YOGA OF SOUND

1) What is Sound?

2) The origin and effects of Sound

a. Physical

b. Psychological

c. Super Natural

d. Spiritual

3) What is Yoga and its types?

4) Yoga for this age – Kirtan Yoga

5) Kirtan Yoga in World Religions

Sound
Science says sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure
transmitted through solid, liquid or gas. Or in other words it is variation of pressure
in solid, liquid or gas.

Sounds, simple! But through ages it is found that this variation of pressure can be
no ordinary and may have profound and multifarious implications.

Sound is not a recent phenomenon but Vedic knowledge asserts that even universe
came from sound, “By His utterance the universe came into being” (Brihad
Aranyaka Upanishad I.2.4). This teaching resonates with the Bible “In the beginning
was the word.” (John 1:1)

Sound affects at all levels of human existence namely physical, psychological and
spiritual. Sound even affects elements of nature.

Physical and Psychological

On Nature
Sound is used to reduce pollution.
 In a recent study the Air Force applied a specific sound pattern to one of two
test tubes containing nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant found in the atmosphere. Nothing
was done to the other tube. When sound was applied to the first tube, it instantly
changed its chemical composition, while the second tube remained exactly the
same.

Applications of this principle are being used in pollution-clearing efforts worldwide

with tremendous results. Using a metal broadcast unit called a harmonizer, (a
geometrical object made of twisted copper which acts like an antennae) a sound
frequency is applied which is broadcast throughout the surrounding environment
causing the molecules to dance to a different beat, so to speak, and realign
themselves into non-polluting elements. These experiments have been conducted in
small scale operations around the world, sponsored by small groups of individuals
with results as astounding as a 40% drop in pollution levels within a month of
starting the program.

In ancient India, the Brahmin priests used to perform a ritual called Agni-hotra, a
fire ceremony which involved use of a geometrical copper pyramid pot of very
specific dimensions, sacred fire, and the chanting of certain mantras at precisely
sunrise and sunset. It has been scientifically documented that this process lowers
pathogenic viruses and bacteria, and pollution levels with a two mile radius of the
area where the ceremony is performed.

In fact Nature uses sound as an agent of transformation as well. Researchers have

discovered the existence of what is termed a "bio-accoustic matrix" or sonic
envelope in an ecosystem which is created by the sounds emitted from the insects
and animals of that region. These sonic emissions are found to be necessary to
sustain the health of an ecosystem. The research of Dan Carlson revealed that the
bird's song triggers the blooming mechanisms in plants. Researcher Rodrigo
Navarro in Australia has discovered that the sounds of the frogs, crickets and other
insects have a vital contribution to Gaia's symphony in that their sounds trigger and
may even produce rain for the area. Off the coast of Australia, marine researchers
have discovered that the sound of the dolphins is responsible for the growth
patterns of the coral in the reefs.

Effects on Humans

Sound as ‘MUSIC’

Music is more popularly as a source of entertainment and an agency to change our

moods.
 We are already aware how music affects our emotions. Therefore Leo Tolstoy
succinctly stated ‘Music is the shorthand of emotion’.

"Ranjayathi iti Ragah" - which means, "that which colours the mind is a raga."

Through rich melodies in our music, every human emotion, every subtle feeling in
man and nature can be musically expressed and experienced.

The acknowledged order of these sentiments is as follows: Shringara (romantic and

erotic): Hasya (humorous): Karuna (pathetic): Raudra (anger): Veera (heroic):
Bhayanaka (fearful): Vibhatsa (disgustful): Adbhuta (amazement): Shanta
(peaceful).

(May be we can include music to arouse these emotions in the audience)

The Gandharva Veda, the book of the celestial singer, is a veritable treatise on
sacred song and mystical music. A great number of its songs can lead the initiate to
certain states of ecstasy. To express their power, recall the story of the Ramayana.
In it Ravana, the fiend who kidnapped Sita from Rama, incurs Lord Shiva’s anger
with his audacity. Only one glance from Shiva was enough to reduce the
presumptuous villain to dust. Ravana suddenly remembered the “song that
appeases anger” and, evoking it, sent peace and unconditional love into the heart
of the angered god, and thus obtained his forgiveness.

