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Significance of Pranava

Pranava is a term that predominantly refers to the sacred syllable 'Om', which symbolizes the essence of the universe in various religious contexts, particularly in Vaishnavism, Yoga, Vedanta, and Shaivism. It is recognized as a foundational aspect of spiritual practices, meditation, and rituals, embodying the ultimate reality and connecting practitioners to the divine. Emphasized across multiple traditions, Pranava signifies the primordial sound that represents consciousness and the fundamental vibration of reality, playing a crucial role in Hindu philosophy.

Synonyms: Om, Aum, Prana, Mantra, Sacred sound, Primordial sound

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Pranava'

Hinduism Books

Pranava, in Hinduism, primarily refers to the sacred syllable 'Om', symbolizing the ultimate reality and essence of the universe, integral in rituals, meditation, and spiritual practices, embodying the connection between the individual self and universal consciousness.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) A spiritual concept or sound that is integral to meditation practices, particularly as it relates to the udgitha.[1] (2) Another name for the syllable Om, used in meditation to achieve contact with the highest Brahman.[2] (3) Another term for the sacred syllable 'Om', regarded as a foundational aspect of meditation.[3] (4) The syllable Om, introduced as an object of meditation in the context of the Udgitha in the Chandogya-text.[4] (5) The sacred sound 'Om,' viewed as essential to spiritual practice and the expression of the ultimate reality.[5]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The sound representing the ultimate reality, should be contemplated for spiritual advancement.[6] (2) The sacred sound of 'Om' that is integral to various prayers and practices in yoga.[7] (3) The sacred sound OM, symbolizing the essence of the ultimate reality which is central to many spiritual practices.[8] (4) Om, the upper Arani, representing the sacred sound of the universe.[9] (5) The sacred sound or syllable that symbolizes the essence of reality and is used in spiritual practices.[10]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The creator, preserver, and destroyer of the whole universe.[11] (2) The recent and oldest manifestation of Brahman, described as the unchanging, Causeless, Inmost, Uttermost, Uncreate, and Changeless aspect of Brahman.[12] (3) Another term referring to the Om sound, which is emphasized in both the current and prior sections of the text.[13]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) Another term for the syllable 'Om', regarded as highly revered and integral to the contemplation and worship of Brahman.[14]

From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary

(1) The Pranava, represented by the syllable 'Om', is akin to a bow that enables the Atman (individual self) to reach the Brahman (ultimate reality).[15]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) Pranava is unified with udgitha and through meditation on this unity, the Hotri can correct any mistake he may have committed.[16]

From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Another name for Aum, considered the key-note of the universe that connects all forms of reality.[17]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The sacred syllable 'om', considered a form of the ultimate reality and significant in purification rituals.[18] (2) Another term for the sacred syllable 'Om,' which is often recited at the beginning of Vedic practices.[19] (3) The sacred syllable 'Om,' which is to be meditated upon or repeated during the practice of breath-suppressions.[20]

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) A sacred sound or syllable used in Vedic rituals, signifying the utterance that accompanies the placing of fire-sticks.[21] (2) A sacred syllable or sound, often used in Vedic chanting, symbolizing the essence of the divine and present during the invocations.[22]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha

(1) The sacred sound 'Om', which represents the essence of the absolute and is used in meditation.[23] (2) The sacred sound 'Om', representing the ultimate reality and consciousness that permeates the universe.[24]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) A sacred syllable, often linked with sound energy, involved in the reception and invocation of mantras.[25] (2) The sacred sound or mantra representing the essence of the universe, meditated upon during the initiation.[26]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Adorable, referred to as a venerated term associated with the word Om, which signifies entering the sheath of Brahma.[27]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)

(1) Pranava is the primal sound or vibration, formed by the combination of sounds in the Cakra structure.[28] (2) The sacred sound or mantra (often represented as 'Om') that plays a central role in the meditative practices and leading Kundalini.[29] (3) Pranava refers to a sound or vibration, often considered the primordial sound that represents the essence of the universe, which Citrini embodies.[30]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)

(1) The technical name for the sacred syllable Om, which indicates a deep spiritual relation with the divine.[31] (2) A sound or mantra, specifically 'Om', that is composed of three letters representing three instants, significant in meditation.[32]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The sound 'Aum' symbolizing the essence of the universe, which integrates the Master and Servant dynamic.[33]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) Regarded by some as the Veda itself, it represents the source of all words and things.[34]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.