The knowledge of Sabda Brahm – Nada Brahm is an important branch of the Indian school of spirituality. The science and philosophy of Sabda Brahm encompasses the methodology and effects of mantra-japa, prayers, collective chanting and sadhanas of the veda-mantras and that of the Nada Brahm deals with the genesis, expansion and influence of music. The volume 19 of the “Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya” series presents truly rare and detailed information and guidance on this topic. The present book is compiled from the English translation of the first two chapters of this volume that focus on the cosmic dimensions of sound and the sceince of mantras.
Linguistically, the word mantra in Sanskrit implies a specific structure of sonic patterns – coded in syllables and vowels, that works as an spiriutal tool to liberate the mind from ignorance, illusion and evil instincts. The specific configurations of syllables and the corresponding combinations of phonemes in the mantras make the latter powerful ‘carriers’ of the cosmic energy of sound. The book presents a perspicuous introduction with analysis of multiple aspects of the physical and subliminal impact of sound and the structure of mantras. It also highlights authentic reports on scientific experiments in this direction.
Different methods of rhythmic enunciation (japa) and spiritual practices (sadhanas) of vedic mantras are described here with adept guidance. The author, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya also focuses on mantra yoga as an effective endeavor to master the generation and utilization, without any external means or instruments, of the immense powers of sound for specific noble purposes. Although the vedic mantras could be well expressed vocally as prose or verse, the method of singing them in specific rythms as hymns was given principal importance by the rishis. Hence the unique spectrum of vedic swaras and the gamut of chanting patterns for mantras were evolved and encoded in the Sama Veda
The Sama Veda contains divine knowledge of the miraculous spiritual flow of music that can effectuate a vivid connection of the individual ‘self’ with thy-self. The author highlights the crucial role of this Veda and discusses the present status of the schools of sama gana in the context of the difficulties faced today in identifying the best chanting patterns for the Vedic Mantras .
The sadhanas of mantras yoga together with nada yoga are integral parts of the spiritual experiments on awakening of the kundallini and realization of the Brahm through omkar . These topics too are covered here sagaciously in scientific light. The paramount role of vak (absolutely refined voice) in mantra yoga is emphasized with necessary guidance. The author describes the four successively subtler levels of human voice (vani) and presents the methods, for the control and refinement of the vani and mental faculties, which can be practised by everybody in day-to-day life. These sadanas gradually lead to the spiritual elevation of the vani up to the supreme level – the vak.
He further illustrates – how the hidden spiritual powers of a mantra are aroused by japa through such a spiriutally empowered voice. And how the materialization of the blessings and curses also becomes possible because of the power of vak . Authentic examples and scientific evidences of the modern times are presented in this book with relevant excerpts from the scriptures to support and explain the enormous potentials of refined vani.
Acharya Sharma’s elucidation of the esoteric and complex subject matter of Sabda Brahm and Mantras is indeed lucid, logical and scientific. The book also outlines – how the modern science could offer multifaceted benefits towards the incessant welfare of human society by constructive investigations in the Science of Mantras.
*– Dr. Pranav Pandya, MD*
(Chancellor, Dev Sanskrati Vishwa Vidyalaya, Hardwar)
CONTENTS
- Omnipotent Role of Sound in the Universe
- Astonishing Power of Sabda – The Eternal Element of Sound
- Constructive Applications of Sound in the Modern Age
- Misuse of Sonic Energy – Risks in the Present Times
- Infrasonic Communications: Misdeeds of Today
- Guidelines from the Ancient Science of Sabda
- Impact of Sabda on Mind and Intrinsic Character
- Elements of the Science of Vowels
- The Sabda Yoga
- Energies of Sabda in the Living Laboratory of Human Body
- The Suprasonic Power Hidden in Mantras
- Immense Power of Sabda Used in the Sadhanas of mantras
- Structure and Implications of Mantras
- Mantra Yoga: Effects on Gross Body
- Sound Therapy: Ancient Knowledge
- The Phonetics of Collective Chanting Described in the Vedas
- Difficulties in the Rhythmic Enunciation of Vaidika Hymns
- Sama Gana: Chanting of Vedic Mantras
- The Secret of the Power of Mantras
- The Gravity of Japa
- Linguistic Meaning and Types of Japa
- Practices and Effects Associated with Japa
- Experiments on Mantras : Interaction of Sound with Thermal Energy
- Power of Mantras: The Divine Source
- Cosmic Cycles of the Vibrations of Mantra
- Power of Sabda Aroused by the Gayatri Mantra
- Psychological Basis of the Effects of Japa
- Acoustics and Mantra Vijnana
- Integration of the Sciences of Mantra and Yantra
- Hidden Roots of Mantra Sadhana and Its Success
- The Key to Cognition of Mantra Vidya
- Scientific Roots of the Divine Impact of Mantra Sadhana
- Glossary of terms from Shastric Literature
Omnipotent Role of Sound in the Universe
The vaidika scriptures on the origin of the universe mention that the absolute existence of the Brahm is expressed and realized in the sublime vibrations of Sabda and Nada . The anahat swar (the evolutionary impulse of cosmic sound) induced by these vibrations is said to be the generator of perpetual energy in the universe. Sabda – the omnipresent eternal origin of sound and Nada – the eternal element of the self-existent cosmic impulse of music, immanent in the subliminal as well as the gross realms of existence and their ever-evolving expressions in infinity are referred in the shastrik literature as Sabdha Brahm and Nada Brahm.
