The Meaning Behind The Om Symbol & Sound, Plus How To Use It Respectfully

For a simple-looking symbol, Om packs in a whole lot of meaning. With roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the Om can now be seen and heard in spiritual spaces around the world. But what does it mean, and how can we use it in a way that's respectful to its roots? Here's what Om stands for, plus how to integrate it into your spiritual practice.

As far as the physical symbol of Om, its various curves and lines represent five states of consciousness:

Om is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. Kumar notes, "We say Om before every Sanskrit prayer, text, any recitation of anything sacred. It's considered the highest sacred symbol of Hinduism." Repeating Om as a mantra can have powerful effects on one's overall state. Doing so is thought to help center the mind, body, and spirit, elevate consciousness, deepen focus, and build compassion.

If you are not traditionally Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain but appreciate the meaning behind Om, you can still integrate the sound and symbol into your spiritual practice. But when you're using something so sacred, it's important to do so with respect. Here are two ways to use Om that acknowledge its history and significance:

"It's meant to be said slowly," she notes. "It's meant to increase your mental and emotional vibration. You can repeat Om while meditating [to help with] focus, or you can chant it three times before yoga."

If learning about the symbol for Om and what it represents makes you want to incorporate it into your life, feel free to add it to your at-home meditation or prayer space. Let it serve as a reminder of your connection to the universe, as well as the unification of the mind, body, and spirit.