Music Therapy
In the West, the idea of music as a healing influence on health and behaviour is
atleast as old as the writings of the Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato. Medical
interest in music therapy was revived after the two World wars when thousand of
war veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma found remarkable relief
through the hospital performances of community musicians.

Subsequently, scientific research into music therapy has been increasing and its
benefits have been documented by organizations like the American Musical Therapy
Association in journals like the Journal of Music Therapy and Music Therapy
Perspective. Presently, music therapy is known to benefit those with mental health
needs; developmental and learning disabilities; Alzheimer’s disease and other aging
related conditions; substance abuse problems; brain injuries; physical disabilities
and labor related pains.

From time immemorial, music has been a part of Indian culture. In the Vedas too,
music has an important place. The 'Samveda' is full of music. The doshas like Vata,
Pitta and Kapha can be controlled effectively by Music Therapy. Great composers of
Indian classical music have attempted music therapy down the years. Legend has it
that classical music maestro Thyagaraja brought a dead person back to life with his
composition.

The Raga Research Centre in Chennai,India. is currently making a comprehensive

study of Indian ragas and evaluating their therapeutic potential with the help of
musicians, doctors and psychiatrists. It is believed that classical Indian ragas can
benefit a whole host of conditions ranging from insomnia, high and low blood
pressure to schizophrenia and epilepsy.

Music can play an effective role in helping us lead better, fruitful lives.
Listening to specific kinds of music at specific times of the day has been
shown to be helpful in maintaining good health. Indian music, with its
many Ragas, is known to be particularly therapeutic value. The curative
power of music emanates from the resonance of certain ragas on
hormonal and glandular functions which produce secretions that keep the
body balanced and infection free.

RAG-MALA

Raga Disease(s) it helps cure

Ahir Bhairav Indigestion

Rheumatic Arthritis
 Hypertension

Asavari to build confidence

Bageshri insomnia

Basant Bahar Gall Stones (Cholecystitis)

Rheumatic Arthritis
Bhairavi Sinusitis
encourages detachment

Bhim palas Anxiety, Hypertension

Brindabani Sarang Depression

Chandrakauns Anorexia

Darbari Sedetive

Headache
Darbari Kanada
Asthama

Indigestion
Anorexia
Deepak
Hyperacidity
Gall Stones(Cholecystitis)

Gujari Todi Cough

Rheumatic Arthritis
Constipation
Gunakali
Headache
Piles or Hemorrhoids

Rheumatic Arthritis , Spondilitis

Hindol Backache
Hypertension

Intestinal Gas
Jaunpuri Diarrhoea
Constipation

Jaijawanti Rheumatic Arthritis

Diarrhoea
 Headache

Kafi Sleep disorders

Hypertension
Kausi Kanada
Common Cold

Headache
Common Cold
Kedar
Cough
Asthma

Khamaj Sleep disorders

Madhuvanti Piles or Hemorrhoids

Malkauns Intestinal Gas

Malhar Asthma

Indigestion
Marwa
Hyperacidity

Indigestion
Nat Bhairav Rheumatic Arthritis
Colitis

Colitis
Puriya Anaemia
Hypertension

Puriya Dhanashri Anaemia

Colitis
Ramkali
Piles or Hemorrhoids

Anorexia
Common Cold
Shree
Cough
Asthma

Anorexia
Shudh Sarang
Gall Stones (Cholecystitis)

Shyam Kalyan Cough

 Asthma

Sohani Headache

Yaman Rheumatic Arthritis

Para physical or Super Natural affects

Spiritual

But the absolute level of sound is called Shabd Brahm i.e. GOD incarnating as word
or Nada Brahm – GOD incarnating as sound.

Srila Prabhupad writes in S.B (3.12.47) “The musical notes are sa, ri, ga, ma , pa,
dhi, and ni.All these vibrations are originally called Shabd Brahm, or spiritual
sound.”

In 1967, Hans Jenny, a Swiss doctor, published the book Cymatics - The Structure
and Dynamics of Waves and Vibrations.

