Nada, the inner sound

Q: Then it is in the void that time plays the musical instrument?

A: Yeah, that is very true. And remember, the sound is a say a virtue of the void. Only in the void the sound is. So sound is emerging from the void and the time will come when we will hear this sound without anything. From that moment, the consciousness of the world will begin.

Q: I think the Zen Buddhists have this kind of practices, they are trying to listen these things and meditate upon the the clap of one hand and when you think about that something changes in the mind. And is this the matter of tuning the mind towards the different substance?

A: That is a very different thing. And this is a very real experience and it will also develop with the practice that you are doing: Khechari and everything. And the day the sound will begin I think you will notice it.

That’s why it is called unstruck sound, “anhad nada” — unstruck sound, the cosmic sound. And it is the sound of the creation because everywhere in the creation there is movement, where there is movement, there is vibration and every vibration has a sound.

Q: Sometimes it seems to me that this sound is existing in another dimension. It’s not present here, it’s somewhere else.

A: It is present but you are not yet aware of that.

LAP-TAP, LAP-TAP – THE DRUM IS ON

Whatever harmony you will create – will be part of life. The basic thing of your life is sound; because 99,9% of you is just empty space. Empty space is the carrier of the sound. If you will not be in harmony with your own Nada – then there will be no harmony possible in anything with your mind and prana; you have to start from the beginning.

First you need to harmonize your thoughts. That – yes, now I want to make progress.

The sound is changing the body?

Guruji: You will become aware of the sound much later. First you will start harmonizing your breath, your thoughts, your mind, your physical body – preparing yourself. Without knowing that you’re preparing yourself – then sound will start and another chapter will begin and you will move on.

TO UNDERSTANDING EVERYTHING TO BE FREE OF EVERYTHING

Is it possible that Ravana was going through the ritual of diving to the cauldron to reach immortality?

Guruji: He may have done it, I’ve read it somewhere. He himself mentioned this ritual – and he was the great specialist in Ayurveda. Maybe someone else was also doing that.

but the body, attained by that is not the yogic body, the electrical one?

Guruji: They’re saying it’s Siddha kaya – and it maybe anything.

Do we need the 100% activated mind to perceive Nada?

Guruji: yes. Hopefully (smiling)

How then we can produce it?

Guruji: because they know exactly, what is Nada. It’s no need to produce it, it’s already there.

I’m asking because in Gorakhbodh it is said that sadhaka is repeating Nada – how is it possible?

Guruji: He’s merging with Nada, going deeper and deeper. Remembering is like repeating.

It’s not about the increasing and developing the sound – it’s about increasing the possibility to perceive the sound?

Guruji: Yes, to increase your own capacity. Individual capacity.

How can the sadhaka come back to muladhara from vishuddha after perceiving the vowels?

Guruji: This is the descend of five different elements and different vibrations. What is in your body is also outside of you. They are like connecting points. I’m talking from the technical point.

How it is possible?

Guruji: Vishuddha – akash; then anahata – vayu, then fire, water and earth: this is the descent of five elements. Then only you will understand and you will go beyond five elements. When you’re descending – the recognition of every element develops. When you’re coming from your home here – you’re not examining every city on the way, but you’re aware of them. They say if the ghost from the cremation area follows you, throw so many mustard seeds: until or unless he counts all of them – he cannot go. So he spends years and years, counting. Don’t be like this: stopping in every city and examining every pebble – go on!

So we have a little understanding about the elements, when we’re coming down – but we know them, coming up?

SAMADHI AND CONCENTRATION ON NADA

we are reading in Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gorakhbodh also – they are describing four types or four stages of Samadhi; every stage is considered to be connected with the special type of nada?

Guruji: yes

again in Gorakhbodh there are so many references that nada is extremely important?

Guruji: only after you have gone through the fourth chapter of Hatha Yoga Pradipika and experience everything; then different type of nada will start after that. That is Gorakhbodh. Gorakhbodh is not the training manual, Hatha Yoga Pradipika is.

why now in our practice we must concentrate on the practice but not on the nada?

