Om-+Kirsten

__** Om **__ Om, or Aum, is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, a Hindu god, who is __beyond__ comprehension. So, a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the 'Unknowable'. Om represents both the unmanifest and manifest aspects of God, it means that it pervades life and runs through our breath. Although Om symbolizes the most difficult concepts of Hindu belief, it is in their daily use. The Hindus begin their day, work, or ajourney by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. As an expression of spiritual perfection, many Hindus wear the sign of Om as a pendant. It is interesting to note that a newly born child is welcomed into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. So, right at the time of birth, the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of devotion.