Om in the Gītā: Meaning and Significance: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

In this essay I examine the meaning and significance of Om1 in the Bhagavadgītā (Gītā, henceforward) by way of exegesis and commentary. Additionally, for the comparative venture I will include and interact with comments from three great early ācārya-s within the Vedānta tradition (Śaṅkara,2 Rāmānuja,3 and Madhva4). I will also include comments from A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda’s Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition5 and from certain well-known western scholars.6 This comparative aspect will not only evidence the differences and some similarities between the ācārya-s but will demonstrate to readers how important ontology is toward apprehending the meaning and significance of Om as a mantra.