Most spiritual traditions use music and sound to reach a higher level of consciousness. In India, many Hindu gods and Goddesses play music: Krisha plays the flute, Saraswati has a stringed Veena, and Ganesha invented the Tabla Drums. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes nada yoga as a powerful meditation technique to calm the mind.

What does Nada Yoga mean

The ancient Vedic text says that the universe was born as pure vibration. This cosmic sound was called Nada Brahman and is the same vibration as the Om mantra. Nada Yoga, an Indian spiritual practice, is a way to focus your hearing on your inner spirit. This sacred sound practice includes chanting Sanskrit and listening to external music, such as Indian classical music.

The sound of the unstruck

This mystical sound can range from loud drums, soft flutes, buzzing bees, and shimmering gongs to the “sound of clouds.” This magical sound can be anything from buzzing bees and delicate flutes to loud drums and shimmering gongs. It could even be the “sounds of clouds.”

Nada yoga techniques

The Hatha Yoga Prdipika describes a renunciate technique. To hear anahata-nada, one must spend years practicing hatha Yoga techniques. The first stage of nada is pratyahara. This involves turning off all sense organs and tuning in to the inner aliveness. Two other yoga practices preliminary to nada yoga are one-pointed focus and Dhyana. The Sushumna-nadi must be cleansed with pranayama. This is where Anahata occurs.

Many yogis need more time or dedication to practice this level of yoga. However, an external nada Yoga practice is available for all yoga practitioners. Select some calming, soft music and listen to it while seated in a comfortable yoga pose. When thoughts come up, return your focus to the music. I suggest creating a playlist for the time you plan to practice and using headphones to keep your focus on the music. Use the same theme and type of sound for 10-15 minutes daily. You can gradually lower the volume to improve your concentration and listening skills.

Music is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Ahata nada allows you to improve your concentration, deepen your practice and refine your listening skills. While neither anahata nor ahata is easy, the ability to focus your attention and listen while also quieting your mind will be a valuable skill you can use in your yoga practice.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4:87. The word “Jimuta,” which is often translated as “thunder,” is the “sound of clouds,” a translation that I find more poetic and more open to a subtle, experiential experience.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4:67. “Dakshine Karne” can be translated directly as “the right ear.” However, the word “right” can also refer to “true,” “correct,” or “appropriate.” In the context of this text, however, it is more appropriate to use “the true, correct, and appropriate ear,” in which case the “ear of your heart .” would make sense.