Sound and the modern yogi(ni)

"Dhyana (meditation) means absorption.  It is the art of self-study, reflection, keen observation, or the search for the Infinite within.  It is the observation of the physical processes of the body, study of mental states and profound contemplation.  It means looking inwards to one's innermost being.  Dhyana is the discovery of the Self" - B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Pranayama


"Sound can change our entire life's course in an instant. Words spoken in anger can cause permanent problems between a husband and wife, or parent and child.  The throb of a well-tuned motor can engender such satisfaction in an amateur mechanic that a whole new career path suddenly opens before him.  A word of encouragement from a teacher at just the right time can inspire a student for many years to come." - T. Ashley-Farrand, Healing Mantras 

Each one of us has a story about where we find ourselves at this moment in time, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  We have questions perhaps, or are seeking clarity, improvement, or a new momentum.  These crossroad moments are when we either give up, get addicted to something, or embark on a new spiritual discipline (a method) as a way to focus our attention on the healing/growth process.  In the Yoga system, a mantra discipline is a great spiritual tool, as the repetition of the mantra (japa) brings concentration and relaxation to the mind  which is often racing around in negative thinking patterns,  thus depleting our vital energy/creativity/decision-making ability.  We are all leaders of our own lives and we need all the focus we can tap into in order to be able to do the mundane and the miraculous. It can be a full time job in itself but discipline and consistency pay off.  You do not need to know when, so trust it, do a little work, relax, wait.  Even if you are "not interested in Yoga", you can be interested in the power of sound. You know some sounds resonate as peaceful, some can be abrasive, some energizing.  With a mantra, sound is used as a healing tool; as the mystic Sufi master Vilayat Inayat Khan states, "The practice of mantra kneads the flesh of the body with sound."

There are many mantras to choose from, either from your favourite CD, a resource book or you may seek the traditional approach for guidance from your Yoga Teacher.  Focus on one mantra during your practise. Through repetition the mantra will  rest in your heart and repeat itself even when you are not formally in your practise time.  

Tips to try this out:

*Begin by stating to yourself your intention – your starting point problem, question, or desire.  You may initiate a new journal  and either write it or sketch it in a way that is clear to you or  fold it up and put it in a special place where it will remain for the duration of your discipline.  Perhaps you will create a special healing space such as an altar with your favourite incense, a lovely candle, an inspiring picture or figurine or crystal.  This will also be the place where you come to practise your discipline each day, your sanctuary. The painting in this photo is by one of my students, Julia Sheppard.
She painted it for me and it is a most special touchstone on my desk.

-Now that you have prepared the foundation for your discipline choose the approach that appeals to you:

*Repeat the mantra as often as possible over a 21-day period.  This means using the windows of time during your day to chant your mantra.  It might also mean a regular interval in your day where you are conscious of your mantra practise during more formal sessions. Intention, Attention.

*Use the classical 40 day discipline, and set your practise at the same time, upon rising in the morning and before going to bed in the evening.  This is your sacred time to practise without interruption.  In the classical sense, a 40 day discipline is one where you repeat the same mantra every day for those 40 days.  As with everything else, the more attention you apply to your intention, the more dramatic the results.   This is one reason for the classical twice a day ritual.  Determine for yourself in a spacious and focused way how much time you will devote to your practise.  And hey, if for you, the modern yogi(ni) this is when you are on a walk, sitting at your desk, in the car at a red light, and you only get in 5 repetitions, that is always better than 5 negative or worrisome thoughts. Don't judge, practise!

If you wish, set aside a special mala or rosary that you will use for this specific practise until you have completed your discipline.  Either place it in your sacred space or wear it.  Most malas have 108 beads, as the Vedic teachings state there are 108 principal astral channels leading from the heart in the subtle body out to the rest of the subtle body.  Saying your mantra 108 times sends energy into each of these channels.  Using a mala keeps your energy focused on your meditation. 

Once you have started on this silent journey, there will be consequences from your effort.  Tensions may ease or arise, obstacles or irritations may come up as you clear through resistance and negative energy patterns, doorways may open.  You will be faced with the choice always to move through, open up, recreate new internal energy patterns or give into those parts of the self that do not seem to want to change and grow.  Knowing that this is a natural part of the voyage, relax into your practise.  Engage your peaceful warrior spirit and if it is within your ability, give yourSelf to the process.

At the end of your discipline, take a look at your original intention and notice in how many ways this first inspiration has been positively affected.


Let me know how it goes! 
Om shanty shanty shanty
Rana