Shri Yogi Hari being the direct heir of Swami Nadabrahmananda,
one of the last great Nada Yoga Masters.
Nada Yoga plays an important part in Sampoorna Yoga.
The following text gives you a very good insight into
the science of Nada Yoga. It is an extract from Yogi Hari's
commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter IV on Samadhi.
65
I WILL NOW DESCRIBE THE PRACTICE
OF NADA YOGA AS EXPOUNDED BY GORAKSHANATH WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE
TO EVEN THE UNEDUCATED WHO IS INCAPABLE OF COMPREHENDING
THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HIGHER REALITY.
Nada Yoga has its roots in the Vedas. It is the science of Divine
vibration, as revealed to the Mystics, Saints and Yogis who
have used it to reach Self-Realization, the experience of Oneness
with Brahman, the Supreme Consciousness. Nada Yoga involves
a tuning into subtler vibrations, one’s internal music and sounds,
until ultimately, one reaches a state where there is absolute
silence and peace, returning to the source of creation, to God.
This state is attainable by an individual who has reached a
high level of purification through his Sadhana.
Although many have attempted to dissect and analyze Nada Yoga, it is
not just an intellectual pursuit but rather an experiential one. That is
why the Nada Yogi delves into the practice without having to fully
understand it, striving for the state that will lead to complete
absorption and experience.
The vehicle for its transmission is Indian classical music in the form
of Ragas, Talas, Slokas, Mantras, chanting, Kirtan and Bhajans.
One does not have to be an established Nada Yogi or
learned in Vedanta philosophy to practice. Anyone can be involved in
this, whether educated or uneducated, so long as they chant the name of
God with love and devotion. This practice will help to purify the body,
mind, emotions and intellect, creating transformation so that one can
tune into the subtler internal vibrations.
66
EVEN THOUGH ADINATH TAUGHT MORE THAN ONE AND A QUARTER
CRORES OF METHODS TO REACH LAYA, I CONSIDER THE EXPLORATION
OF ANAHATA NADA TO BE THE BEST.
The phrase, "one and a quarter crores,” literally means one and a
quarter of ten million. Its use here illustrates that there are innumerable
ways given by Adinath, also known as Shiva or God, to reach Laya or Samadhi.
Whatever method employed, the individual must undergo an intense purification
of the body, mind, senses, intellect and ego. Of all the different methods
taught, Yogi Swatmarama considers Anahata Nada to be the best.
The question naturally arises, "Why is it the best?” The aim of all
Yoga paths is to refine the whole personality so that the light of the Divine
Self shines through in all its splendor. Ultimately every form of Yoga, whether
it is Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, etc., if
practiced earnestly and with unwavering discipline, will culminate in Nada
Yoga, the experience of the Anahata Nada. The different paths of Yoga are
designed to suit different personalities.
While the best Yoga practice is one that integrates the various paths,
such as Sampoorna Yoga, someone with a natural sense of music will obviously
have a proclivity to place more emphasis on the aspect of Nada Yoga. But it
is not just for the musically inclined. Nada Yoga uses Divine music to move
from the gross differentiated vibrations to the subtlest state until it reaches
the source. It enchants and stills the mind so that it becomes completely
absorbed in Divine vibration, which is the essence underlying all of creation.
Moreover, the practice of Asana, Pranayama, Kriyas, proper diet and
positive thinking can be used as components of Nada Yoga because they all
deal with energy and vibration. Each practice helps to tune and refine the
instrument of perception until the goal of Yoga is reached. A sick person
is unable to sing because his instrument, the body, is not properly tuned.
To sing, one must be free from congestion and be able to breathe properly,
which naturally involves modifying one’s diet and avoiding foods that generate
an excess of mucus in the system. The practice of Asana, Pranayama, Kriyas
and observance of pure diet tunes up all the systems, enhances the purification
and refinement process, which will ultimately lead to the experience of Anahata
Nada.