Sabdaitavada – the vaidika knowledge of absolute sound, describes the sublime power of the omnipresent sound (Sabda) as an eternal, limitless whole and the sole creator of the universe. Sound is regarded here as the basic source of energy and motion existing in the universe. The existence of the material world is said to have originated from the cosmic impulse, the infinite bang of Sabda . [The big-bang theory of the modern science agrees with this conclusion of the yore -scientists of yore]. The non-existence or absolute end of the world at the ultimate time – the other ‘end’ of the universal cycle – is also described to be a consequence of similar supersonic explosion. On the subliminal front, the existence of enormous activities of mind is said to have been realized through the eternal medium of sound.
In our day-to-day life, we generally come across with two types of sound – vyakta (audible) and avyakta (non-audible). These are defined as jalp and antarjalp in the Jain scriptures. The spoken words fall under the first category and those expressed silently (e.g. while thinking….) or through the language of mind are examples of the latter. Acoustic theories of modern physics have characterized these categories in terms of frequencies of the involved ‘hard sound’. The manifestation of the vyakta and avyakta are relative in the physical world. The ultra and supersonic forms are avyakta to our ears, which can normally sense a sound only in the frequency-range of 20 to 20000 vibrations per sec. Similarly, the loud noise of a busy road
would be non-audible to a person who is sitting in a closed house away from the road…. These examples clearly illustrate that the avyakta sound also exists in the same ‘reality’ as the vyakta one.
Our cosmos consists of the sound waves in all frequency ranges –– beyond the grasp of our audio sensors and even beyond the limits of our imagination…. Each impulse of the infinite activities of Nature indwells in the cosmos in the form of subliminal vibrations (of Sabda) before its physical manifestation in space and time. Many animals in this world are well equipped to perceive such subtle sounds in some range. Several varieties of birds and animals are therefore able to sense the future events, especially, many of the natural calamities of tremor etc, that are impossible to be precognized by humans. Often this ‘superhuman’ potential of animals and birds beats the advanced sensors of sophisticated instruments.
The sonic vibrations of each spoken or mentally thought syllable exist in the universe forever. Some frontline researchers of the modern science of sound hope that further advancement of science and technology would one day enable recording the voices (of the sages of yore) in the omnipresent ‘ocean’ of ether.
The vaidika science of mantras – the Mantra Vijnana, developed by the rishis had endowed them with an exceptional faculty of communication across the universe. This power was indeed supernormal as compared to the capabilities of the modern inventions like radio, television and radar…., etc. Mantra Vijnana is the science of the subliminal as well as the cosmic powers of sound. The specific configuration of the syllables compiled in the mantras makes them important in terms of associated sonic effect. The enunciation of a vedic mantra in a specific composition of accent, pitch, intensity, amplitude and rhythm results in its expansion (at a pace faster than the laser beams) in the endless domain of physical energy waves and consciousness. Because of the unique property of sound to traverse (via the electro-magnetic waves) anywhere in the space, the collective chanting of vaidika mantras can induce cosmic impact.
Significant scientific research on the demonstration and the measurement of sonic energy has been carried out in the modern age of advanced technology. This includes pioneering research in the area of ultrasonic in the USA and Germany. The applications of ultrasonic and infrasonic technology range from strategic weapons to biomedical instruments, from brainwashing to sound therapy and from telecommunications to remote control of the spacecrafts….
Having realized that the energy generated by the decomposition – through japa of a mantra – of the cosmic sound (Sabda) would be of exponential magnitude as compared to that of the atomic energy, some pioneering scientists have also begun an in-depth study of the mantra vijnana … However, the researchers of this field must note that, it is the sublime effect of the mantras on the consciousness, which is more important than the gross (physical) sonic effects. Studies in this direction should therefore pay greater attention on the possibilities of spiritual enlightenment of all conscious beings with the help of mantra vijnana.
The treasure of knowledge in the Vedas is encoded in the form of mantras and chandas (hymns). Every mantra and chanda has its significant importance. The Gyatri Mantra is honored as preeminent in the science of spirituality and the mantra vijnana . This adi (absolute origin) mantra is a compilation of nine special words (in ancient Sanskrit) formed by twenty four syllables. The japa of this mantra creates rhythmic pressure on the nerves and also titillates the extrasensory energy center (the six cakras ) and subtle nerve-bundles (upatyikas) that generate soothing effects in the sadhaka’s body and mind and also affect his deep inner self.
