In this chapter you will learn to use the sound or vibration of creation to stimulate and balance the centres of energy in your body. Focusing attention on the chanting of mantras calms your mind and puts you into a state of surrender in which you gain greater self-awareness. By connecting your inner voice – that is, the energetic frequency of the tiny spaces within your body – to the universal sound of creation, you can access your inner power and align it with the outer world. This alignment allows you to live out your inner light.
‘By focusing on chanting, you gain awareness of yourself and reach out to the infinite source of your knowing and unknowing.’
YOGI ASHOKANANDA
Primordial sound is the sound or vibration of creation, the sound that has no end, the sound that forms our mechanism, our mind and our thinking. It is all around us – an invisible frequency. Primordial sound affects the energetic frequency of our chakras and resonates with our surroundings. Every moment, the universe sounds a different note, which produces a different response and a different vibration in our brain, depending on the time of our birth. Yet when we practise primordial sound meditations, we tap into the ancient memory of our own source of creation, which ultimately is the same for us all. In this way, primordial sound reveals that we all come from the same source.
Primordial sound takes its form and expression through our individual mind and voice. In terms of helping us to find peace and power within ourselves, meditations that use primordial sound can often be more effective than other practices. This is because primordial sound is incredibly powerful in its subtle form and can quickly reach and resonate with the energetic frequencies deep inside us.
Practices using primordial sound have existed throughout history, although their form and the way primordial sound has been perceived vary in different civilizations and cultures. Mantras involve the rhythmical repetition of words or syllables to control the chattering of the mind and reach our inner well of peace and power. The mantras that feature in this chapter are said to have been adapted directly from primordial sound and contain its resonance.
Primordial sound is the instrument that switches off the neocortex, the thinking part of our brain, allowing our minds and our senses to withdraw and rest. Not only do our senses rest, they become recharged by the energy carried to them by primordial sound as it resonates through every cell in our body.
Studies have shown that babies are already attuned to vibration and sound in the womb and learn to recognize their mothers’ voices even before they are born. The frequency of the universe at the time of our birth resonates with one particular chakra more than the others and thus lays the foundations for our energetic structure. Vedic astrology can ascertain your sound if you know your exact time of birth and, even if you don’t know this, you can identify your particular sound simply by observing the sound that you feel most connected to or resonate with the most. I have often noticed in my classes that students who do not respond to certain practices can begin reaching into themselves as soon as chanting and sound are used, without even understanding how or why this works for them.
Using primordial sound actually awakens us on a number of levels: it taps into the source of universal intelligence that created us, it awakens our subconscious mind and the memory we had before we were born, and it has the ability to take us to deeper and higher states of consciousness – and ultimately to samadhi, the highest level of being.
19th-century miniature depicting the sacred syllable AUM. Pronounced A – U – M, this primordial sound represents the three gunas (rajas, tamas and sattva), the strands that make up the material world.
Surrender
In this book I sometimes refer to surrendering. You can surrender to yourself or to God or the Divine. In fact, you can surrender to anything, but you must do it fully and with total alertness – be present with it and only surrender to someone (or something) who has a higher frequency than you. Something or someone who inspires you has a higher frequency than you, as does someone for whom you feel a strong, uplifting (not needy) love or who possesses holy qualities that you perceive to lift you spiritually. Often what we are recognizing in these circumstances is the higher aspect of our own consciousness lying dormant within us, ready to be awoken.
Surrendering makes you powerful as it means letting go of comparison to others, greed, feelings of inadequacy or superiority, among other things. It also means accepting yourself – at least during those times when you are trying to surrender, meditate or live a spiritual life. As long as you hold onto doubt (for example, confusion about what you believe, lack of self-confidence and trust in your intuition, or fear of losing things), there can be no total surrender. But when you totally surrender, doubt automatically disappears.
In everyday life we are not sufficiently aware of our actions – we are just intent on getting things done. We become tied to goals in the distant future instead of concentrating on what is happening in the here-and-now. We become lost in the race for wealth, social status and the accumulation of experiences and material things. We overuse our thinking brain and neglect our inner consciousness. Even in our quest for self-development, self-improvement and happiness, we forget ourselves and are unable to identify our innermost needs. To be content you need both mental alertness and self-awareness. Therefore, make your mind fully aware of what you are letting go of and surrender within your capacity.
When you focus your full attention on something (whether it is meditation or some physical task) you get to know yourself because you are acting with self-awareness. The use of chanting with primordial sound is one way of putting yourself into a state of surrender. By focusing on chanting, you gain awareness of yourself and reach out to the infinite source of your knowing and unknowing. The infinite source of your existence is known as viveka.
Humankind values and prioritizes scientific exploration and indeed our scientific knowledge is advancing all the time, but science is only interested in matter, not the spirit. Without self-exploration and true inner strength we are homeless, because we have moved away from our source. As the universal sound of creation, primordial sound helps us to reconnect and stay connected with our innermost self, our spirit.
