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Definition: The word Om derives from the Sanskrit. The Om is the primordial sound by which the earth was created- a similar concept to the Greek Logos. It symbolizes unfolding or expansion- when pronounced, it begins in the lungs, and ends on the lips.

The glyph representing Om has four parts, representing the four states of awareness:

The ordinary waking, or material state:

The state of deep sleep:

The dream state:

Absolute conscience, or the awakened state:

Pronunciation: Ome • (noun)

Alternate Spellings: Aum

Related Resources:

Buddhism 101
From your About.com guide to Buddhism.

Hinduism for beginners
From your About.com guide to Hinduism

Jain Religion
From your About.com guide to Alternative religion.

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