So what does Swatmarama mean by the "exploration of the Anahata Sound?”
First, it helps to understand what Divine vibration is. The Bible declares,
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was
God and the word became manifest.” The statement implies that the universe
is nothing but an expression and manifestation of the Divine. God is not in
the universe but the universe is God. Whether something is manifest in the
physical, astral or causal world, animate or inanimate, seen or unseen, perceived
or unperceived, it all constitutes Brahman as vibration.
According to the Vedas, Brahman, the One without a second, manifests as this
universe in the form of vibration, which modern scientists refer to as the
big bang. The first manifestation of the Absolute is referred to as "Om,”
Pranava or Nada Brahman. This is the Para state, which is the most subtle
undifferentiated vibration, the immutable essence underlying all of creation.
While this concept is elusive and difficult to grasp with our limited intellect,
Vedanta and Samkhya philosophy provide some insight.
When the creative aspect of Brahman becomes many, its energy aspect,
Prakriti (the term used in Vedanta and Samkhya philosophy) or Shakti (the
term used in Tantric tradition) manifests as this universe. Prakriti or Shakti
is nature, the Divine Mother, and descends into this creation from the most
subtle to the gross. From the Para state, this primordial energy interacting
with Purusha, which is pure consciousness, becomes more differentiated and
manifests into the three Gunas, which are the three inseparable forces expressed
in all of creation. They are: Sattwa, a state of balance; Rajas, a state of
activity and movement; and Tamas a state of inertia or darkness. This level
of manifestation is still subtle and is referred to as the Pashyanti state.
The three Gunas, in their subtle state, are in the transcendental realm, which
is beyond the ability of mind and intellect to grasp. Therefore, one can only
experience it in the transcendental state through meditation. As these Gunas
begin to combine with one another, the state of mental vibration, known as
the Madhyama state, is created. Here, one can relate to the vibration in the
form of universal concepts. For example, when you think of water, regardless
of what your language, culture, or geographpical location, the mental concept
of water, the liquid that quenches your thirst, will still be the same. No
matter how you express it in words or sounds, the concept is still the same.
The last state is the Vaikhari state, in which this world of objects, names
and forms, sound, language and music can be perceived through the senses,
which of course, are interpreted by the mind.
Thus, everything in the universe comes from vibration, and in its essence,
is vibration (or energy). Vibration as sound exists in many different forms,
ranging from the very gross to the extremely subtle. Even our physical body
(made up of the elements), astral body (comprised of the energy, mental and
intellectual sheaths) and our causal body (comprised of the blissful sheath)
are vibration. For example, the energy system, known as the Pranamaya Kosha,
is made up of the Nadis and Chakra system, which are receptors of vibration
and mostly influenced by sound vibration. This is why music has such a strong
effect on us. If you understand this, you will understand why it is so important
to expose yourself to Divine vibration. The person of right discrimination
will want to be influlenced in a positive way rather than in a negative way.
Since every aspect of our being is greatly influenced by sound vibration,
the ancient Masters formulated the system of Nada Yoga, starting with the
audible level (Vaikhari state) to which we can most easily relate, for purification
and Self- Realization. Nada Yoga is a very practical science because it addresses
our very essence.
Nada Yoga refines and attunes all the bodily systems, the Nadis (the subtle
channels through which energy flows), the mind and the intellect through sound
vibration using external instruments such as the Veena, the Sarangi, the Sitar,
the Guitar, the Sarod, the Harmonium or the Tabla. The body and the voice
are the greatest instruments. One may study and learn the technical notes,
Talas and Ragas, but it is for the sole purpose of transformation and Self-Realization.
While singing or playing an instrument, one develops focus, concentration
and absorption. Once the bodily equipment (physical, pranic, mental, intelletual
and egoic systems) is refined and purified and the mind gradually becomes
internalized, one is taken to higher levels of awareness and consciousness
until ultimately, the individual consciousness realizes its Oneness with the
Supreme Consciousness and the goal of Yoga is reached. As the mind becomes
still and internalized, one experiences the Nadam, vibration, including the
subtle movement of Prana and the Anahata sound, one’s internal music, which
is a means to take you to the state of Samadhi. At that stage, the external
instrument becomes redundant. This refinement and purification of the personality
is a step-by-step process and takes many years of dedicated practice to reach
that advanced state.
