तस्य वाचकः प्रणवः॥२७॥
tasya vaachakaH praNavaH
Taimni
"His designator is ‘OM’"
Since OM is a mantra, it is essential to first understand a brief theory of ‘mantra-yoga’. Sound, or Sabda, can be used to bring about changes in matter and consciousness. The world is not only created but maintained by this Sabda which differentiates into innumerable forms of vibration which underlie the phenomenal world. From science we know that matter and energy are inter-convertible. The relation between mass and energy is given by the well-known equation of Einstein, E=C2.(m’-m).
The primary and integrated vibration from which all the vibrations in manifestation are derived is called Sabda-Brahman, i.e. the Ultimate Reality in its aspect of ‘Sound’. The Ultimate Reality also finds expression in ‘consciousness’. In fact, each kind of vibration has a corresponding state of consciousness. For example, a vibration of light/sound with a definite wavelength produces its corresponding color/sound perception in consciousness. Similarly, particular higher states of consciousness can be brought about by initiating particular kinds of vibrations. Moreover, consciousness can also influence matter and bring
about changes in matter.
The above forms the basis of Mantra-Sastra or Mantra-yoga, the science of unfoldment of consciousness by the help of Mantras. It is worth noting that all traditional Mantras of Samskrta origin are derived from the letters of the Samskrta alphabet. The 52 letters of the Samskrta alphabet representing 52 basic elemental powers, used in different permutations and combinations, can generate various mantras.
For a yogi to be well established on the path of yoga, it is necessary to bring the mind to a state of peace and quiet. Patanjali, in this sutra, states that Pranava (the sound of OM) is the Vacaka, the name or designator, of Isvara. However, in the context of Mantra-Yoga it is used for a name which is essentially of the nature of a Mantra and has the power of revealing the consciousness when used in a prescribed manner. Om is considered to be the most mystical, sacred and powerful Mantra by the Hindus because it is the Vacaka of Isvara.
Aranya
"The sacred word designating him is Pranava or the mystic symbol OM"
The words "father" and "son" represent relationship between two people. If you hear the words Maitra and Chaitra (names of two people), you can associate the names with specific persons based on your memory. If you saw them in person, you don’t even have to know the names to know something about them. If, however, a relationship exists between them, e.g., "Maitra is Chaitra’s father", you have to utter the words "father" or "son" to know the relationship between the two. In a similar manner, the word "OM" (Pranava) symbolizes Ishvara. This association has been provided to us by the sages and rishis who became aware of this connection in their meditations. The sound "OM" is easy to pronounce and its constant utterance can lead to deep states of contemplation.
Discussion
The word "mantra" is composed of two syllables – "man" and "tra". The literal meaning of "mantra" (in Sanskrit) is “Mananat Trayate Iti Mantrah” (when repeated and contemplated upon (mananat), frees the soul from bondage (trayate)). Om is the primordial sound which has this quality.The sages discovered several combination of sounds which they called "mantras" which were given to their disciples for meditation. Om is such a sound and has been linked directly with Ishvara.
All form of matter is a vibration in essence. Every sense perception reaches the brain after transduction to electrical energy. For example, when we smell something, the smell molecules reach the nose but the brain receives the information as a specific vibration.
According to Buddhism, there are five components of existence: form (whatever is received through the five senses), sensation (receiving of impressions via the senses through contact with the external world), perception (formation of concepts out of sensation), volition (samskaras which influence the workings of the mind), and consciousness (discriminative qualities). Here again, every perception or volition etc is a form of vibration.
Another scientific equation that relates energy and frequency is the Planck’s constant (h) – E = h u where E is the energy and u (the greek letter ‘nu’) is the frequency.
OM in Sanskrit is a compound sound composed of "a", "u" and "m". "a" is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet (the first vowel) and "m" is the last of the regular consonants. Thus the sound OM encompasses the entirety of sounds in the Sanskrit alphabet. Since each letter has a specific sound vibration and, as we have seen above, each vibration corresponds to different states of consciousness, OM represents the entirety of all states of consciousness, leading to the highest state, Ishvara. Mantra can be considered to be a bridge between individual consciousness and cosmic consciousness.
In the science of Kundalini yoga, chanting of mantras can lead to an awakening of the "kundalini power".
In the chanting of Vedic hymns, each mantra is supposed to be sung in a prescribed format. Similarly, other faiths also require their scriptures to be chanted in specific manner.
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