional thought. To attune oneself to this sound, ringing and vibrating within us, is one of the goals of meditation.
The unmanifest is the Absolute Moksha.
The lower curve (1) symbolizes wakefulness where one is extroverted from the physical self and enjoys one’s world through the senses. Most people live all their lives in this state. Thus it is represented by the largest of the three curves.
The upper curve (2) denotes the state of deep sleep or the unconscious state. It is a state of complete dreamlessness, where the sleeper lacks nothing.
The middle curve (3) (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state. In this state the consciousness of the individual is introverted, and the dreaming self is focused on a sleep and a world that comes from his sub-consciousness.
These are the three states of an individual's consciousness, and since what an individual perceives as real or reality is the result of his own perception, these three curves represent the entire physical phenomenon, all of which according to Indian philosophy, is an illusion.
The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness. In this state the consciousness looks neither outwards nor inwards, nor is it a combination of the two states. It signifies the settling of all existence into an utterly quiet, peaceful and blissful state that of moksha or nirvana.
Finally, the semi circle symbolizes illusion, and separates the dot from the other three curves. Illusion is man’s mistaken notion that what he perceives as real, including himself, is actually so. It is this ‘veil of illusion’ that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of bliss.