Aum

I’m debating getting a second tattoo now that it’s been a year since my first. I was hesitant to tell my family about my tattoo, write about my experience or display it here on my site for fear I was doing so from an egotistical point of view. I’m past that now; I know I did it for me, and no one else.

I chose the sacred Aum (Om, Amen) Sanskrit symbol for reasons I cannot fully explain here- but I knew beyond a doubt it was the perfect time and it was right for me and chose the area of my back closest to the Heart Chakra as possible. Ever since I was a small child I have felt an affinity with Eastern religions, especially Hinduism and Buddhism, but like most young Americans, I was raised in the Christian church. Perhaps, in a previous life I was Hindu or Tibetan.

It has allowed me to share the meaning of the Sacred Aum with those few who have asked what exactly it is. I keep it simple and say that Aum is the sister to Amen and is the sound of the universe unfolding according to God’s will. I don’t know if it’s a ‘good’ thing or a ‘bad’ thing that I haven’t been asked to elaborate on too many occasions…and it’s not like I run around everywhere without my shirt on :)

Now, whenever I think about the Aum or meditate with the sound emanating I know I have made it a permanent part of me, just as I know God’s presence is centered in me at all times- even when I am not centered in Spirit.