In Sanatana Dharma, “Om” (or Aum) and the Knot of Life are deeply interconnected concepts, representing the cyclical nature of existence, the unity of creation, and the divine order that underpins the cosmos.
In ancient Egyptian tradition - The
ankh, also known as the “key of life” or “Egyptian cross,” is one of the most
recognizable symbols. It represents eternal life, spiritual energy, and the
connection between the physical and divine realms. Exploring its connection to
Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), there are intriguing parallels in symbolic meanings
and philosophical underpinnings that suggest a shared cultural influence or
universal archetypes.
The ankh and symbols from
Sanatana Dharma highlight humanity’s universal quest for understanding life,
eternity, and the divine. While they may have originated in different contexts
or evolved over time, the shared emphasis on spiritual interconnectedness,
eternal cycles, and divine union points to the timeless and borderless nature
of human spirituality. In this article, I would attempt to possibly connect
the dots, one similarity at a time –
Read on:
The ankh consists of:
• A loop (oval or
teardrop-shaped) on top, symbolizing eternity, life, or the divine feminine.
• A crossbar and vertical stem,
representing the material world and its intersection with the spiritual.
It was often depicted in the
hands of gods or pharaohs, emphasizing their divine authority and connection to
eternal life. The ankh was also associated with fertility, the flow of the
Nile, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies.
2. Connection to Sanatana Dharma
Sanatana Dharma, the ancient
spiritual tradition of India, shares many symbolic and philosophical elements
with ancient Egyptian practices. The ankh, when analysed in this context,
reveals potential links:
(a) Similarities to Om (ॐ)
The loop of the ankh and the
overall shape bear some resemblance to the sacred sound symbol Om, which
represents ultimate reality, consciousness, and the universe’s eternal nature.
Both the ankh and Om symbolize life, the eternal cycle of birth and death, and
the connection between the material and spiritual worlds.
(b) Life and Fertility
In Hinduism, life and fertility
are often symbolized by the union of Shiva (masculine) and Shakti (feminine)
energies. Similarly, the ankh can be interpreted as a union of male (vertical
stem) and female (loop) principles, akin to the linga-yoni symbolism found in
Hindu temples.
(c) Philosophy of Eternal Life
Both Egyptian spirituality and
Sanatana Dharma emphasize the continuity of life beyond death. The ankh’s
promise of eternal life mirrors the Hindu belief in samsara (the cycle of
birth, death, and rebirth) and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).
(d) Use in Rituals
The ankh was used in Egyptian
rituals to bestow life and energy, much like Hindu rituals use symbols such as
the kalash (sacred pot) or mandalas to channel divine energy. The loop in the
ankh could symbolize the bindu in Hindu yantras, the focal point of spiritual
energy.
Both ancient Egypt and India were
part of ancient trade and cultural exchange routes. Shared archetypes and ideas
could have flowed through interactions, especially via:
• The Indus Valley Civilization,
contemporaneous with ancient Egypt and culturally linked to Vedic traditions.
• The maritime trade routes
connecting the Nile, Mesopotamia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Many scholars believe that the
ankh is a “knot” formed of cloth or reeds, which is identical to the Sanskrit
meaning of the term pasha viz. “knot”. The early versions of the ankh resemble
the tyet symbol, also known as the “Knot of Isis”. The tyet carried
the same meaning as the ankh i.e. “life”. It looks same as the ankh, except
that its arms curve down, which suggests that it may have been a knot
made with a cloth.
Ankh: The Symbol of Life in
Egyptian Culture
1. Meaning of the Ankh:
• The
Ankh, shaped like a cross with a loop at the top, symbolizes eternal life,
vitality, and the union of opposites (male and female, earth and sky). It was
widely used in Egyptian art to represent the life-giving power of the gods.
• The Ankh also signifies the breath of life (Prana in Vedic terms), essential for sustaining existence.
The Loop as the Knot of Life:
• The
loop at the top of the Ankh is often interpreted as a cosmic knot, tying
together the physical and spiritual dimensions. This parallels the Hindu
concept of the Hridaya Granthi (heart knot) or the Knot of Life, which binds
the soul to material existence.
In Sanatana Dharma, “Om” (or Aum)
and the Knot of Life are deeply interconnected concepts, representing the
cyclical nature of existence, the unity of creation, and the divine order that
underpins the cosmos. Let us dwell into few of the Vedic references to understand
this better:
Om: The Primal Sound of Creation
1. Om as the Primordial Sound:
• Om
is considered the most sacred syllable, representing the essence of the
ultimate reality (Brahman). It is said to be the vibration from which the
entire universe was created and is sustained.
• The
Mandukya Upanishad (Verse 1) explains:
“Om is this whole world. Its further
explanation is: the past, the present, and the future – everything is just Om.
And whatever is beyond these three times, that too is Om.”
