Nada Yoga, which means “union through intonation of sound” has been a part and parcel of an ancient system of Yoga called Kriya Yoga or the Yoga of Technique. We know that the Sanskrit term, “Yoga”, has varied connotations – to combine, coordinate, harmonise, integrate and much more. Apart from Kriya Yoga, ancient Indian spiritualists had explored other forms of yogic systems, like Jnana Yoga (of self-enquiry). Bhakti Yoga (of devotion), Karma Yoga (of service) and Raja Yoga (of integration of all other systems).
Like all other yoga, Nada Yoga attempts towards one’s inner transformation to reach a heightened level of consciousness and understanding.
The transformation here is attempted by meditating on sound vibrations. These practices are universal with a common bondage of breath that interlinks them all.
Focusing on sound vibrations, especially on the harmonics, which emanate as overtones as in the case of sounding of a Himalayan bowl or through the shruti emanations in a tanpura or a veena, has been an enriching practice in Nada Yoga. This helps the Sadhak (practitioner) in having an easy access to self-realisation, also considered as an appropriate practice for all age-groups.
Hence, there are several subtly different practices that address meditation on sound as a path to spiritual growth.
However, one can make three clear distinctions, as there are three principal forms: Nada, Laya, and Surat Shabda yoga. It is difficult to point out the very thin and subtle differences that exist between them, as these are based on one’s subjective experience and understanding. Focusing on intonation and harmonics is a technique that falls under the heading of Kriya Yoga. These practices are so diverse and varying that they are not well-codified. Except a few ancient texts, (e.g., Nada Bindu Upanishad, etc.), most of those texts which deal with these practices seem to be lost with the vagaries of time. As one progresses, one develops a knack of understanding their subtleties. It is quite safe to group all these three forms under a common head, Nada Yoga.
Our mind is something like cotton. As it gets soaked in moisture, our mind too gets absorbed in sound. This is why pleasant sounds like music are popular with all — infants, children, teenagers, elderly, sick etc. As the mind gets soaked with sound vibrations, there arises a feeling of inner bliss — celebrated in all yoga systems. Recent studies have endorsed this concept of ancient nada yogis, as scientific studies made in recent years have noticed the triggering of “feel good” brain chemicals with the arrival of music!
Nada Yoga distinguishes two sources, in-so-far as sound goes: ahata or the struck sounds which have their origin from outside organism, and anahata or the unstruck sound, which emanates from the interiors as one advances in his or her meditation with sound. While the former is considered as “gross”, the latter is believed to arise inwardly from the subtle pranic energy moving through nadis (energy channels) in the body. While listening and appreciating, “gross’ sounds do not require much practice, but internal sounds demand tapas (penance) and hours of labour on the part of a Sadhak.
Modern music therapy involves concentration on external or “struck” sounds, carefully selected by a music therapist. In the case of internal sound experience, it is the Sadhak himself who has to manage and control the emanations of anahata.
These internal sounds have been compared with the sounds of bells, gongs, flutes, or even a hum like an electric transformer! While these sounds can be reflecting, those in the human body, such as breathing, blood-flow, movement of food in the digestive tract, etc. those internal sounds which are never audible are hard to explain as they are “heard” in deeper realms of one’s existence.
The Sadhak usually confines his focus on these finer and deeper sounds, moving his awareness from one level of existence (beta) to another (alpha) — all the time maintaining “relaxed alertness”. It is thus a very enjoyable form of meditation, which can be practised by all — illiterate or educated, young or old, healthy or sick, weak or strong. This method can be called the precursor of all gentle notions on music therapy, which started its roots in the U.S.A as an aftermath of the world wars. The meditation is almost effortless, gentle and easy to learn. It is also quite enjoyable. By selecting positive and loving music from an external source, meditation becomes all the more beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. It is good for those who suffer from lack of love and concern by the near and the dear. It is good for those who are mentally upset with injustice, inequality, and unreasonableness around. It is good for those who badly need balancing and rejuvenation.
For the beginners of Nada Yoga: A beautiful way to start experiencing sound vibrations is through music rich in harmonics. The music so chosen, should be loving and calming like a mother! A consistent musical form is more preferred than the fluid ones which are evanescent. Music should not be too loud or coarse. There is a wide selection of Indian instrumental music especially those from sitar, flute, veena, santoor, etc which, when medium or slow-paced with ragas can work wonders! Some modern versions could be heard from “New Age” music. Music by Don Campbell or Stephen Halpern, Japanese Shakuhachi music, Native American flute music all exhibit care and concern, the quality which is badly needed by those orphaned by the civilisation. As words in songs can distract, instrumental music is well-suited here.
After selecting a loving piece of music (that you too love!), sit quietly and concentrate on the music intensely for 5 to 10 minutes. Then take a break and lie in shavasana posture to relax. Then again listen intensely for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this process 4 or 5 times. As you lie in shavasana, in due course, you may be surprised that you are able to hear certain subtle sounds which are sui generis.
Don’t accelerate this process. As suggested earlier, the change within should come naturally.
However, each experience could be unique and rewarding. It is the process that is more enjoyable rather than the end-results! In other words, the process itself is an achievement!
Nada Yoga is actually much easier than what it sounds to those who are not initiated. The wonderful bonus of this practice – meditating with music — ensures that the journey itself is as beautiful as its end-results! The practice improves one’s listening skill, improves the tolerance levels so as to cope with adverse events and situations, and above all to make an ordinary existence productive and enjoyable!
This article was published in Bhavan’s Journal September 15, 2010 -Pages 72 to 76
Edited by Geeta Shreedar, August 12, 2021