The Power of Sound
“Sound, or Nada yoga, is kinetic energy.
Sound cannot be static.
All existence is simply an arrangement
of silence and sound-
The sound at different frequencies.
Mantra yoga is built on this scientific principle of sound.
Hence, it is called nada yoga.”
-Om Swami, The Ancient Science of Mantras
By Rose Zimmerman
How do we understand our categorical reality? How do we participate in the dance of the elements of nature? Are streams of sound natures invisible and powerful messengers of energy, communication and karmic unfolding. When the tune begins as music to our ears and an instantaneous force of aliveness, restfulness, alertness, or peacefulness results in the sound’s innate ability to harmonize our beings into the great being of the universe.
As the subtlest of the five great elements, sound resides in the ephemeral and boundless element of akash (space). We have all heard the saying in ancient scriptures across the globe in various ways, in the beginning was the word and the word was… ‘god’, or ‘om’, or ‘the one’. Philosophers call it the primordial sound of the universe. At the intersection of science and spirituality there appears to be a continual emergence of lived experience and something beyond lived experience. Or said slightly differently lived experience as what we are able to perceive within the limitations of our mind, body, and spirit complex and that which is beyond that which we can perceive.
It feels like a natural progression in many ways, on our return to the stars. To move from the gross physical experience of the earth element satiated, rooted deeply, and journey upward to the nourishing well of water, and the transformative power of fire, and the piercing intelligence of air, and entering into the subtle realm of space, beyond worlds, never-ending and dreamlike, the home of sound. On the best of days, on the worst of days, on sunny days and rainy days, on sick days and well days, on all days, a day without sound, and sunlight? Can you imagine? The impact of ancient cultures’ knowledge of the energy behind the cords of what our ears can hear and the resounding peace that results in the experience of listening to or chanting specific mantras can not be overstated. The rhythm becomes a carpet ride to transmute us instantly into other realms beyond the physical realm. To a place where; what magic, what gold, what else but unity could exist?
“Becoming the mantra,
means you are becoming the key
to the secret knowledge of the universe.”
-Sadguru
Media Library: Dive Deeper
Daily practices and Inspirational Talks on Sound and Chanting as a Gateway to the Heart.
The Great Compassion Mantra
by Sacred Mountain Sangha
Sacred Mountain Sangha shares a Buddhist chanting practice for compassion. Sacred Mountain Sanghas collection of ancient Buddhist chants has been compiled by Thanissara and Kittisaro, former monastics and the founders of Sacred Mountain Sangha, through decades of practice and study.
Chanting and a Reflection on Joy
by Ayya Santacitta
Ayya Santacitta shares reflections on chanting and joy in this integrative teaching with Dharma Seed.
The Ancient Science of Mantra Chanting
by Asangoham
Asangoham provides an in depth exploration into the creative energy of sound, and the science behind Mantra chanting.
Open Your Inner Sanctuary With the Power of Devotional Chanting
by Nina Rao
In this interview with The Shift network Nina Rao shares chanting practices for the listener to follow along and stories of her journey into Kirtan and Devotional music. “It’s said that these mantras help us to align with the elements of the universe, by doing so we can live in better harmony, with all that we are surrounded by and all that comes to us in our lives as well.”
Buddhist Chanting Playlist
by Ajahn Anan Akincano
Set in traditional Pali, the language of the Buddha, these morning and evening puja chants have been used for centuries to deepen faith, brighten the heart and prepare the mind for meditation.
The Power of Chanting and Meditation
by Dr. Sweta Adatia
In this episode, Dr. Sweta Adatia discusses her journey as a neurologist who believes in divine intervention, the significance of the Gayatri Mantra in her life, and the scientific exploration of the mind through tools like The Limitless Brain Lab. She also demonstrates the power of practices like Bhramari Pranayama and chanting, and how they contribute to healing and well-being, bridging the gap between modern medicine and ancient wisdom.
Buddhist Mantra Media Library
by Sacred Mountain Sangha
This collection of ancient Buddhist chants has been compiled by Thanissara and Kittisaro, former monastics and the founders of Sacred Mountain Sangha, through decades of practice and study. Listening to and learning these chants invites us to gather body, mind, and voice to connect with the unlimited, unbounded, timeless, and selfless qualities of the heart.
The Sound of AUM
by Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell shares insights into the ‘un-struck sound’, that sound which is not made by any two things striking together. The sound of the universe.
Spring is in the air, and the natural world is singing it’s tune of colors in bloom.
Big Bear Retreat Center wishes you a healthy joyful spring!