Guruji: because as the practice nada will come. when your nervous system will become enough strong to tolerate that. Even now your ears are not capable of hearing so many supersonic sounds. Suddenly if you begin to hear them – your nervous system will burst. That’s why we need to concentrate on practice as much as we can, so we will be able to tolerate when it will start.

could we attain Samadhi just by listening to the nada?

Guruji: I’ve seen many people becoming paralytic – those who were concentrating only on nada without preparing themselves. The harder you train – the better your chances for surviving.

but now, if we have free time except of the practice…?

Guruji: when it will begin- you will always remain aware of it. It will always be as the background. It will not switch on and off, it will continuously be there – as a result of the hard training.

so now it’s not needed just to sit and try to concentrate on it?

Guruji: no try – let it begin first. When it will begin – you cannot stop.

that’s why so much attention in Hatha Yoga Pradipika was put on controlling the inner organs and shatkarmas?

Guruji: yes

is it different from Nada sound?

Guruji: that is body noises! Nada is the different thing. Some people sometimes become aware of blood flow sound – and they think they are listening to the Nada. No, that is different.

when Your attention is inside – are You able to perceive outside things?

Guruji: everything; you’re aware.

have You experienced it in samadhi state – when blood stops?

Guruji: of course, we’re intensely aware. And when we’re coming out of the samadhi – then the flow is even more noisy then normally.

Because in samadhi blood flow almost stops, and your consciousness is so much expanded; then , when you are coming out of the samadhi – when the beating of the heart starts and the rivers of the blood starts to flow again, - that torrential sound is amazing. And the crackling of the brain at the same time, and the intestine grumbling also begins.

no one who claimed they were in samadhi described this!

Guruji: and the first will be the beating of the heart; then the torrential sound of the blood start to flow: that is very big sound. And the crackling of the electromagnetic currents all over the body, especially from the brain – it starts.

if the yogi has realized Naad and is already well acquainted with the consciousness of Time, does he feel these six lines?

Guruji: of course! Even before he becomes aware of the consciousness of Time. It will begin with the Void.

in the beginning, will we perceive Naad very differently: in the first month one sound, in the second — another one?

Guruji: it depends on your development: how much awareness you are gaining.

is it somehow summing up: the first sound with the second?

Guruji: it is just the beginning of the introduction.

is real dhyana when you merge with Naad?

Guruji: possibly, yes.

does the heart beat in this state?

Guruji: very slowly.

could we say that we will experience Naad in its totality only when we become conscious of Time?

Guruji: yes, only then.

first we perceive Naad in our head; but with time will it be felt in the whole body?

Guruji: it is there in the whole body.

when the yogi goes into suspended animation, is Naad itself restructuring his body?

Guruji: you can say that; that’s why more than 1.5 hours is not recommended.

when we start to hear Naad, do our brain waves change?

Guruji: they will start changing.

and after that the whole body starts changing?

Guruji: it will become more harmonious with the nervous system. It’s a very slow and steady process.

when the yogi is travelling from one element to another one…

Guruji: I will tell you: in the beginning, no. You learn to differentiate between elements much, much later. Initially, it is a collective thing; then you are able to see the difference.

so the people who were trying to listen to Naad and became paralysed — they got it even on an “introductory” level?

Guruji: mostly, yes, because their body was not prepared.

is the main safety measure khechari mudra?

Guruji: the safety measure is hardcore yoga practice, including that mudra. One mudra is not enough. The whole body needs to be prepared; the whole nervous system needs to be prepared.

and is padmasana also necessary?

Guruji: it is! There is no cutting corners or shortcuts in yoga. Not in anything. And this is not a social service either: it is for special people.

could we attain samadhi by listening to Naad?

Guruji: it will begin with dhyana, then it will become more condensed and will lead to samadhi.

and is it possible with prolonged dhyana?

