The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna explains how OM is used in spiritual practices. 'Tasmād oṁ ity udāhṛtya'—therefore (tasmāt), uttering (udāhṛtya) 'OM' (oṁ iti). 'Yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ pravartante'—the actions (kriyāḥ) of sacrifice (yajña), charity (dāna), and austerity (tapas) begin (pravartante). 'Vidhāna-uktāḥ satataṁ brahma-vādinām'—as prescribed by scriptural injunctions (vidhāna-uktāḥ), always (satatam) by knowers of Brahman (brahma-vādinām). OM is the sacred syllable that begins all spiritual practices. When you utter OM before sacrifice, charity, or austerity, you connect them to the Supreme, sanctifying them. Knowers of Brahman always begin their practices with OM. Understanding this helps you recognize the importance of OM in sanctifying your practices.