The sound of Om is also called Pranava, meaning that it sustains life and runs through Prana or breath.
The vibration produced by chanting Om in the physical universe corresponds to the original vibration that first arose at the time of creation. Thus, this sacred symbol has become emblematic of Brahman just as images are emblematic of material objects. The closest approach to Brahman is that first sound, Om. Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of Om. It thought, 'I am only one - may I become many.' This caused a vibration which eventually became sound, and this sound was Om. Before the beginning, the Brahman (absolute reality) was one and non-dual.
