Acharya Prashant responds to a question about NASA detecting a sound in space that some are equating with the sound of 'Om'. He begins by clarifying that 'Om' is not a sound but a sutra, a formula or code. He explains that sounds are for animals, whereas humans use words, which are essentially codes. If one does not understand the code, the word becomes a mere sound. For instance, the Hindi word 'Uthiye' (get up) is just a sound to someone who doesn't know the language, but for one who understands, it's a code that decodes into a specific instruction. He elaborates that many people, including religious individuals, are pleased that NASA has supposedly validated 'Om', but this joy stems from a misunderstanding. They reduce 'Om' to a sound, which is an insult to its profound meaning. 'Om' is composed of 'A', 'U', 'M', and the ensuing silence. These components represent the three states of consciousness: 'A' for the waking state (Jagrat), 'U' for the dream state (Swapna), and 'M' for the deep sleep state (Sushupti). The silence that follows is the most crucial part, representing the fourth state (Turiya), which is the Atman or Truth, beyond the three states of consciousness. The purpose of 'Om' is to remind one of this silence, to live in that state which is beyond all worldly phenomena, objects, and activities. Acharya Prashant criticizes the tendency to reduce 'Om' and other mantras to mere sounds with beneficial vibrations. He argues that this is an escape for those who are afraid of the true meaning of the mantras, as the meaning can be threatening to the ego. The benefit of a mantra lies in understanding its meaning, not just in its sound. He points out the irony that people feel pride when an institution like NASA, representing Western science and wealth, validates their beliefs. This indicates that their reverence is more for money and power than for 'Om' itself. True respect for 'Om' would mean understanding that it directs one towards a reality where even entities like the sun are just objects of consciousness. The teaching of 'Om' is to live in the silence where there is no activity of consciousness, which is the state of liberation and peace. Peace lies in understanding (Bodh), not in sound (Dhwani).