Through the practice of Nada Yoga, one undergoes a multidimensional
transformation of all the systems and the ego. But for this to take place,
devotion and humility must be firmly established or one will not be able to
learn anything higher or sublime. An aspirant who sits in front of a Guru
with an inflated ego will not learn anything because he is already full of
himself and one must first empty his cup in order for it to be filled. Such
a person will merely gather some information and techniques that would be
used to further magnify his ego. No transformation would take place in his
personality.
I studied for 14 years with my Guru, Swami Nada-Brahmananda, who was a Master
of Nada Yoga. Most of his teachings were practical and experiential,
starting from the most basic level. I did not spend innumerable
hours pouring over books before delving into the practice. The
truth is that the quantity of books one reads does not determine
one’s evolution. In fact, if not done with proper guidance,
it might create wrong conditioning and hamper one’s evolution.
Some people gather all sorts of information but it is only what
is put into practice that is of use. The rest of the information
is only a distraction for the mind. Information by itself does
not bring about transformation. That is why Master Sivananda
said, "An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of theory.”
Thus, one should pursue the path of transformation, continuing
the disciplines of purification and refinement through Nada
Yoga, so that one may eventually experience the Anahata sound.
What is the Anahata sound? It is something distinct and different
from the Ahata Nada. Ahata Nada is sound vibration that is experienced
on the sensual level. For example, if someone strikes a drum,
that vibration will travel through the air into the hearing
mechanism in your body and you will hear the drum beat. The
Anahata Nada, however, is experienced in the state of meditation
as the subtle vibrations of Prana. With the mind internalized,
one can hear an unstruck sound. In other words, the experience
of the Anahata Nada does not require an external instrument
to hear it.
There are different levels of unfoldment in the experience
of Anahata Nada. Successively, one will hear chinne chinne,
the sound of the ocean, the kunch, the kettledrums, the drum,
the lute, the flute, the harp and the clapping of thunder. In
the practice of Hatha Yoga, as the Granthis are pierced, different
sounds or vibrations are experienced, as explained in subsequent
Slokas. But do not stop there because they are not the ultimate
goal. They are just stages that are reached in one’s spiritual
development. Every successive level is a sign that one is delving
deeper and deeper within. The sounds charm the mind to dive
into deeper levels of consciousness until one is able to pierce
through the last veil and experience the Self without any conditioning.
"Gunghata ke pata khool re toe hai piyaa mileenge.”
In other words, "Remove the veil and behold the Lord everywhere.”
God or Brahman is omnipresent, all pervading. The veils are
our conditionings that we acquire by virtue of birth, culture,
religion, environment, time, sex, age, education, level of intelligence
and experience. All these identifications are veils, just like
the body, mind, senses, intellect and emotions. The Higher Reality
lies beyond all these conditionings. When the last veil is shattered,
the Self is revealed in its full splendor. This state is called
Samadhi, Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness, Self-Realization
or God-Realization, Raja Yoga, Unmani, etc.
The reason why Indian classical music is the vehicle for
the practice of Nada Yoga is because it has been perfected already.
It was not developed but instead flowed through the minds of
purified beings. It is the knowledge of the universe, knowledge
of the Vedas. Veda literally means pure and perfect knowledge.
The knowledge about Nada Yoga, which is contained in the Sama
Veda, has been handed down from Guru to disciple as a systematic
science. Since this knowledge is already perfect, nothing can
be added to it.
In the West, people often think that Yoga has to be developed.
