There are two descriptions of Aakash-Space. In the scriptures, space is known as Brahman, Kham Brahman is the statement of the Vedas, Kham means space and Brahman means the all-pervasive reality. Kham also means ether or the all-pervading, subtle element in which everything exists. Brahman is the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality of the universe in Hindu philosophy.

It is the unchanging, infinite and supreme consciousness from which everything originates and to which everything returns. Space is immeasurable. Space is infinite and this element or tattva is also called Brahman. In Samkhya philosophy space is also an element. This element is the foundation and basis for the development and emergence of all other elements and forms of creation.

The essence of space

Consciousness and energy are not separate from the space element. In Tantra this consciousness is called Shiva and the energy is called Shakti. In Vedanta, they are called Brahman and Maya; in Samkhya, Purusha and Prakriti. It can be said that just as the shadow remains hidden in the body, in that eternal endless space, consciousness remains inherent in form of Shiva, Brahman or Purusha and energy remains hidden in the form of Shakti, Maya or Prakriti. In space, the consciousness is infinite but one is limited by the senses. Energy which is also the essence of space becomes matter in the manifest dimension.

A simpler way to understand Aakash is to practice breath awareness, through Yogic breathing, while lying in Shava asana. Be connected to the space all around you and in you. The element of space is where the prana flows. And mentally chant AUM.

Swami Sivananda said that Aakaash is associated with the silent fourth state of consciousness, which transcends the three syllables of AUM.

A-kara – the wakening state associated with the physical world and earth element.
U-kara – the dreaming state associated with the subtle world and the elements of water, fire and air.
M-kara – the deep dreamless sleep associated with the casual realm.

The silent, fourth, state turiya: the transcendental state which is represented by the Aum symbol as a whole and is associated with the Aakaash tattva. It represents the pure consciousness and the source from which all creation (including the other elements) originates and into which it emerges back.

Extracted from Mantra and Yantras by Swami Niranjananda Saraswati.

Aim Hrim Klim