Guruji: yes, 12 dhyanas mean one samadhi.

what will we differentiate first in Naad — the elements?

Guruji: no, first — Naad in general. After years of listening to the great Naad, we will begin to appreciate the different refinements and delicacies inside. Then the recognition of different elements will happen. I think nowhere else — except the “Upanishad of Immortality” — can you read so much about Naad.

so from Naad the yogi obtains all the knowledge about the elements?

Guruji: this is the basis of all Creation! All knowledge will come. Initial listening to it is one thing, but being able to understand it and all the details of it — that takes a very long time.

maybe it’s not a very appropriate example, but as I understand — you can hear Naad and know what happens everywhere?

Guruji: you just breathe — and you know what’s happening everywhere. On Earth, at least. With Naad, you will know everything that is happening in the cosmos. Naad is more refined than breathing air.

sometimes we can just walk or sit — and a great sound comes: what is it?

Guruji: it is part of that.

it’s like we are catching some wave?

Guruji: your mind goes into a semi-relaxed condition when you are walking or doing nothing; if it is in tune — suddenly it will come. When you begin to think: what’s happening? — it will go away.

but if you catch this, in tune…

Guruji: …Without reaction! — then it will continue.

what happens inside the body, inside the mind, when you catch this wave?

Guruji: very different vibrations. The whole composition of your cellular structure will start to change.

and will we have an idea what this Naad is?

Guruji: it will come later.

so with this Naad we receive some kind of information…

Guruji: not information — it’s the beginning of a deep experience. Information will come later.

information will be like an extract?

Guruji: no, the basis of all.

could we compare it with radio waves?

Guruji: no, radio waves are nothing. You cannot compare it with anything. It stands alone. That’s the point: we need to cognize Naad — not recognize it by comparing it with something. And the moment you react — everything is gone. But even the thought that you shouldn’t react will be a reaction; so it will settle down with time.

that’s why we are practicing the stillness of the mind?

Guruji: what is that? We are still searching for the stillness of the mind; so please, enlighten us.

We have already recorded: when you are out of the influence of your memories — then the mind will remain still. As long as memories keep coming, you will say: oh, the mind is full of thoughts! — but you are thinking about your memories. So: no influence of memories — stillness of your mind, remember that. You’re coming out of the influence of memories — and start listening to Naad.

when we are in dhyana?

Guruji: dhyana is the beginning. Let’s say: you’re getting out of the clutches of your memories.

so when you’re in dhyana and listening to Naad, you can direct your attention anywhere: you can hear the cosmic sound or the earthly sound?

Guruji: anything!

in this state, can we say that we are beyond our physical limitations?

Guruji: only then will it happen.

because you can enjoy any sound?

Guruji: no, you’re missing the point: emptiness is outside your body as well as inside your body; 99.9% is emptiness inside. When you begin to understand and see it practically — you are already beyond your physical limitations. The Void is everywhere.

so dhyana is cleaning our memories?

Guruji: this love of cleaning is too much! They are not influencing you anymore. Memories are not affecting you. How much cleaning do you need? Enough is enough.

when did You start to hear Naad?

only when the prana enters sushumna – the experience of nada begins?

Guruji: even before that.

the experience of inner nada begins?

Guruji: inner nada, outside nada – it’s one and the same. But as you start to look inside – you find the Void is also there; then you understand the nada there and everything is gone- then your mind is different.

could we define the sequence – very roughly, of course: first person experience samadhi; then, if he is very successful, his Kundalini rises up to sahasrara…

Guruji: yes, he will become aware of the different things. See, inside the body experience is too mysterious: it was my very big surprise that no one else described it. Some traces we can find in Gorakh bani – but then is audience was very different, we need to consider that. Today we have learned about physiology and so many things, science is really gone very advance now.

could we say that only after forming all the chakras the second awakening may be possible?

