Veda in sanskrit (samskritam) language means “to know” or “science” or “wisdom”. The Veda(s) are based on universal laws and principles and contain explicit instructions on the science of “how to live” in joy & peace, in health and wealth.
There are four Veda volumes, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Each Veda has 4 sections and the last of these 4 sections is entitled – Upanishads. There are 108 Upanishads (It has been said that the juice of the Vedas is in the Upanishads, and the juice of the Upanishads is in the Mandukya Upanishad.
In the Mandukya Upanishad OM (Amen or Amin) Mantra is also suggested as a direct route to samadhi in the Yoga Sutras. The teachings of the Mandukya Upanishad are well worth deep study, discussion, reflection and contemplation. By faithfully and intently engaging these twelve verses, all of the other written and oral teachings can be explored as expansions of the foundation principles and practices encapsulated in this succinct summary. It is not only a most insightful writing, but also a complete outline for sadhana, enlightenment practices.
The OM (Amen or Amin) Mantra is a roadmap of the entire process of sadhana and a most practical tool for Self-Realization. One of the other hundred-plus Upanishads, the Mukti Upanishad (mukti means liberation), explains that for those who are seeking liberation, the understanding and practicing of the principles of the Mandukya Upanishad is sufficient for attaining that realization. Meditating on OM can facilitate enlightment and awaken us to our true Self.