When thinking of all the images in this universe that hold meaning, it is still amazing that so much meaning can come out of such a small design. The om symbol is proof that big ideas come in small packages. In the tattoo society, some people believe that bigger is better. Getting those giant back tattoos and full sleeve tattoos does say a lot about a person. On the other hand, getting the om tattoo is just as powerful a symbol.

It might be surprising, but the om tattoo has a significant, deep and spiritual meaning. At the same time, the message is almost unconceivable. We should mention that “ohm” is not the same word we are talking about. Ohms refer to electrical currents.

What is the Om?

“Om” (ॐ) is an ancient Sanskrit word, used in many different chants and mantras. Although the language of Sanskrit is meant for chanting, the written symbol is meant as a representation of the divine universe, a sound that serves to symbolize the majesty of the unknowable interconnections of the cosmos. It is used in nearly all ancient Indian religions as a mantra of the divine, in an attempt to introduce the magic of the cosmos into the banality of human life on Earth. The “om” symbol is known several names, but in any case, it is a highly respected symbol, integral to the religious beliefs of the ancient Vedic cultures that developed into Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism over the last couple millennia.

Think of “Aum” as the actual spelling and “om” as the phonetic spelling. The sound made when saying this word aloud is a calm and slowing chant. It is said it is the sound that was made when the universe came into existence. This gets a little deep but all of creation and the heart of the universe is wrapped up into one term called Brahman in the Hindu religion. The “om” is representative of the Brahman four divine states. These include compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), loving kindness (metta) and equanimity (upekkha).