Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Tattoo designs - O >> Ohm, Om

Om Tattoo Designs - (also Aum, Ohm) the world's most widely recognized sacred syllable - is the most important symbol in the Hindu Dharma, for it is nothing short of Absolute Reality (Brahman) and embodies the essence of the universe. At birth, a child born into a Hindu family has the OM sign written in honey on its tongue. It appears in every Hindu temple and in the most humble of family shrines. A revered symbol of spiritual perfection and piety, the OM was also incorporated into the Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist religions.

The sign itself is made up of three curves, one semi-circle and a dot. The three curves represent the states of ordinary human consciousness and all physical phenomena. The large lower curve signifies the ordinary waking self looking outwards - the upper curve signifies deep dreamless sleep - and the middle curve is the middle ground of looking inwards and being enthralled by inner dreams. Between the dot and the three curves lies the semi-circle signifying maya - illusion. The dot itself is the symbol of the highest state of consciousness, unaffected by maya, and in which all sense of separateness falls away.

OM is symbolic of many 'triads' including earth-atmosphere-heaven, past-present-future; also, birth-life-death, as well as the elements of fire, sun and wind. It is the symbol of the Hindu holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (Creation, Preservation, and Destruction.)

For the devout Hindu, OM is the sound uttered at the beginning of each day, the start of a journey, and going to work. It is placed at the beginning and end of most Hindu texts as a sacred exclamation to be uttered upon commencing and completing. Prayers and mantras are framed by the same intonation.

The Mandukya Upanishad (Hindu scripture) is entirely devoted to the explanation of the syllable. OM is characterized as the bow, the self as the arrow, while the target is the Absolute (Brahman). From the Mandukya Upanishad: "OM: this eternal word is all; what was, what is and what shall be." OM is the essence of all mantras and sacred words. Little wonder then that it appears on letterheads, exam papers, on pendants worn around the neck, and as one of the most appropriate spiritual tattoos.

Get inspired by some great images and photos in our Om Inspiration Gallery

See also: Hindu Tattoos, Buddha Tattoos, Buddhist Tattoos, Religious Tattoo Index, Japanese Tattoo Index, Buddhist Tattoo Index, Hindu Tattoo Index

Om tattoo design ideas by some of the world's top tattoo artists and illustrators.

Tattoo designs - O >> Ohm, Om

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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