Om (also written Aum) is the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, representing the primordial vibration from which the universe manifested. The Mandukya Upanishad dedicates its entire text to explaining Om, identifying its three sounds with three states of consciousness: A (waking state, Jagrat), U (dream state, Svapna), M (deep sleep, Sushupti), and the silence that follows represents the fourth state (Turiya) — pure consciousness. Om is the beginning of most mantras and prayers, serving as a universal invocation of the divine. The Chandogya Upanishad calls Om "Udgitha" (the essence of everything). Chanting Om is believed to align one's vibration with the cosmic frequency, calm the mind, activate the Ajna (third eye) chakra, and create a direct connection with Brahman. It is the seed mantra (Bija Mantra) from which all other mantras derive their power.