OM vs AUM – Which is Correct?

From the video description:

The division of OM into A-U-M originated in the ancient Mandukya Upanishad where the three letters represent three states of experience – waking, dream, and sleep. But rules of Sanskrit grammar require the letters A and U to combine into the letter O.

According to the rules of sandhi (euphonic combination), the letter a followed by u must combine to form o. They can never remain side by side. For this reason, to say that om has three letters, aum, is incorrect. The Mandukya Upanishad’s represented OM as A-U-M for symbolic purposes, not for pronunciation or writing.

Sanskrit vowels are generally short (hasra) or long (dirgha). But the o of om is prolated, that means it’s extra long, it is three units (pluta) in duration. So, om is properly pronounced with an extra long o, om.

Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness.

Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Still others seek meaning through their connections to nature or art. Like your sense of purpose, your personal definition of spirituality may change throughout your life, adapting to your own experiences and relationships.

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OM vs AUM – Which is Correct?(youtu.be)

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