When said aloud, Om (or Aum) actually sounds like a three-part word. "The A represents creation, U is manifestation, and M is destruction," explains Kumar. "It's basically all-encompassing—the whole universe joined into a single sound. It represents the union of the mind, body, and the spirit."

Besides bringing spiritual enlightenment, different kinds of mantras are used to work other psychic or spiritual purposes, such as protecting oneself from evil psychic powers. One of the most powerful and widely used mantras in Hinduism is the sacred syllable om.

Om also symbolizes the Crown Chakra in tantric tradition, so you will often see it along side (or inside) the holy lotus, to show the expansion of the self and consciousness.

Om Represents the Eternal Unity of All Things in the Past, Present and Future and Beyond Time. Used to Purify, Protect, Seal and Stabilize the Aura.