Being at peace with yourself can only arise when you are free from your own samskaras. You must become aware of your own demons because until you do so, there is no possibility of self-awareness. There is no problem per se with improving your social status or having material possessions – these only become a problem if your way of life starts to hide your true self. Our increased understanding of the world is all well and good and can make us feel strong. Unfortunately, however, the external trappings of power can often be to the detriment of our peace, our self-awareness and our centre – they can totally displace us. Power without peace is destructive. Experiencing power with peace, on the other hand, is good for the development of both the individual self and of society in general. Meditation is the only way to connect to your source and bring power and peace together.
Our inner existence is pure awareness, absolute alertness, freedom from every limitation. It is self-sustained, the source of infinite power. We all have that space; we all have that power. All we have to do is look deep inside and use the tools we have to access that source.
The deeper you go, the stronger your foundations and the greater your inner strength. Your mind will become free from dense and clouded thoughts and you will become increasingly aware of your own centre. Your very existence, which emanates from that centre into your life and into society, will become the symbol of the unification of power and peace.
Each chakra has its own primordial sound, as does every petal of every chakra (the chakras are each represented by a lotus flower with varying numbers of petals). Together the primordial sounds of each chakra’s petals affect the flow and the direction of that chakra’s energy. So by using primordial sounds in meditation we can increase or decrease the flow of energy from each of our major chakras to adjust the effect of that chakra on our body. For example, if one chakra is too open and you feel that there is too much energy flowing from it, you can use primordial sound to bring it into balance with the frequency of the other chakras. You can also increase and decrease the element associated with that particular chakra (see page 82) and any emotions and feelings relating to that chakra.
Beej syllables and mantras
Beej syllables (also called ‘seed syllables’) are units of sound in sacred languages such as Sanskrit. Known as the sounds of the cosmos, they are universal, shared by living things through the breath that we all breathe. The syllables are used individually or together as mantras to balance the flow of chakra energy.
Beej syllables and mantras can help you to regulate your breathing if you find it difficult to breathe fully or your breath is shallow. Chanting the sound and resonance opens and relaxes the lungs at the same time and helps you to learn to lengthen your breath in a natural way. In addition, your mind is calmed because you are not using your thinking brain. You not only create more physical space in your body by opening up your lungs, but also open your mind psychologically as the expansive nature of chanting takes hold.
LEVEL: GREEN
The following mantras are normally done as a sequence. However, as with all the exercises in this book, nothing is prescriptive. If you feel stuck vocally or in a particular part of your body or any chakra, then try the appropriate mantra for that area. You can practise any one of the mantras in isolation, repeating the rounds as many times as you like. Keep your eyes closed unless you feel more comfortable with them open. Begin each of the sounds verbally to create the frequency of the sound and make your brain aware of it (afterwards you can just do it mentally and your mind will make the connection). Inhale once and as you exhale repeat the sound verbally, finishing the sound at the end of the exhalation. Inhale and as you exhale repeat the sound mentally from then on.
LAM – Beej Syllable of the Root Chakra
The frequency of this sound relates to the earth element. The root chakra has four petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Sit or lie down comfortably. Take your awareness to the area 2.5 cm (1 in) below your tailbone. Inhale fully and gently exhale, making sure the exhalation is released evenly without forcing it. Chant LAM continuously – as many times as you can during the exhalation. Do four rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the feelings of security, stability, foundation and steadiness.
VAM – Beej Syllable of the Sacral Chakra
The frequency of this sound relates to the water element. The sacral chakra has six petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Inhale and exhale, repeating VAM as many times as you can manage during the exhalation. Do six rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the feelings of charm, merging and letting go.
RAM – Beej Syllable of the Solar Plexus Chakra
The frequency of this sound relates to the fire element. The solar plexus chakra has 10 petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Inhale and exhale, repeating RAM as many times as you can manage during the exhalation. Connect your frequency, mind and energy to your solar plexus, keeping your awareness there while you repeat the sound. When you have finished one round of chanting, observe the area of your solar plexus. Do 10 rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the feelings of confidence, desire, will, dharma (your purpose in life) and strength.
YAM – Beej Syllable of the Heart Chakra
The frequency of this sound relates to the air element. The heart chakra has 12 petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Inhale and exhale, repeating YAM as many times as you can manage during the exhalation. Connect your frequency, awareness and feelings to your heart as you repeat the sound. When you have finished one round of chanting, observe the area of your heart. Do 12 rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the feelings of peace, harmony, love, unity and compassion.
HAM – Beej Syllable of the Throat Chakra
The frequency of this sound relates to the ether element. The throat chakra has 16 petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Inhale and exhale, repeating HAM as many times as you can manage during the exhalation. Do 16 rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the feelings of conscious self-expression, freedom and creativity and the sense of change.