• Om is the seed from which life emerges and
returns, symbolizing the eternal cycle of creation (Srishti), preservation
(Sthiti), and dissolution (Laya).
Om
as the Lifeforce:
• In
the Rig Veda (1.164.39), it is stated that:
“The syllable Om is the immortal
word. It is the essence of all that is sacred.”
• Om
represents the Prana (lifeforce) and the interconnectedness of all beings, much
like the Knot of Life.
1. The Knot of Life in Vedic Thought:
• The
Knot of Life refers to the binding force of creation. It symbolizes the
interconnectedness of all existence—birth, death, and rebirth.
• The
Atharva Veda describes the cosmic knot or Hridaya-granthi (knot of the heart)
that binds the soul to the physical and material world.
“This knot binds the mortal with
the immortal, the seen with the unseen.” (Atharva Veda 10.8)
Knot
as a Metaphor for Samsara:
• The
Knot of Life represents Samsara, the cycle of birth and death. It is the web of
cause and effect (Karma) that ties individuals to the material world.
Liberation (Moksha) is likened to untying this knot.
The Connection Between Om and the
Knot of Life
1. Om as the Unifying Force:
• Om
is the vibrational essence that binds all of existence together, much like the
Knot of Life represents the interconnectedness of beings. In chanting Om, one
aligns with the universal energy and becomes aware of the knots binding them to
Samsara.
• Bhagavad
Gita (8.13):
“He who utters Om, the
single-syllable Brahman, and remembers Me, attains the Supreme State after
leaving the body.”
This suggests that Om is the key
to unravelling the Knot of Life, leading to liberation.
Unravelling
the Knot through Om:
• The
Katha Upanishad (2.3.15) explains:
“When the knots of the heart are
untied, the mortal becomes immortal. This is the teaching of the Vedas.”
Om, through meditation and
spiritual practice, untangles the Knot of Life by dissolving the ego and
connecting the individual soul to the universal soul.
Chakras and the Granthi:
• The
Knot of Life is also metaphorically represented in the three granthis (knots)
in the human energy system: Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi, and Rudra Granthi.
Chanting Om is believed to help release these knots and harmonize the flow of
energy (Prana), leading to spiritual awakening.
Knot of Life in Sanatana Dharma
The Knot as the Binding Force:
• In Sanatana Dharma, the Knot of
Life represents the interconnectedness of all existence and the cycles of
birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara). It is the force that ties the Jivatma
(individual soul) to the material world.
• The Atharva Veda (10.8.44)
mentions:
“The knots of the heart are
broken, all doubts are resolved, and all karmic bonds are cut for one who
realizes the Supreme Being.”
This echoes the idea that the
Knot of Life is a bond that must be unraveled for spiritual liberation.
The Symbolism of Prana:
• Just as the Ankh symbolizes the
breath of life, the Vedas describe Prana (life force) as the essence that
sustains all beings. Rig Veda (10.90.13) states:
“From Prana arises all life and
movement; it is the cosmic principle that connects all.”
Connections Between the Ankh and
the Knot of Life
Life and Immortality:
• Both the Ankh and the Knot of Life
represent immortality and the continuity of life. In Hindu philosophy, this is
expressed through Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara), while in
Egyptian thought, the Ankh is a key to the eternal afterlife.
Union of Opposites:
• The Ankh symbolizes the union of
male and female energies, akin to the Shiva-Shakti concept in Hinduism, where
creation arises from the union of these cosmic principles. The Knot of Life in
Hinduism also represents this balance and interconnectedness.
Divine Connection:
• The Ankh is often depicted being
held by gods or offered to Pharaohs, symbolizing a divine connection and the
granting of eternal life. Similarly, the Knot of Life in Hinduism binds the
soul to divine energy and can be untied through spiritual practices like yoga
and meditation.
Biblical Connections
The Tree of Life:
• In the Bible, the Tree of Life in
the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9) parallels the Ankh and the Knot of Life,
symbolizing eternal life and divine wisdom.
“The Tree of Life was in the
midst of the garden, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.”
This reflects the duality of
existence and the potential for eternal life through divine connection.
Binding and Loosing:
• In Matthew 16:19, Jesus says:
“I will give you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
This can be metaphorically linked
to the knot that binds the material and spiritual realms, which can be loosened
through divine knowledge.
Vedic and Biblical Parallels with the Ankh
Immortality and Divine Energy:
• The Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.8)
states:
“When the knots of the heart are
untied, the mortal becomes immortal.”
This mirrors the Ankh’s role as a
key to immortality in Egyptian thought.
The Universal Bond:
• The Ankh’s loop symbolizes the
cycle of life, much like the Samsara chakra (wheel of life) in Hinduism, and
the eternal covenant in the Bible, such as God’s promise to Noah in Genesis
9:16.
