Nada Yoga or Sound Yoga
Nada Yoga
Nada Yoga is the yoga of sound. In simpler terms it is a way of meditating with music or you can call it musical meditation. Technically Nada yoga or sound yoga means ‘union through sound.’ This is a spiritual art that has been practiced since the ancient times. It is a way of transforming your mental state and inner self through tone and sound. You can meditate for Self Realization by listening to music. It can be done by people of any age, sex or religion. Yoga in general means union, integration, and harmonization. While there are several types of yoga, there are seven main categories –
Under the category of Kriya yoga, there are various forms and techniques of yoga. You can attain spirituality and Self Realization through various principles. The three principles include Surat Shabda yoga, Laya yoga and Nada yoga.
Meditation and sound
Nada yoga is based on the philosophy that our minds can absorb sound and can become immersed in it. Most of us enjoy and respond to music because of this. In facts, not only human beings, but animals and plants respond to music. Music promotes a feeling of inner bliss.
According to Nada yoga, sound can come from outside as well as inside; sound can be subtle or loud. Sound can be like waves rippling through the body. If you practice focusing on outward sounds, you will be able to calm your mind. And then slowly, you will become aware of all the inner sounds. Internal sounds are nothing but the rhythm of your own body. According to the traditions, internal sounds actually emanate from the heart chakra.
How to practice Nada yoga
The way to practice Nada yoga is first to choose soothing music that you like. The music must set the mood. Thus, it should essentially be quiet, calm, and reflective. You can try the Indian sitar, the flute, pan pipes or the Japanese shakuhachi. Avoid music that is too loud or dynamic as it won’t help you meditate, and also stay away from music with lyrics and words for Nada yoga, as these can be distracting. Listen to the music while sitting quietly for a short while. As you continue your practice regularly, you will become more aware of your internal rhythm.
Nada Yoga is the yoga of sound. In simpler terms it is a way of meditating with music or you can call it musical meditation. Technically Nada yoga or sound yoga means ‘union through sound.’ This is a spiritual art that has been practiced since the ancient times. It is a way of transforming your mental state and inner self through tone and sound. You can meditate for Self Realization by listening to music. It can be done by people of any age, sex or religion. Yoga in general means union, integration, and harmonization. While there are several types of yoga, there are seven main categories –
- Jnana yoga – this is the yoga of self-inquiry and knowledge
- Bhakti yoga – this is the yoga of devotion
- Karma yoga – this is the yoga of service
- Kriya yoga – this is the yoga of technique
- Raja yoga – this is a combination of all the other yoga forms
- Hatha yoga – this is a combination of movements and postures
Under the category of Kriya yoga, there are various forms and techniques of yoga. You can attain spirituality and Self Realization through various principles. The three principles include Surat Shabda yoga, Laya yoga and Nada yoga.
Meditation and sound
Nada yoga is based on the philosophy that our minds can absorb sound and can become immersed in it. Most of us enjoy and respond to music because of this. In facts, not only human beings, but animals and plants respond to music. Music promotes a feeling of inner bliss.
According to Nada yoga, sound can come from outside as well as inside; sound can be subtle or loud. Sound can be like waves rippling through the body. If you practice focusing on outward sounds, you will be able to calm your mind. And then slowly, you will become aware of all the inner sounds. Internal sounds are nothing but the rhythm of your own body. According to the traditions, internal sounds actually emanate from the heart chakra.
How to practice Nada yoga
The way to practice Nada yoga is first to choose soothing music that you like. The music must set the mood. Thus, it should essentially be quiet, calm, and reflective. You can try the Indian sitar, the flute, pan pipes or the Japanese shakuhachi. Avoid music that is too loud or dynamic as it won’t help you meditate, and also stay away from music with lyrics and words for Nada yoga, as these can be distracting. Listen to the music while sitting quietly for a short while. As you continue your practice regularly, you will become more aware of your internal rhythm.