“Om Purnamadah Purnamidam” is a mantra from the ancient Hindu scriptures, specifically from the “Isha Upanishad.” This mantra is often recited at the end of rituals, prayers, and meditation sessions. Let’s break down its meaning:
Om: This is a sacred sound and spiritual symbol in Indian religions. It represents the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Atman (the self).
Purnamadah: This translates to “That is complete” or “That is whole.” It refers to the ultimate reality or the absolute, which is complete in itself.
Purnamidam: This means “This is complete” or “This is whole.” It refers to the material world or the universe, which is also seen as complete in its own context.
Purnat: This word means “from the completeness” or “from the whole.”
Purnamudachyate: This translates to “the whole comes from the whole.” It indicates that everything in the universe arises from the complete and is interconnected.
Purnasya: This means “of the complete” or “of the whole.”
Purnamadayah: This translates to “the whole is taken away from the whole,” suggesting that even when something is taken from the complete, it does not diminish its completeness.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti: This is a closing invocation for peace, suggesting peace on all levels—physical, mental, and spiritual.
In summary, the mantra conveys a profound philosophical concept that the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the manifest universe are both complete and whole. The idea emphasizes the interconnectedness of all existence and the notion that true completeness is never diminished, regardless of the changes and separations that occur in the world. The recitation of this mantra serves as a reminder of these principles and promotes a sense of peace and unity.