The Practice of Sound:
Mantra and Sanskrit Singing

The 6th century BC Greek philosopher Pythagoras, known as the father of geometry, was also well respected for his discoveries and clairaudient knowledge of sound.  He was able to define the relationship between musical intervals (the distance and ratio between two particular frequencies) thus influencing the creation of instrumental music thereafter.  He tapped into the music of sound by listening to the sounds of the universe, believing he could hear the frequencies of the constellations and the movement of the planets in the sky.  He felt that the heavenly bodies created music as they travelled through the universe.  These sounds he called the “Music of the Spheres,” and he taught his students how to hear these sacred vibrations.  The Egyptians, who also understood the power of these vibrational energies, called these sounds the “Words of the Gods” and they sang vowel tones to attune with these sacred energies.  The ancient Chinese referred to these sounds of the universe as “celestial energies of perfect harmony.”

In the ancient spiritual discipline of The Science of Yoga, the Yogi Masters called Rishis, Sages, and Avatars heard these sounds of the universe and the sounds of the energy being of their own human body.  They concluded that that the physical being is not just solid matter and liquid, but also consists of energy, and that this energy is part of the sacred universal field of energy, or vibration.  They called this field of energy “one consciousness” and taught that all beings are part of this one consciousness energy.

The Sanskrit term Yoga refers to the union of the self with the divine energy of the universe.  Realizing the sacredness of the self is the goal of this spiritual practice.

In a meditational practice Rishis would spend years listening to the frequency of their energy body and the universe.  They named each particular frequency in the physical body from that the Sanskrit language was written approximately 5,000 years ago.  There are fifty letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, which correspond to the fifty frequencies located along the spine in the human body.  In the traditional practice of Yoga these letters are precisely and mathematically strung together to create specific vibrations and intentions.  These formulated, affirmative words (sounds) are known in Sanskrit as “mantras.”  Mantra is defined as “the thought that liberates and protects.”

Mantras have the ability to change the consciousness of the singer or reciter, as well as positively affect the harmony of the global.  Sanskrit mantras are formulas designed to use sound and vibration to practice affirmative thinking and bring the mind to a meditative state.  When a mantra is changed the frequency of the energy body is stimulated, vibrating the cellular structure, endocrine glands, specific organs, tissue, muscles and other parts of the body.  Chanting of mantras helps practice breathing which oxygenates the brain and body.  The repetitive sound of the mantra vibrates the entire physical and energy being.  The brainwave patterns are altered, evoking states of relaxation and calmness, slowing the heart rate and emptying the mind.  A regular practice of mantra chanting can reduce stress, enhance mental clarity and memory, as well as lessen negative thinking, expand the senses, engage creativity and produce feelings of happiness and joy.

There are various books one can read about the therapeutic effects of music, mantra chanting, and vowel toning, including: 

“Chanting : Discovering Spirit in Sound” 
by Robert Gass, with Kathleen H. Brehony, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publications

“Healing Mantras : Using Sound Affirmations for Personal Power, Creativity, and Healing” by Thomas Ashley-Farrand, Ballantine Wellspring

“Healing Sounds : The Power of Harmonics” by Jonathan Goldman, Element

“The Mozart Effect : Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind and Unlock the Creative Spirit” by Don G. Campbell, Avon Books

“Music Physician for Times to Come” 
by Don G. Campbell, Theosophical Publishing House

“The Secret Power of Music” by David Tame, Inner Traditions International Ltd.