Guruji: forming or becoming aware of the each elements, different sound vibrations, going one by one: then yourcerebral spinal fluid will have different properties, all molecular structure will be absolutely different. Then you will become aware – because chakras will be there on molecular level: then you become aware. And like particles: when you will become aware of the chakras – it will start to behave in a certain way.

could we assume that on the first awakening we just notice all these things?

Guruji: you will become aware of everything internal which is going on. Awareness of the different sound vibrations, which are connected with different elements: earth element – 5 sounds: then we call it “muladhar chakra”, because the earth element is vibrating at a certain note. Then we, just for the sake of making understand somebody – we wrote syllables on the petals; then the syllables went into fashion and the sound vibration went to the background. It is just a representation of the particular sound! Naad is the mother of all illusion.

After second awakening you will be beyond chakras. In between first and second awakening of most of the things you will become aware.

everything has its own vibration?

Guruji: of course, yes

You can hear everything?

Guruji: yes, why not?

when You’re in Samadhi state?

Guruji: much before that; you also learn to switch it off – otherwise we cannot even talk and sit. As long as I’m trying to teach – I keep it switched off.

and humans also have their special note or music?

Guruji: everybody.

but it’s very-very far from the real OM?

Guruji: it’s part of it. Very simple thing: even science says – you’re 99,9% empty space; and sound is the property of the empty space – so the sound you’re vibrating in a different way here. If there is vibration – it has to be sound. Matsyendranath was the greatest of yogi when he’s describing nada in so much details in yoga books. I will tell you one more thing here as a caution: if you’re unprepared – your body and nervous system is not prepared enough, and somehow you become aware of high frequency of those vibration – you will go into paralytic condition. That’s why it is stressed so much – practice every day. Optimum practice, most excellent practice – so your nervous system will become strong enough to tolerate that energy of that particular vibration. We have seen some people, who just begin - there are ways to close your ears and somehow become aware of the nada – they went too much into it and finally they were lying on the bed -6,7 or 10 years in paralysis. Always prepare yourself well. Harder you will train – the better chances of your surviving. Never compromise. Always think big.

NADA PART 4 4 TYPES OF NADA

so what are these four types of nada?

Guruji: four types of nada, which Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes is the initial sound only – just the introduction. Nada is one – these four types develops with your yoga practice. Just the introduction thing, then – vast ocean is waiting for you. These are: you just reach the beach and now you begin to listen of the ocean roaring and breaking of the waves – that is 3-4 types of nada; then you dive in. and then you’re inside the ocean – no sound of the abyss coming, but a different note will begin then.

They were great people – who were able to actually diagnose, how much vibrations are in every element. Combination of particular sound; then they were able to go deeper and understand each different note of the sound. Superficially everybody talk about god – but it’s really very deep and mysterious subject.

63. ABSORPTION (LAYA) IN A STATE

is it about absorption with the source?

Guruji: absorption is first with the Naad. Naad will take you to the source.

There are many different methods, depending on the in -
dividual experience, which lead to Samadhi, as told by
the great ones.
Salutations to Sushumna, Kundalini and the nectar flow-
ing from the moon. Salutations to Manonmani – the
mindless state of mind, to the great Shakti, and to the
atma.

Now I will describe the concentration on nada as told by
Gorakhnath, which is attainable even by the unlearned
unable to understand that-ness, tattva.
There are 12.5 million methods told by Shri Adinath to
attain laya. But in my opinion, the one and only is Nada
Anusandhana or the exploration of the divine sound.

”
The yogi, sitting in Muktasana (Siddhasana) and concen-
trated in Shambhavi, should listen closely to the nada
heard within the right ear.

After making the conscious mind unconscious and the
subconscious mind conscious and after experiencing the
light of Shiva in the core of the conscious subconscious
mind, one should listen to the nada from the right ear.

Closing the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, a clear distinct
sound is heard in the purified Sushumna.
In Kriya Yoga, this is called Y oni Mudra.”

Closing the ears with the hands, the muni should listen
to the inner sound with the mind steady on it. Then the
state of stillness is achieved.

