"It is believed by most that time passes, however, in actual fact, it stays where it is. This idea of passing may be called time but it is an incorrent one for, since one only sees it as passing, one cannot understand that it stays just where it is. However it is possible for persons holding this view to find freedom? Who is able to give expression to this freedom even supposing that they could understand fully that time stays as it is? But, even should you be able to give expression to your understanding after many years you will still be unaware of your original face for, should you think of existence, time, flow, in the usualy way, both wisdom and enlightenment merely become things that simple appear in the arising and departing of time. "
-- Roshi Jiyu Kennett, "Selling Water By the River"
Aum, Om, or Ohm:
Aum (OM) is the sound of the infinite. It is the sound of the creation of the universe.
A stands for Creation
U stands for Preservation
M stands for Destruction or dissolution
The symbol Aum found throughout eastern religion, but primarily in Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism consists of 3 curves, a semi-circle and a point and is a sound (mantra) and symbol not a word representing a manifestation of spiritual power indicating the presence of the absolute within, "maya". The supreme consciousness, experienced by those who have been liberated from illusion of the world of appearance is represented by the point which is highest above the semi-circle which symbolizes the infinite and lack of ability of finite thinking to grasp the depth and height of the point. The point is outside, above and illuminating the other 3 curves which represent the worlds of the physical (waking state), mental (dream state), and unconsciousness (deep sleep). it means no
concept or object in the universe exists independently.
During meditation, when we chant Aum, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Aum—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Aum.
The whole world has evolved from Om;
The whole world is sustained by Om;
The whole world will merge into Om-
In Om resides my strength.
-Sivayave
