Introduction:
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that benefits a person on spiritual, mental, and physical levels. There are different modifications and forms of yoga. The word 'Nad' is from Sanskrit, meaning sound or thunder. Yoga means union, and Nada implies sound. Nada yoga is a form of yoga that unites a person's mind, body, and soul to the universe by the flow of sounds. Not all sounds, vibrations, and resonance are accessible to a human being. Nada yoga explores the range of sounds that are beyond the audible extent. According to Hatha yoga pradipika, "through listening to Nada for fifteen days, yogi overcomes all the obstacles and feel blissful."
What Is Nada Yoga?
The yoga of listening is called Nada yoga. In this form of yoga, more than what is heard with the ears, internal sounds that the external organs cannot hear are focused on the mind. While practicing Nada yoga, the ears are trained first to expand the hearing capacity by concentrating the mind more on the ears. With practice, the subconscious power of the brain stimulates and expands the hearing capacity. In advanced stages, ears get trained to hear even ultrasounds, infrasounds, and more.
How to Practice Nada Yoga?
The wandering thoughts of the mind provide the main distraction from listening. If one is able to control such thoughts, the practice of Nada yoga will not become that complicated. The initial step is to listen without getting distracted and interrupted. Then, getting a clear and well-placed mind will help to listen and get the union with the Nada. Once the person cracks the primary stage of listening, further steps can be carried out uncomplicated. Deep levels of practice can provide calmness and contentment and can be achieved by a consistent approach.
The following steps will help to begin the practice of Nada yoga gently:
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Choosing Appropriate Time: Choosing a time free of distractions and interactions is vital to practicing Nada yoga.
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Choosing the Right Place: A sacred and calm place can spread a positive vibe during practice.
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Being Comfortable: Sitting with the back straight and the body symmetrical can make the person comfortable.
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Shutting the Eyes: External distractions can be prevented by closing the eyes gently.
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Breathing: Focusing on the breath each time inhaled and exhaled can make a gentle start to the practice.
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Never Mind the Distractions: Distractions can always come up, and trying not to engage with distractions is essential to stay focused.
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Finding Joy: Since practicing yoga is a part of self-care, it is necessary to consider it joyful and exciting to stay motivated to do it every day.
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Being Patient: Being patient and gradually progressing with the steps is necessary. It is not possible to jump directly to an advanced level.
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Creating a Habit: Consistency helps to make it a habit to work out or practice yoga and meditation.
Knowing what should not be practiced while doing Nada yoga is also necessary. Opening the eyes while practicing this method can spoil the calm and peace. Playing and listening to loud music can make the person get distracted. It is also essential to keep a fixed time to perform this form of yoga.
How to Focus on the Sounds?
To attain focus, adopting a better pose should be considered. Padmasana (lotus pose), Sukhasana (easy pose), or Siddhasana (accomplished or perfect pose) are the best poses to adopt. Closing the ears with the thumb and focusing on the extremity are the next steps. Then, mantras and breathing asanas can be practiced for a couple of months. With practice, it will be possible to stay focused without closing the ears and concentrate on the internal sounds without getting interrupted by other sounds. With consistency, subtle sounds get audible, and each time the practitioner can try to conquer the subtler and subtlest sounds one after the other. The initial sound heard will be loud, and with focus and practice, the finer aspects of sounds get audible. The sounds can take many forms and can even be felt in the head.
What Are the Four Levels of Sound?
Philosophers and linguistics structured the four levels of sound. 'Para' (beyond) sound is the most subtle level. When a person starts speaking, they begin with this sound. 'Pashyanti' or visual sound is the next level. The first level is about intentions, and the senses get converted to ideas in the Pashyanti level. The next level is 'Madhyama,' which lies between thoughts and sound, where the thoughts get converted to words internally.' Vaikhari' or utterance, is the final level, where the thoughts get expressed as external words.
What Are the Benefits of Nada Yoga?
The benefits of Nada yoga are mentioned below:
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Effect on Mental Health: Nada yoga helps focus on the calm and relaxing inner sounds and lets the practitioner stay peaceful. It helps to get the concentration away from daily worries and stress. It helps strengthen the muscle, eliminate negative emotions, and relieve muscle tension.
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Enhances the Subconscious Mind: It calms the mind and helps to focus on minute things. It alleviates worries and stress. This is because the practitioner develops extreme focus to get access to the subtle sounds that the gigantic concerns in life get a lack of focus, and the person starts feeling positive and stress-free.
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Improves Concentration: Nada yoga is all about focusing too much to make the inner sounds audible. It can build more focus on work and studies. It also improves patience.
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Improves Thinking: It helps to think better and correctly and eliminate worries, unwanted thoughts, and emotions.
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Reduces Anxiety: Nada yoga brings bliss and reduces fear and anxiety. It can decrease hypertension and improves the quality and quantity of sleep. It can reduce aggressiveness and enhance mood.
Conclusion:
Nada yoga is an excellent practice that aids in staying focused and fearless. It can bring health and relaxation. It is more of meditating and focusing than doing complicated poses. The method needs experience and consistency to stay on track. Patience is the key to getting converted to a proper nada yogi.