Through sustained listening of nada, the awareness of the
external sound diminishes. Then the yogi overcomes the
mental turbulence within 15 days and becomes peaceful
and satisfied.
When the yogi first begins to hear sounds in his prac -
tice, there are different qualities of nada. However, with
a prolonged practice, the subtlest of the subtle sounds
becomes audible.
This is a very intense and elaborate practice. A very ad-
vanced yogi should attempt this only when directed by his
Guru. This is because the vibrations of the nada are some-
times so powerful that the nervous system of the unpre -
pared body may be paralysed, without any hope of recovery.
”

The first experience is of the sound of the ocean, then
there is the thunderclap of the clouds and the drums,
then there comes another quality – jharjhara drum
(harder Indian drum). In the middle stage, the sounds of
shankh (the conch), gong, and the blowing of the horn
are experienced.
Now, reaching the end, there is the tinkling of the bells,
flute, veena, and the humming of bees. Thus, various nada
are produced and heard from the middle of the body.

When the sound of thunderclaps and kettledrums is
heard, attention should be kept on even finer sounds.
Though attention may go from the gross to the subtle or
from the subtle to the gross, the mind should not move
to things other than the sound. Mind will not move to
things other than the sound when it remains concen -
trated on the sound.

Whichever nada the mind hears in the beginning or at -
taches itself to, it becomes perfectly still in that, because
the mind merges in that nada and becomes still with it
and dissolves along with it.
Just as a bee drinking honey is unconcerned about the
flower’s fragrance, so does the mind engaged in nada not
crave for sensual objects.

By the sharp goading of the nada, the mind, which is like
a furious elephant roaming in the garden of senses, is
controlled by the nada.
When the mind ceases to be fickle and is bound by the
nada, it become immobile, like a wingless bird.
One, who desires a complete dominion over yoga, should
thus explore the nada with a very aware mind and should
abandon all other thoughts.

Nada is like the net which snares the deer. Deer here
means the mind, the deer inside. It is also like the hunter
who slays the deer, the mind inside.
It is like a bolt, which locks a horse inside. For the one
who is self-controlled, the nada is like a controlled horse
(for the one who has mastered it). The yogi must therefore
meditate very regularly upon the nada.

Just as liquid mercury is bound by sulphur, so is mind
bound by nada and free from restlessness. Then one
moves into the Void, which is without any support.
Listening to the nada, the mind, like a serpent, becomes
captivated or enchanted and oblivious to all, not moving
anywhere else.
As the wood catches fire which extinguishes when the
wood is burnt, so does the mind get caught by nada and
is dissolved along with nada.

Just as a deer is dazed by the sound of the bells and is
easily killed by the expert archer, so does the adept with
nada silence the mind.
One hears the un-struck sound ([…]). The quin-
tessence of that sound is the (supreme) object (conscious-
ness). The mind becomes one with that object of knowl -
edge and dissolves therein. That is the supreme state of
Vishnu (Void).

The conception, the idea, or the imagination of the Void
exists as long as the sound is heard. The soundless, which
is the supreme reality, which is beyond the sound, is
called the Supreme Atma.
After merging with the nada, the yogi realizes the
source from where the nada is emanating . After realiz -
ing the consciousness of the Void through the nada and
reaching the source, a new chapter begins. The yogi, after
reaching the source of the nada, begins to be aware of the
consciousness of the Time or the true nature of Shiva. This
level of development is reached only by the grace of the
Guru and only by the direct grace of Shiva. There is no
other way.
”

Whatever is heard in the form of the mystical nada is in-
deed Shakti. In what all the elements dissolve, that is the
formless being, the Supreme Lord, Parameshvara.
Shakti is Void and Shiva is Time. They are so merged
together that it is impossible to draw a line between
them – from where the Void ends and the Time begins.
Only by becoming conscious of the Void by exploring the
nada and reaching its source, the yogi becomes conscious
of Time that is Shiva Himself.
”