Omkar Vyakhya - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Omkar Vyakhya" by Ayodhyaprasad, based on the provided pages:

Title: Omkar Vyakhya (Explanation of Omkar) Author: P. Ayodhyaprasad, B.A. (Vedic Research Scholar) Translator: Shri Hemendra Desai, B.Ag. Editor: Shri Kant Bhagatji Publisher: Shree Arya Seva Sangh, Surat

Core Theme: The book extensively explores the significance and profound meaning of the sacred syllable "Omkar" (Om) as the supreme name and manifestation of God in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, with a particular emphasis on its Vedic and Upanishadic context.

Key Arguments and Content:

The Nature of Divine Names: The text begins by acknowledging that all religious traditions have various names for the Divine, each reflecting a specific attribute, action, or nature of God. Sanskrit language is presented as rich with such names, where almost every word can potentially point to a divine attribute.
Examples of Divine Names: The author illustrates how common words like "Aditya" (Sun), "Agni" (Fire), "Vayu" (Wind), and "Prithvi" (Earth), while having physical meanings, also represent the all-pervading, powerful, and sustaining aspects of God. Similarly, celestial bodies and astrological terms like Rahu, Shani, and Shukra are also interpreted as divine names or aspects.
Omkar as the Supreme Name: Despite the multitude of divine names, the book posits that "Omkar" is the principal name that encompasses all other divine qualities, actions, and manifestations. It is the single syllable that holds the essence of the divine.
Vedic Authority for Omkar: The text heavily relies on Vedic scriptures, particularly the Yajurveda, to establish the supremacy of Omkar.
- It cites passages from the Yajurveda (e.g., Chapter 40) that repeatedly mention "Om," equating it with the omnipresent, all-pervading, and foundational Supreme Father.
- The famous mantra from the last chapter of Yajurveda (40.17) is quoted, which describes God as being present within a golden vessel (referring to the spiritual heart or the cosmos) and being the "Om" that is to be contemplated. This mantra emphasizes God's vastness, presence in the sun and other realms, and the liberation that comes from surrendering to the "Om" form.
- Another Yajurveda mantra (2.23) is discussed, urging humans to connect their minds with "Om" and to find happiness in devotional practices and in making the world happy.
- The text explains the compound "Omāsas" (Om + Āsas) from the Rigveda (1.3.7), interpreting it as signifying those who sit near Brahm (God) and are knowers of Brahm, highlighting the omnipresence and nourishing aspect of Om.
Upanishadic Exposition of Omkar: The book delves into various Upanishads to further elucidate the meaning of Omkar.
- The Taittiriya Upanishad is quoted, stating "Om is Brahman. Om is all this." It highlights how "Om" is used in Vedic rituals, chants, and prayers, leading the seeker to Brahman.
- The Mandukya Upanishad's explanation of the three letters of Omkar (A, U, M) is central. Each letter is associated with a state of consciousness and a manifestation of Brahman:
  - 'A' (Akar) represents Vaisvanara, the spirit of the waking soul in the waking world.
  - 'U' (Ukar) represents Taijasa, the spirit of the dreaming soul in the dream world.
  - 'M' (Makar) represents Prajna, the spirit of the sleeping, undreaming soul.
  - The combination of these letters into "Om" represents the transcendent Brahman, the Fourth state (Turiya).
- The Kathopanishad is cited for its verses stating that "Om" is the imperishable Brahman, the highest, and that knowing this syllable leads to the fulfillment of all desires and attainment of the highest state (Brahma-loka).
- The Mundakopanishad describes "Om" as the bow, the soul as the arrow, and Brahman as the target, emphasizing the practice of meditation to achieve spiritual realization.
Universality and Simplicity of Omkar: The author argues that the sounds 'A', 'U', and 'M' are fundamental and universally pronounceable across all languages and by all beings, including infants and those with speech impediments. This inherent ease of pronunciation, compared to the difficulty of pronouncing specific letters in different languages, suggests its foundational nature.
Cross-Cultural Resonance: The text notes that the syllable "Om" or its variations are found in other religious traditions as well, such as the Buddhist mantra "Om mani padme hum," suggesting a universal spiritual truth embedded in the sound.
The Importance of Three Matras (A, U, M): The text further explores the significance of meditating on each matra of Omkar individually and collectively, referencing the Prashnopanishad.
- Meditating on 'A' alone leads to the human world and enjoyment of glories through penance and faith.
- Meditating on 'A' and 'U' leads to the celestial world (Soma-loka) and eventual rebirth into a knowledgeable family.
- Meditating on all three letters ('A', 'U', 'M') leads to liberation from sins and attainment of the highest realm, Brahmaloka, by merging with the radiant Sun.
Omkar as a Catalyst for Actions: The book emphasizes that all righteous actions, such as Yajna (sacrifice), Dana (charity), and Tapas (austerity), are initiated with the utterance and contemplation of "Om." This is supported by Bhagavad Gita (17.14) and the commentary of Ramanujacharya.
Conclusion and Call to Action: The book concludes by reiterating that "Omkar" is the supreme and most encompassing name of God. It urges everyone, regardless of gender, age, or knowledge, to constantly contemplate and meditate on "Om" and to begin all auspicious activities with its utterance. The final pages include the Arya Samaj's ten fundamental principles, underscoring the Vedic basis of these teachings.

In essence, "Omkar Vyakhya" presents a detailed theological and philosophical treatise on the syllable "Om," demonstrating its Vedic roots, its Upanishadic interpretations, its universality, and its crucial role as the ultimate symbol and conduit for connecting with the Divine.