Om (Pranava)
(ॐ (प्रणव))Literal Meaning
The primal humming sound
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
'Pra' (forward) plus 'nu' (to sound); described in the Mandukya Upanishad as the primordial vibration underlying all creation, with its three phonetic parts (A-U-M) representing waking, dream, and deep-sleep states of consciousness.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Beyond the three audible sounds lies a fourth, silent state (turiya) that Om ultimately points toward — pure, undivided awareness beneath waking, dreaming, and sleep alike.