In this book Jenny showed what happens when one takes various materials like
sand, spores, iron filings, water, etc., and places them on vibrating metal plates.
What appears are shapes and motion - patterns which vary from the nearly
perfectly ordered and stationary to those that are excitingly chaotic and constantly
in motion. Jenny created an invention of his own called a tonoscope which made use
of crystal oscillators to set these metal plates into motion. Unlike in previous
experiments. Jenny could precisely control the rate of vibration and repeat
experiments attaining identical results.

"The tonoscope was constructed to make the human voice visible without any
electronic apparatus as an intermediate link. This yielded the amazing possibility of
being able to see the physical image of the vowel, tone or song a human being
produced directly. Not only could you hear a melody - you could see it."

Video for tonoscope.

When sounds were broadcast from the tube most produced random ill defined
images but when Sanskrit mantras were repeated at a proper pitch, perfect circle
were formed and out of that a yantra, or a traditional geometric image used in
worship were produced.

That shows the special potency of Sanskrit syllables.

All major world religions concur that highest usage of sound is for communion with
God ,in other words, Yoga.

Mohmamed counseled, “Glorify the name of Lord, the most high.” (Koran 87.2)

Saint Paul said, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”
(Romans 10.13); Buddha declared, “All who sincerely call upon my name will come
to me after death, and I will take them to paradise.” (Vows of Amida Buddha 18);
King David preached , “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the
Lord is to be praised.” (Psalms 113.3); and the Vaishnav scriptures assert: “Chant
the holy name, chant the holy name, chant the holy name of the Lord. In this age of
quarrel there is no other way, no other way, no other way to attain spiritual
enlightenment.” (Brihad –naradiya Purana 3.8.126).

Beethoven writes, “Music is mediator between intellectual and sensual life…the one
spiritual entrance into the higher world”

“Music praises God,” says Stravinsky. “Music is well or better able to praise Him
than the buildingof a church with all its decoration: music is the church’s greatest
ornament”

Even famous personalities have taken to religion Example George Harrison taking to
Vaishnavism, Cat Stevens’ and Michael Jackson’sconversion to Islam, Madonna
flirtation with kabbalah

But to understand how sound as Yoga, we have to understand what is Yoga?

Yoga literally means linking with God. Even root of the word religion is Latin religio,
which also refers linking with God.

Astanga Yoga – The eight divisional Yoga Process

1) Yama

Controlling the senses

2) Niyama

Following rules and regulations

3) Asana
 Practicing sitting procedure

4) Pranayam

Breath control

5) Pratyahar

Controlling the senses from sense enjoyment

6) Dharan

Concentration

7) Dhyana

Meditation

8) Samadhi

Trance

But as given in Bhagavad Gita, conditions are

Go to secluded place

Lead a life of complete celibacy

Lay on kusa grass and deer skin neither too high or low

Sitting in a rigid posture

5000 years ago when conditions were much favourable, Arjuna expressed his
inability to practice such yoga. He said it is easier to control the raging wind than
mind B.G 6.34.

Further, Krishna confirms in BG 6.47 that, "Of all yogis, the one who is constantly
thinking of Me within himself, meditating upon Me within the heart, is the first-class
yogi." That is Bhakti yog.

Different Yoga processes in different yugas

S.B. 12.3.52

Therefore recommended practice for this age is Kirtan Yoga, the power of sacred
chant.
Kirtan in World Religions

In Judaism, the hazzan, or cantor, is a type of kirtaniya directing all liturgical prayer
and chanting in synagogues around the world. If no cantor is available, a less
qualified “kirtaniya” is called in- known as the ba’al tefilah.He chants every
utterance and the congregation repeats his every utterance, as in a traditional
kirtan.

Bible (psalms 150.4-5), “Glory ye in His Holy Name. Praise Him with the timbrel and
dance: praise Him with stringed instrument and organs. Praise Him upon the loud
cymbals.”

Baptists choirs and church singers take the mandate of St Paul, “Everyone who calls
upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10.13).

In Islam, the muslim Qari are kirtaniyas who professionally recite Koran and is called
tajwid (Arabic for vocal music).

Sufis, Islamic mystics, sing Qawali.

In Japan, followers of Shinto religion engage in ritualistic chants , known as norito,

which is their version of kirtan.

Buddhists rhymes are referred to as shomyo.

Sikhs rejoice in singing Shabad Gurbani kirtan.