TwigTalk — The healing power of Sound
Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life — B.K.S. Iyengar
Music has the power to connect humans, to transcend humans down the memory lane or reach the Zenith’s height. But have we ever wondered that how a melody or a familiar tune can alter our mood, our energy and most important our perspective? Let’s take a look at the science of SOUND MEDICINE which took it roots it ancient India
The ancient Vedic wisdom was at some point organized into four main branches: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. These four Vedas also each had an ‘Upaveda’ or sub-branch, elaborately covering one of its main subjects. One of the Upavedas — Gandharva Veda, is the Vedic science dealing with the power of music and sound on different animals, the environment and even our body and mind.
Gandharva Veda and Gandharva Music help uncover the power of music by bringing in tones and mantras which activate the intended mood. Their impact depends on the mantras recited, the state of mind of the practitioner and the spiritual conscious level of the listener. These chants produce vibrations inside the body, which create resonance with the external atmosphere. The power of the chants can help you deal with medical issues — from relaxing your mind to cure physical and psychological abilities.
Modern day science has conducted experiments to test the effectiveness of the chants on the medical condition of patients and found extravagant results. You can find proof of the same all over the internet (Eg — http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2009/Mar_Apr/v1.3).
Breaking it down for our daily life, how can we use the power of this ancient science -
- Meditate for 10 min a day, pick a time and try to focus on the chants. You can start by 2 min and extend to as long as your time permits.
- You can pick any chant which gives you positive energy. It can be “Aum” or “Gayatri Mantra” or anything you find inspirational.
- Focus on your posture and try saying it aloud so that the sound can actually touch the right chords. You can also listen to the chants on Youtube, but try singing along.
If you want to take the practice to another level, try exploring different chants and see which one suits you more. It’s all about experiential learning here and you will be surprised to see what this simple practice can do to you.
Twig Gyaan —
If you feel this is all irrelevant, try plugging in your headphones and listen to your favourite track.. If it can take you in a different zone, I am sure you will be able to get a glimpse of what sound meditation practice can do for you.