AUM – Beej Syllable of the Third Eye Chakra
The frequency of this sound (sees page 109) relates to your mind and can help you with discernment, judgment and decision making. The third eye chakra has two petals, each with its own primordial sound.
Exercise: Inhale and exhale, chanting AUM as many times as you can manage during the exhalation. Do two rounds of breathing.
Meditation: Meditate on the experience of intuition, clarity, concentration, focus and discipline.
Crown Chakra
This chakra has no beej mantra. Here, observe the frequency all around your body, meditating with your pineal gland on the connection or alignment with your higher existence.
Meditation: Meditate on the thoughts of infinity, immortality and samadhi.
LEVEL: YELLOW
In this exercise you see and record the symbolism of each of the seven major chakras. After you have been practising for some time you will even be able to hear the chakras’ energy. For a complete experience, do this exercise for 21 days for each chakra – but even doing it for one day will make a difference in your relationship with your chakras. You can do this practice as and when you feel a particular chakra needs some energy development.
1 Take some coloured pens and a writing pen and make yourself comfortable, either sitting on the floor or on a chair. Close your eyes and take your whole awareness to your root (or other) chakra without visualizing its colour.
2 Meditate for 20 minutes on this one chakra. Just breathe into it. Feel it opening up like a flower as you inhale and closing as you exhale.
3 When you open your eyes, draw and write about whatever you have seen in your mind’s eye.
The use of AUM (OM) as an opening or a closing sound in yoga and meditation classes is common practice. No matter what has been going on in individual minds and lives, the chanting brings everybody together in one resonance and creates a sense of unity.
The use and symbolism of AUM is profound. The sound itself consists of three parts: A – U – M
The three parts of this primordial sound represent the three gunas: rajas, tamas and sattva (see page 26). These are the three strands – the three forces – that compose the substance of the material world.
The part of AUM that you emphasize while chanting has an effect on the granthis or energetic knots: if you linger on the A, the belly button is affected, whereas U affects the heart chakra and M influences the third eye chakra. If you wish to feel more creative or if you feel disconnected to yourself, linger on A. If you are emotionally blocked, linger on U. If you feel spiritually disconnected or are lacking in clarity, intuition or future vision, linger on M. All three parts of the sound will also liberate the three major granthis and balance energy through the solar plexus, heart and third eye chakras.
The sound AUM influences the three major granthis (knots), which are linked to the solar plexus, heart and third eye chakras.
LEVEL: BLUE
Awakening the Primordial Sound
This exercise (available as a download from www.yogiashokananda.com) brings openness to your mind and develops the energetic field around you. If you feel depleted in energy, uninspired or depressed, this means that your aura has been blocked. Practising the primordial sound AUM will keep it open and light.
1 Sit comfortably on the floor or on a chair. Close your eyes. Inhale, directing your breath toward your root chakra. Hold your awareness here as you inhale.
2 Exhale with awareness and energy up to your crown chakra while chanting AUM four times.
3 Repeat this sequence four times. Keep your awareness at the top of your head.
4 Now inhale, directing your breath toward your sacral chakra. Hold your awareness here, then exhale with awareness and energy to your crown chakra while chanting AUM six times.
5 Repeat for the solar plexus chakra and exhale to your crown chakra chanting AUM ten times.
6 Repeat for the heart chakra and exhale chanting AUM 12 times.
7 Repeat for the throat chakra and exhale chanting AUM 16 times.
8 Repeat for the third eye, chanting AUM twice on the exhalation.
9 When you have finished this practice, keep your eyes closed for a few minutes. Relax and stay with the frequency that you have enveloped. Feel the expansion.
LEVEL: ORANGE
The vibration of this exercise is good for calming your mind, developing focus and intuition, relaxing your nervous system and increasing your stamina. Keeping your mouth closed lengthens your breath and keeps the vibration in the body for maximum impact.
1 Sit comfortably in hero position (vajrasana) with your buttocks on your heels. This generally grounding position gives you strength and directs energy into your abdomen and upper body. Place your thumbs over the flaps of your ears to close the ear canals. Using both hands, press your middle fingers above your eye bones, press your ring fingers below your eye bones, press your index fingers on your eyebrows and press your little fingers near your nostrils. Close your eyes.
2 Inhale through your nose and with your front teeth together and mouth closed hold your breath for as long as is comfortable. Feel the strength in your heart.
3 As you exhale, without opening your mouth chant AUM toward your third eye, listening to the vibration, its frequency and its sound.
4 After chanting, pause without breathing, keeping your awareness at your third eye.
5 Inhale using ujayi breathing (see page 59). Hold your breath for a short time and then exhale, repeating the chant.
6 Repeat this sequence, chanting AUM and keeping your hands in the mudra position, at least 11 times. Try to prolong the exhalation more each time.
