Aum is the best known mantra in India. Among the easily accessible mantra it is considered, above all in the East, as the highest, which gives the human being spiritual knowledge. Used many times as a mantric syllable, AUM also plays an important role in Buddhism (especially in the Vajrayana one). The AUM mantra has a multitude of values, both as regards its graphic form of representation, and as regards the basic subtle sound (true TONIC of the Macrocosm) which it designates. The Sanskrit graphic symbol of the AUM mantra consists of three distinct curves, a semicircle and an isolated point. The three curves are linked together and are mutually generated. Only the point and the semicircle are independent. But the point is what dominates everything. This graphic symbol of the AUM mantra represents rather clearly for the initiate the three principal states of consciousness: the waking (or awakening) state, the dream state and the state of deep sleep; at the same time, the supreme consciousness or the Eternal Self (Atman) is also represented here, embracing, supervising and penetrating all phenomena, beings and things. The semicircle near the point means, at the same time, the fundamental feminine principle (Shakti) and the infinite, thus indicating that finite thinking is almost never able to learn (understand) completely the mysteries, depth or elevation of the Supreme Absolute (represented by the point). The material world of consciousness in the waking state, the level of external activity, and therefore the most concrete, is depicted by the largest curve of the side drawing (the one indicated with 1). The level of the dream state of consciousness, which is not only stimulated by external objects but almost exclusively by the concepts of thought and inner aspirations, is symbolized by the second curve, the intermediate one (2), which as we can see is in the middle road between the waking state and the state of deep sleep. The curve at the top (3) symbolizes the unconscious, which we often call a state of deep sleep; therefore it acts as an intermediary, as it is the one that is closest to absolute consciousness. The point instead represents the absolute consciousness that illuminates, transcends and dominates the other three registers; this is, in fact, turya (the state of superconscience), the characteristic state of the human being who has attained enlightenment. It is also referred to as the "fourth state" (as it exceeds the three common states of consciousness) or the fourth state of consciousness. Without the state of turya, neither thought, nor intelligence, nor the symbol, nor the meaning, nor the universe could exist. Consequently, the point permanently illuminates the three states of consciousness. It shines itself through its own light and its infinite power, but it cannot be discovered except by those human beings who have already passed the three curves and who, reaching this focus point, have managed to blend intimately with it. The focus point in this representation can be interpreted in different ways: as an Absolute Consciousness, as an observing, witnessing consciousness, situated beyond the body and thought, or as a total liberation from the world of phenomena.