ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् | य: प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् || 13 || |
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“Chanting the single syllable ‘Om,’ which represents the eternal Brahman, and constantly remembering Me, those who depart, relinquishing the body, attain the supreme goal.”
Commentary: The verse begins with the mention of “Om,” a profound and sacred syllable representing the eternal truth or Brahman. The syllable “Om” is considered to encompass the essence of all Vedic knowledge and is regarded as the sound manifestation of the Supreme Reality. It is believed to hold immense spiritual power.
Lord Krishna states that those who depart from the body while continuously chanting the sacred syllable “Om” and keeping their focus on remembering Him attain “paramam gatim,” which refers to the highest spiritual destination.
The universe is an ever-moving symphony, where every motion produces a vibration, and every vibration resonates with a sound. These sounds, often imperceptible to the human ear, exist within and around us. Within our bodies, a myriad of sounds emanates—the heartbeat, the flow of blood, the rhythmic dance of the diaphragm, the expansion and contraction of the lungs, and more. Yet, these internal symphonies remain unheard, drowned out by the cacophony of external sounds.
At the core of this cosmic dance is the atom, a fundamental unit where electrons and protons whir in a rapid ballet of varying vibrations, giving rise to the diverse forms of solids, liquids, and gases. If one can delve into prolonged silence with closed ears, they may perceive the subtle inner sounds that often go unnoticed.
Ancient Indian sages, as per historical records, devoted themselves to intense periods of silent contemplation, sometimes lasting up to 18 hours, seeking the divine within. It is during such moments of profound stillness that the rumbling of atoms is said to give birth to “OM”—a deep, resonant syllable, also articulated as “AUM.” This sacred sound encapsulates the essence of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
As discussed in previous verses, “OM” is not merely a sound; it is one of the manifold expressions of God—an embodiment of a vibrating, intelligent, conscious, loving, and joyful Spirit. In the realm of spirituality, “OM” serves as the ethereal record keeper of karma, and it assumes the role of the Great Judge, guiding beings to their destined paths after departing the physical body.
Lord Krishna highlights the importance of the practices of chanting and remembrance as powerful spiritual tools. Chanting the sacred syllable “Om” helps to purify the mind, expand consciousness, and establish a deep connection with the Divine.