LEVEL: BLUE
The Bhagavad Gita refers to the practice of Pravnav. This exercise develops the ability to know or connect with your present, future and past states of mind as well as bringing together all three aspects of yourself – physical, emotional and mental. It connects you to the cosmos through your etheric body, which is your inner self. Once you are able to connect to that source, your whole physical structure and your mental state will work under your supervision, rather than dominate you.
1 Sit comfortably on the floor or on a chair. Close your eyes and notice your breathing.
2 Take your awareness to your third eye. Mentally chant AUM and let this ‘sound’ fill your head. Fix your attention on your third eye, keeping your mind looking internally at your brain and your crown chakra.
3 Feel the energy of the vibration from the third eye coming into your head and filling the aura around you with the sound of AUM.
The Gayatri Mantra originated in the Upanishads. It is dedicated to God in the form of the Divine Mother, Gayatri, who created the universe and bestows peace, prosperity and spiritual wellbeing. Like any mantra, the Gayatri Mantra has a strong devotional element, but this is not directed at anything outside you. It is rather about devotion to your higher self and the dormant higher energies that exist within you, and it brings with it the sense of surrender.
In the yogic tradition you are meant to inhale to the length of the Gayatri Mantra, and as you exhale you repeat the mantra in one exhalation. The Gayatri Mantra is considered to be especially powerful because it combines chakra beej mantras and primordial sounds. As striking particular keys on a piano creates a beautiful tune, so the mantra hits the right notes in the body to activate prana and the chakras. The mantra impacts on the physical and emotional aspects of those chakras, which is why you feel revitalized and cleansed after you have finished chanting it.
The Gayatri Mantra has powerful and far-reaching effects. It gives your mind access to the different dimensions of your existence, making it easier for prana to transform dead energy within every cell of your body and your brain. It enables you to use the full capacity of your lungs. This mantra also helps you to develop mental stamina and it brings tranquillity to your mind, so is useful for preventing and easing many mental health conditions (for example, panic attacks). Repeating this mantra neutralizes your thoughts so that you experience a sense of equilibrium and do not remain in confusion.
AUM BHUR BHUVA SVAHA
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAYI
DHIYO YO NAA PRACHODAYAAT
LEVEL: ORANGE
The mantra (available as a download from www.yogiashokananda.com) is still effective if you chant it with your eyes open, but closing them removes visual distractions and allows you to retain more of your energy and internalize the experience more profoundly. When you chant it repeatedly you may feel tingling in your hands and feet or a general warming sensation all over the body. This mantra is often used at the end of a yoga practice, or at the start and close of the day as an expression of gratitude. It may also be chanted repeatedly to achieve a transformational state. A student of mine once chanted the Gayatri Mantra during a long drive on the motorway (with her eyes open of course!) to keep herself awakened and enlivened.
1 Sit comfortably, preferably on the floor, and rest your hands in your lap with your palms facing upward. Close your eyes (keep them open initially if you need to read the words to the mantra). Take a long, deep, steady inhalation.
2 As you exhale (use the same force as your inhalation), repeat the Gayatri Mantra in one breath: ‘AUM BHUR BHUVA SVAHA TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAYI DHIYO YO NAA PRACHODAYAAT.’ This may take some practice. Imagine that the mantra is originating from your belly.
3 Repeat 108 times.
LEVEL: YELLOW
Your mind operates with the energy from your navel centre so it is important to keep the latter area strong and healthy. In this exercise you are connecting your belly and your third eye (the two main points on the body that contain samskaras) to remove any blockages in energy flow to your brain and the rest of your body. This exercise strengthens your diaphragm, releases abdominal muscle stress, prepares your body for longer pranayama techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing (pages 64–7), and releases samskaras, giving you a more spacious feeling in the body. It also takes you mentally into your body and into your navel centre so that you can be more in tune with yourself. This ability is particularly useful when certain situations in life upset you or you are about to make decisions that may not fit with who you really are or what you really want.
1 Lie down in a comfortable position. Take a long, deep, steady inhalation while mentally chanting the Gayatri Mantra, moving it into your belly button.
2 Exhale while mentally chanting the Gayatri Mantra, moving it from your belly up to your third eye. Use the same amount of force for exhalation as for inhalation.
3 Feel the pulsation of your belly button and the pulsation at your third eye as you connect these two points.
4 Listen to the frequency of your chanting but do not change or alter the pace at which you repeat it or the frequency with which you repeat it in your mind.
5 Practise this sequence for around 20 minutes, then rest for a few moments while you feel the expansion of your lungs in your diaphragm.
6 Return to sitting and observe the difference in your breath: how do you feel now when you breathe in and breathe out?
