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AUM in Nature I

In the ancient Vedic scriptures, the primordial sound AUM (ॐ) is described as the origin of the universe and the inner essence of mantra. The photographs in the AUM Nature Gallery feature various expressions of this sacred symbol seen on the vibrant grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram.

Reflecting on the beauty of these images can inspire us to look for hints of AUM in the natural world that surrounds us—and can support us in perceiving divinity around and within us.

aum-motif

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I marveled as I looked at the images in this photo collection. I felt like a detective searching for clues to uncover a spiritual mystery, searching for a piece of an infinite puzzle!
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for leading me on this wonderful adventure!
 

St. Laurent, Canada

I found the photos of the AUM Nature Gallery to be thought-provoking and also very fun to look at. I found myself tilting my head around at different angles, trying to see where the shape of AUM was. The most challenging photos were my favorites because of the satisfaction that I got at the end from finding the AUM.

After looking at the photos, I kept staring out my window looking for forms of AUM in the nature around me. These photos helped to open my eyes to all the things that you can find if you simply stop and take a second to look. They also inspired me to look up from my shoes (or my phone) when I'm walking outside and pay attention to all the details and amazing things you can find in nature. 
 

a thirteen-year-old in California, United States

I visited the Aum Nature Gallery last night before going to sleep. How moving it was to look into the scenes of nature portrayed there and to recognize the shapes of this sacred symbol. It was as if someone were saying with the delight of a child, “Look!” And with that invitation I could see with fresh eyes. I loved seeing the tender tendrils of the horizontal lines reaching left, the gracious and playful curls, and the pristine crescent curve and bindu.
 
This morning while walking my dog before work, there they were—these shapes and hints of AUM in the peach-colored clouds. It uplifted my spirit to see them. I felt gratitude and sank deeper into my heart, feeling a tenderness for myself, for others, and for all that the day would contain for everyone.
 

Castlemaine, Australia

As I view these winter images, I recall the experience of beauty I discovered in nature as a child. This beauty fascinated me because I experienced it both on the inside and the outside. As I continued contemplating these imagesI experienced an internal shift and realized, ah!, that beauty has always been the shimmering Aum. I’m so grateful for the Nature Galleries on the Siddha Yoga path website.
 

Connecticut, United States