An Explanation from H. H. Swami Chinmayananda

Om is the symbol of the Supreme. It stands for God. It refers to your eternal abode, your lasting state of Satchidananda. Om signifies the Light of lights beyond darkness. It stands for all concepts of God, and for the Cosmic Spirit. It is the symbol of That which is behind and beyond all religions. It is the symbol of That which is adored in all places of worship. It is the perfect symbol revealed to the ancient seers of all that is glorified in all the scriptures of the world. It is not a letter of the alphabet, nor is it derived from any root. All Sanskrit words are derived from specific roots and are structured in a certain scientific manner, but Om transcends all words and letters because it is the origin of all sound, of all articulated letters and words. It is the original sound symbol of the Unmanifest. It is a combined sound symbol, out of a combination of "ah," "oo" and "hama." Aum.

The articulation of Om immediately elevates you into the higher plane of your true consciousness. Om is a symbol or sound of power. It banishes all darkness and drives away ignorance. It burns away all impurities and brings in power light, peace and joy, which are your real, eternal, unchanging nature: Satchidananda. Peace and joy. Be rooted in this truth and triumph over all adversity in this world. It is the secret of peace amidst turmoil, of perfect peace and joy in the midst of tribulation. It is the secret key to triumph over life.

Go to the next Aum scroll.