The Ankh of ancient Egypt,
often referred to as the “Key of Life” or the “Knot of Life,” bears intriguing
similarities to the Knot of Life in Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Both symbols
represent the flow of life, immortality, and the divine connection between the
material and spiritual worlds. Below is an explanation connecting the Ankh and
the Knot of Life, with references from Vedic, Biblical, and Egyptian
perspectives.
There are compelling parallels
and shared symbology between the two that scholars and I as a seeker would like to explore. These
connections are grounded in comparative mythology, cultural exchange theories,
and symbolic interpretations. Below are some ideas and references you can quote
or expand upon:
Comparative Perspectives
The Ankh as a Symbol of Life and
Prana (Life Force):
• The Ankh symbolizes eternal life
and vitality, much like Prana (life force) in Vedic traditions. The Rig Veda
(10.90.13) mentions Prana as the essence of life, which resonates with the Ankh
being the “Key of Life.”
• Suggested Connection: The concept
of a life-giving force is universal, and both the Ankh and Prana symbolize the
divine energy that sustains all beings.
Union of Opposites:
• In the Ankh, the loop is often
interpreted as a representation of the womb (feminine energy), while the
vertical line represents the phallus (masculine energy). This mirrors the
Shiva-Shakti duality in Hinduism, where creation arises from the union of male
and female principles.
• Suggested Textual Reference: The
Shvetashvatara Upanishad (1.3-4) discusses the interplay of Purusha (male
principle) and Prakriti (female energy) in creation, which can be conceptually
linked to the symbolism of the Ankh.
Cycle of Life and Immortality:
• Both the Ankh and Hindu philosophy emphasize the cyclical nature of life (birth, death, and rebirth). The Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.8) says, “When the knots of the heart are untied, the mortal becomes immortal,” reflecting the immortality symbolized by the Ankh.
Theories of Connection
Ancient Cultural Exchange:
• During the Indus Valley
Civilization (3000–1500 BCE), there was trade and cultural interaction between
ancient India and Mesopotamia. Egypt, being a neighbouring culture to
Mesopotamia, might have adopted similar life-symbols through indirect contact.
• Quote from Archaeology: Scholars like Subhash Kak have
noted similarities between the Indus Valley symbols and ancient Egyptian
motifs, though these need further study.
Universal Symbolism of the Knot of
Life:
• The Knot of Life is a recurring
archetype across cultures, symbolizing the binding force of existence. In the
Vedas, the “Hridaya Granthi” (knot of the heart) ties the soul to material
life, while the Ankh represents the key to eternal life.
• Suggested Connection: Both symbols
reflect the human quest to transcend material limitations and access divine
immortality.
References to Use for Interpretation
Egyptian Texts:
• The Ankh appears frequently in
Egyptian Book of the Dead texts as the hieroglyph for “life” and is often
depicted in the hands of gods.
• Suggested Parallel: Compare the
Ankh’s role in granting life to the Hindu concept of the Kalpavriksha
(wish-fulfilling tree) or Amrita (immortality nectar) in Vedic texts.
Vedic Texts:
• Atharva Veda (10.8.44): Describes
the breaking of the knots that bind the soul to material existence, a concept
analogous to the Ankh unlocking eternal life.
• Bhagavad Gita (2.20): “The soul is
neither born nor does it die; it is eternal and indestructible.” This aligns
with the immortality symbolized by the Ankh.
Biblical Connection:
• The Tree of Life in Genesis (2:9)
shares symbolic resonance with both the Ankh and the Vedic “binding knot” of
existence.
Conclusion
In Sanatana Dharma, Om and the
Knot of Life are inseparable aspects of the cosmic design. While Om symbolizes
the sound and vibration of creation, the Knot of Life represents the binding
force of existence. Through the power of Om—meditation, self-awareness, and
devotion—one can untangle the Knot of Life and transcend the cycle of Samsara,
attaining Moksha. This profound connection is beautifully expressed in the
Vedas and Upanishads, emphasizing the unity and eternal
nature of existence.
The Ankh of Egypt and the Knot of
Life in Sanatana Dharma share profound symbolic meanings, representing the flow
of life, the connection between material and spiritual realms, and the quest
for immortality. Both symbols emphasize the unity and interconnectedness of
creation, reflecting humanity’s universal longing to transcend mortality and
achieve divine union. Biblical references to the Tree of Life and the keys to
the kingdom echo these themes, highlighting the shared spiritual truths across
ancient cultures.
While no direct historical or
textual evidence confirms that Sanatana Dharma directly influenced the Ankh,
the symbolic and philosophical parallels—such as the concepts of life,
immortality, and the union of opposites—suggest a shared spiritual archetype
across ancient cultures. These ideas are fertile ground for comparative studies
and spiritual exploration. We must explore these ideas, not as a conclusive
remark, but as interpretations, a possible first step to understand the mystic
nature, emphasizing the universal human longing to understand life, death,
and immortality.
