| The knowledge of Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm is an important branch of the Indian school of spirituality. The science and philosophy of the Shabda Brahm encompasses the methodology and effects of mantra-japa, prayers, collective recitations and sadhanas of the veda mantras and that of the Nada Brahm deals with the origin, expansion and influence of music. This is a broad classification. The sadhana of Shabda Brahm enables a sadhaka (devotee) to send his or her prayers and calls via the medium of mantras up to the divine cosmic centers and thereby connect the individual consciousness with Thee. The sadhanas of Nada Brahm complete the communication cycle by bringing ’cosmic-signals’ (divine messages and inspirations) to the sadhaka via the realization of the subtle sounds (anahata Nada) in the inner self.
Mantra is that compilation of sonic patterns - coded in syllables and vowels of ancient Sanskrit language, contemplation on which liberates the mind from ignorance, illusion and evil instincts. The linguistic composition of the Sanskrit word "mantra" = manana (contemplation) + trana (liberation), also implies the same meaning. The specific configurations of syllables and the corresponding combinations of phonemes in the mantras make the latter powerful ’carriers’ of the cosmic energy of sound. The domain of the knowledge of mantras is extremely vast. A wide variety of the methods of rhythmic enunciation (japa) and spiritual practices (sadhanas) of mantras are described in the scriptures. Enormous types of sonic patterns are associated with the veda-mantras. At the root of the development and expansion of the science of mantras lies the eternal, omnipresent sound of "Oam". This Oamkara is indeed the origin of Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm.
Shabda Brahm forms the basis of the science of mantras and the realization of the Nada Brahm is the major objective of the sadhanas of Nada yoga. The self-existing cosmic vibrations of the subtle sound of Oamkara are considered to be the eternal source of energy and motion and hence of the creation of the universe and the existence of nature. Shabda and Nada manifested in the cosmic energy of sound give rise to the energies of heat, light and other basic streams of powers existing in the universe. The Nada (cosmic vibration) of the Shabda (eternal sound) is the originator of everything that exists in nature. It is indeed the source of the omnipresent manifestation of the supreme consciousness - the Para Brahm. Therefore, Shabda and Nada are regarded as the reflections of Brahm.
Realization of Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm is the ultimate aim of all the yogas and sadhanas - it is the source of absolute realization of God and the power of connecting the soul with the Para Brahm. How to attain this state? What are the scientific and spiritual aspects of the the sadhanas of Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm? What are the deliberations and implications of the ancient Indian scriptures on this gigantic domain of knowledge? What is its relevance in the modern life? Such issues are thoroughly discussed in a comprehensive and lucid style by revered Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya in this volume entitled "Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm".
The author has also discussed in detail the deep aspects of the science of mantras and the associated sadhanas. He describes mantra yoga as the endeavor to master the generation and utilization, without any external means or instruments, of the immense power of sound for specific noble purposes and considers Nada yoga as a vigorous dedicated practice for the development of supernatural faculties of realizing the subtle sounds existing in the cosmos and attaining the knowledge of the unknown.
Mantra yoga corresponds to the transmission and Nada yoga of the reception of cosmic signals of sound for setting the communication link between the soul and the Para Brahm. The sadhanas of mantra yoga and nada yoga together lead to the absolute realization of Shabda Brahm - Nada Brahm and attainment of the ultimate state of beatitude and divinity. Shabda Brahm and Nada Brahm are described in the Indian scriptures as the eternal and omnipresent subtle bodies of the Para Brahm. The sadhanas of shabda ( mantra) yoga and nada yoga are integral parts of the spiritual experiments on awakening of the Kundalini - the extrasensory ’serpentine power’ or the latent ’coil’ of vital force existing in every human being. This book also focuses on such high realms of spirituality and presents the relevant information with clarity and necessary guidance... |
