“All Roads Lead to OM”

From Ancient Vedic Roots to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh Dharma

Abstract

This article explores the pervasive significance of the sacred syllable OM across diverse Indian spiritual traditions, tracing its evolution from ancient Vedic roots to its integral role in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It begins by highlighting OM's origins in Vedic rituals and its philosophical development in the Upanishads and Yoga texts, where it symbolized Brahman and the Ātman. The article then examines how the concept of Nāda-Brahman solidified OM's connection to music and sacred sound in Hindu traditions like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, leading to the development of Rāga forms. Finally, it investigates the adoption and innovative interpretations of OM and related sound theories within Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, demonstrating its essential presence in their daily practices and worship, often influenced by Tantric traditions despite initial monastic prohibitions on music.