The Sounds Of V

In our modern lives, we find ourselves surrounded by a cacophony of sounds and vibrations, many of which are man-made. The traffic, cell phones, entertainment, and bustling cities all possess vibratory patterns that impact our minds and bodies. While some of these patterns may energise us, more often than not, they disrupt our equilibrium. On the other hand, everything in nature also carries its own unique vibratory pattern. The music of nature, the gentle flow of water, the presence of animals, trees, and mountains—all emit vibrations that can soothe and invigorate our nervous systems, as well as influence our consciousness in both subtle and tangible ways. This understanding has become increasingly apparent to us, especially in our current times. Step outside for a moment, and you can sense it for yourself.

Within Ayurveda, sound holds primordial significance. The Rig Veda, the oldest known religious text and still practiced today, dates back to 1700 BC. It begins with the sound “Ah…” representing the expansive openness of the universe and that which birthed it. We recognise this sound in phrases like “Amen” and “Aum” (Om). In the Vedic tradition, our very essence emanates from sound, and Ayurveda utilises specific sounds, known as mantras, to heal, expand, and restore us.

These primordial vibrations have served as tools for transforming energy and promoting healing since the earliest recorded history, and even before that, when ancient yogis and seers, the rishis, began developing practices for extending life and facilitating human evolution. The vibrations and design of mantras are activated when uttered silently or aloud, aligning the individual with the corresponding aspect of universal energy. Entire systems of meditation have been built around the subtle vehicle of mantra, such our favourite, the effortless and rewarding Transcendental Meditation.

From a scientific perspective, the profound influence of sound is well-documented, both within and outside the realm of meditation. Whenever we engage with any sound, our brain waves naturally begin to synchronise with the frequency of that sound, leading to physiological shifts in the body and mind. It is no secret that sound and vibration have a direct impact on us—music, in its diverse forms, remains the most popular form of entertainment worldwide. Scientifically, sound also affects the brain’s default mode network, and research has indicated that listening to mantras can deactivate certain regions of the prefrontal cortex, which houses our analytical mind. This allows us to rest in a state of pure awareness, free from restless thoughts, and opens the door to natural healing experiences that often arise spontaneously. The limbic system, responsible for processing emotions, also temporarily deactivates, enabling the waves of emotions to settle naturally, like the subsiding of the ocean’s tides. By simply listening to primordial sounds, our minds can independently release anxiety and stress, while allowing our brains and entire physiology to find rest, regeneration, and healing.

Incorporating the healing power of sound and vibration into your own life is remarkably easy.  Even dedicating five or ten minutes to quietly listening to gentle mantras can bring about more than just a change in mood—it can transform your actual physiology. If you don’t have a mantra recording at hand, venture into nature, perhaps your own backyard. Simply listen, and you will hear it—the songs of birds, the rustle of leaves in the trees—the eternal sounds of the world that have always been present. If you have bells or chimes (we adore them), they too produce primordial sounds. Devote 20 minutes to Transcendental Meditation to explore the subtler realms of sound and experience the immediate tranquility it offers.