Nada Yoga is primarily related to the inner sounds or vibrations that are present within the body. These sounds, also known as “Nada,” are believed to originate from the subtle energy centers or chakras within the body, and are thought to be a form of spiritual communication. Practitioners of Nada Yoga focus on listening to and meditating on these inner sounds as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. However, many nada yoga practices include listening to external sounds first such as nature, mantras and singing bowls to enhance the inner listening experience. But the main focus is on the inner sounds, rather than external ones.
This branch of yoga focuses on the use of sound and vibration as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. The word “nada” means “sound” in Sanskrit, and practitioners of nada yoga believe that by listening to and producing certain sounds, they can access higher states of consciousness and connect with the divine.
In nada yoga, practitioners use a variety of techniques to produce and listen to different types of sounds, including singing, chanting, and playing musical instruments.
Nada yoga also includes practices such as Shruti, which is the practice of listening to the subtle sounds of nature, such as the sound of the wind, birds, and water. This practice is aimed to help the practitioner develop the ability to listenresistance to distractions and to focus the mind.
Nada yoga also includes practices like Japa, which is the repetition of a mantra or a sacred sound, usually done with a mala (prayer beads) and other practices like Tratak, which is the practice of focusing the eyes on a candle flame, a yantra or a deity’s image, in order to purify the mind and achieve inner peace.
The ultimate goal of nada yoga is to use sound and vibration to quiet the mind and achieve a state of pure consciousness, known as “nada samadhi.” This state is believed to be the ultimate spiritual goal, as it is said to lead to the realization of the true self and the experience of oneness with the divine.
It’s important to note that, as with many aspects of yoga, the practice and benefits of nada yoga may vary depending on the individual and their personal beliefs. It’s best to consult with a qualified spiritual teacher or practitioner to determine if nada yoga is appropriate for you.
Nada & Pratyahara
Nada yoga and pratyahara are related in that they both involve the use of sound and the senses as a means of achieving spiritual growth and self-awareness.
Pratyahara is one of the eight limbs of yoga outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and it refers to the withdrawal of the senses from external objects. It is considered as the fifth step in the classical Ashtanga yoga system, and it is the bridge between the external practices of asana and pranayama and the internal practices of dharana and dhyana.
Nada yoga is related to pratyahara in that it uses sound as a means of withdrawing the senses from external distractions and bringing the mind to a state of stillness and focus. By listening to and producing certain sounds, practitioners of nada yoga are able to quiet the mind, focus the attention, and achieve a state of inner stillness and self-awareness.
Both nada yoga and pratyahara are used to cultivate the ability to focus the mind and to still the fluctuations of the mind. This is essential for deeper meditation and for the attainment of ultimate spiritual realization.
In nada yoga, the practice of listening to the subtle sounds of nature, such as the sound of the wind, birds, and water, and the repetition of mantras and sacred sounds, is aimed to help the practitioner develop the ability to listen and to focus the mind. This in turn allows the practitioner to reach a state of inner stillness and self-awareness, similar to the one attained through pratyahara.
In summary, nada yoga and pratyahara are related in that they both involve the use of sound and the senses as a means of achieving spiritual growth and self-awareness, and they both help the practitioner to reach a state of inner stillness and self-awareness.
Naad Yoga and The Heart Plexus
Nada Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on the inner sound, also known as “Nada,” as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The practice involves listening to and meditating on the subtle sounds within the body, which are believed to originate from the Anahata chakra, also known as the heart chakra. This chakra is located at the center of the chest and is associated with the ability to love, empathize, and feel compassion. Practicing Nada Yoga is believed to help balance and open the Anahata chakra, leading to a greater sense of inner peace and connection to the divine.
Origins of Naad Yoga
The origins of Nada Yoga can be traced back to ancient India and the teachings of the Upanishads, which are considered to be some of the oldest spiritual texts in Hinduism. The Upanishads describe the concept of “Nada Brahman,” which translates to “the sound that is God,” and describes the cosmic sound that underlies all creation.
The earliest existing texts that specifically discuss Nada Yoga are the “Tantra-Yoga” and the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” which were written around the 15th century. These texts describe the practice of Nada Yoga as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment through the cultivation of inner sound.
Additionally, the “Shiva Samhita”, a Hindu text that was written around the same time, also describes the practice of Nada Yoga, and it is considered to be an important source for understanding the principles and techniques of the practice.
These texts present Nada Yoga as a powerful spiritual practice that can be used to reach a higher state of consciousness and ultimately to unite with the divine.