Om is the most universal sound in the Hindu tradition, appearing across the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita.
It is considered the primordial sound — the vibration from which all creation emerges.
The Mandukya Upanishad dedicates its entire twelve verses to unpacking this single syllable, breaking it into four states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the fourth state beyond all three.
It is chanted at the beginning of prayers, rituals, and yoga sessions across the world.
