The Mystique of Om

Contents: Preface. 1. Om That is Aum. 2. The Vedas and Brahman. 3. Upanishads (I): Aitareya, Katha, Taittiriya. 4. Upanishads (II): Shvetashvatara, Chhandogya. 5. Upanishads (III): Mandukya, Prashna, Maitrayani. 6. Ganesha. 7. Om Shantih Shantih Shantih. 8. Bhagavad Gita. 9. Om and Gayatri. 10. Mantras and Mantrashastra. 11. Tantra. 12. Yoga. 13. Yoga Vasishtha. 14. Yoga, Gods and Pranava. 15. Om in rituals. 16. Language and psychology. Notes. Glossary. Bibliography. Appendix: Interpretation of AUM. Index.

"Om is the most sacred mantra in major Indic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It symbolises affirmation, benediction and peace, and is used ritualistically in prayers, invocations and ceremonies, religious as well as secular. It is also a magical symbol beyond compare and is regarded as a vehicle of attaining liberation (moksha). Not only this, at the highest level, it is identified with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality.

Using the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga, Tantra and several religious texts as his sources, the author describes a plethora of interpretations of this mystical monosyllable which has since time immemorial captivated its worshippers, put Yogis into trance, made Tantra practitioners ecstatic, and sent its chanters into religious frenzy.

The author also explains secular interpretations of Om in linguistics, psychology and structural analysis."