Many think that just because they go into a certain posture
or stretch that they are expanding the knowledge of Yoga. But
this is delusion. People tend to get stuck on the superficial
aspect of Yoga without the right perspective of the goal of
Yoga. Therefore, there should be right knowledge, proper understanding
and proper guidance from a Guru who will ensure that one is
truly practicing Yoga, whether it is Hatha Yoga, Nada Yoga or
any other spiritual discipline, for the purpose of reaching
liberation. Nada Yoga is a systematic, step-by-step science,
just like Hatha Yoga or any other Yoga for that matter.
Gaana Vidya Badikatinahe Janeto. Guru Charana Shisya
Dhare.
Tapa Vaave Mahaa Deva. Aadhi Devo Maha Deva. Veena Bajaa
Tava. Tatabitata baaje.
Translated, this Bhajan means: "Knowledge of music is
very difficult to learn. You have to sit at the feet of the
Guru, do Tapas and practice intense Sadhana. The first god is
Maha Deva. He is the one who plays the Veena.” According to
legend, Lord Shiva strung the Veena with his veins. In other
words, this universe is nothing but the body of the Lord and
this music is present everywhere as vibration. It is no wonder
why Swatmarama considers the exploration of Anahata Nada to
be the best.
The knowledge of Nada Yoga was handed down from Guru to
disciple. The source of it is God, divinity. The music people
produce is an expression of their consciousness at that time.
If the mind is polluted and corrupted, the music will reflect
such pollution and corruption. If the mind is on a lower emotional
state or immersed in sensuality, the music expressed through
it will be accordingly. It would not be Nada Yoga because it
would not lead one to a higher level of consciousness.
In fact, such music will only serve to create more agitation
in the mind. It is very important to know the basic distinction
between music that is uplifting and music that keeps one on
a lower state of consciousness. When vibration is flowing through
the harmonized mind of a Yogi, Divine music is produced. Such
music is healing and lifts the consciousness out of a state
of rest-lessness, anxiety and depression to a state of calmness,
peacefulness and bliss. With this fundamental understanding,
one practices music with a different state of awareness. That
is when music becomes sacred. It becomes Yoga and helps people
to evolve, grow and refine.
Many musicians may practice Indian classical music and
are considered accomplished but that does not necessarily mean
that they are practicing Nada Yoga. If they perform merely for
entertainment, they are boosting their ego, thereby creating
an even thicker veil. Only when music is practiced to transform
the personality with a view to becoming more refined and humble,
can it be called Nada Yoga. So the kind of music one produces
should bring one to a state of Sattwa or balance so that one
can experience one’s Divinity. In order to do this, there must
be purification of body, mind, intellect and ego. A Sattwic
mind will produce Sattwic music, which will uplift the mind
and create happiness, peace and bliss. Chanting and Kirtan performed
by Yogis is an exmple of this. A Rajasic mind will express Rajisic
music, which will only excite the mind and senses. An example
of this is disco and nightclub music. A Tamasic mind will express
Tamasic music, which will dull, degrade and corrupt the mind,
senses and personality. For example, lamenting music that sends
somone into depression is Tamasic. Everything one does should
be for the purpose of positive transformation and refinement
of the personality.
Every form of Yoga is for higher transformation. Nada
Yoga reaches a point where it becomes so abstract that only
the practitioner or the Yogi delights in or understands it.
At that stage, it becomes internalized and personalized because
it is for his own transformation. The more the Yogi becomes
established and refined, the less people will be able to relate
to his music because it becomes very abstract. For example,
my Guru, Swami Nada-Brahmananda, a great Master of Nada Yoga,
gave a presentation but only a few people attended and some
even left midway through because they did not understand what
was taking place. They were unable to relate to it because they
were vibrating at a lower level of consciousness. Unfortunately,
this is the state of the world and existing consciousness today.
Spiritual evolution is not measured by popularity. A musician
is only popular if he caters to the consciousness of the masses.
Having myself experienced the grandeur of the divine gifts of
Nada Yoga, I can only encourage you to explore this enlightened
path.
Simply put, it is music for the soul.
