This is a tantric yantra, or mystical diagram used as a visual aid during meditation, of the “Om” syllable from the Digambara (“sky-clad”) tradition of Jainism. Pronounced as ‘Aom’ or ‘Aum’, the “Om” syllable is chanted at the opening and closing of prayers, and it is believed that the repetitive chanting of this syllable enables one to attain infinite and celestial consciousness.Within the “Om” syllable are found the five supreme beings of Jainism (pancaparamesthin) who are deemed worthy of veneration – Siddha, the personification of the liberated soul; an arhat, which is an omniscient soul; an acaryam who is a monk and leader of mendicants; the upadhyaya, who is the mendicant teacher; and an ordinary monk.
