One small sound with a multi-faceted meaning: Aum (ॐ) symbolizes a lot more than the end of a yoga class. Commonly referred to as “Om” this Sanskrit word can’t be summarized in a simple translation, as it packs a lot of meaning into one petite package.
The Aum symbol is a combination of curves, a crescent and a dot. The three curves represent our three different states of consciousness: waking, dreaming and the unconscious. The crescent shape at the top denotes Maya: the obstacle that sits in the way of reaching our highest state. The dot at the top represents the fourth state of consciousness - absolute bliss.
In Hinduism, Aum is one of the most important spiritual symbols. It’s commonly found at the beginning and end of the chapters in the Vedas, the Upanishads and other sacred Hindu texts. It can be seen as an acknowledgement of the entire universe and everything inside of it.