Hour 44 Meditation – Pranava Dhyana – Merging into the Nada
Pranava Dhyana – Merging into the Nada
Introduction to Pranava Dhyana: The Essence of the Sound
Pranava Dhyana, or Om Meditation, is one of the deepest and most potent types of meditation in the Indian Yogic Tradition. “Pranava” is derived from the Sanskrit syllable Om (or Aum), the original sound from which all existence unfolds. It is the sound of the universe, the vibration of being itself.
In this meditation, the seeker resonates in this cosmic sound, unifying the personal consciousness with universal consciousness. Pranava Dhyana is not only chanted “Om,” but being harmonious with the very nature of creation and feeling one with the cosmos.
The Significance of Om: The Sound of Creation
Om in Indian philosophy is not merely a sound, but it symbolizes all of creation, both the past, present, and future. It is the vibration that unites all beings and phenomena of the universe. To comprehend Om is to realize that it is higher than the mind, higher than intellect. It is the transcendental sound that bonds everything to the life-giving source.
The Three Phases of Om:
A: The initial sound of Om, symbolizing the waking state and gross world.
U: The second sound, indicating the dream state and subtle world of emotions and thoughts.
M: The third sound, symbolizing the deep sleep state and causal body, where we are resting in our pure essence, unadorned by form or thought.
The fourth silent state of Om is known as Turiya, the state of pure consciousness, beyond thought, beyond sound, where bliss and peace alone exist.
Practice of Pranava Dhyana (Om Meditation)
Pranava Dhyana is a process of tuning into the original sound, getting absorbed in its vibration, and ultimately becoming one with the essence of Nada, the universal sound.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing Pranava Dhyana:
1. Preparation: Setting the Stage for Meditation
Posture: Sit in a relaxed meditation posture, like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose). Let your spine be straight and your body relax.
Environment: Select a quiet and peaceful place where you won’t be interrupted. It is good to practice in a location where you have a connection with nature or calmness.
Breath: Start by breathing slowly and deeply to quiet the mind. Breathe in slowly through the nose, hold the breath for a second, and then breathe out slowly through the mouth.
Intention: Intend what you are doing. You can say something like:
“I am here to become one with the sound of the universe, to feel oneness with the cosmic vibration.”
2. The Chanting of Om (Pranava)
Chanting Om: Start with chanting Om out loud, and notice the vibration of the sound within your body. Begin in a slow, deep tone and gradually let it become more rhythmic. Chant for several minutes, noticing how the sound resonates within you.
As you chant, notice the vibration of Om in your various body areas, particularly in your chest and throat. The vibration must be experienced at a physical as well as an energetic level.
Watching the Sound: While chanting, let the mind notice the sound itself. Don’t get distracted by thoughts, and notice merely the quality and nature of the sound.
3. Inner Listening – Entering the Silence Between the Sounds
After repeating Om a few times, bring your attention to the silence between the sounds. Observe how after every chant, there is a silence before the next chant. This space is where the real essence of Om is.
Inner Silence: You start listening to the inner silence, which is the origin of the sound. The sound and silence are inseparable; silence is not non-sound but the space that gives birth to it.
4. Listening to the Vibration of Om – Becoming One with the Nada
Nada: The practice of Pranava Dhyana is to become one with the Nada – the inner sound or vibration. The sound is subtle and can be perceived not only by the ears but also perceived through the whole being.
Close your eyes and move your awareness to the vibration of the sound. As you listen within, sense the resonanceof Om in every cell of your body, and allow yourself to become one with the vibration.
Feel yourself dissolving into cosmic energy, becoming one with the sound of creation itself. Release the sense of separateness and dissolve into the universal vibration.
5. Resting in the State of Turiya (Pure Consciousness)
After resting for a while in the meditative state of listening to Om, start to experience the feeling of Turiya – the fourth state of consciousness.
This is a state of complete awareness, in which there are no thoughts, no sounds, and no duality. It is a state of blissful awareness, in which you know that you exist but without attachment to the body or mind.
Stay in this state as long as possible, experiencing the feeling of oneness with all that exists.
The Essence of Pranava Dhyana
The practice of Pranava Dhyana is all about progressing from the gross sound of Om to the subtle vibration of Nada. Through concentration on the sound and its essence, you ultimately transcend all outer distractions and become one with a state of pure consciousness. This experience of becoming one with Nada enables you to melt away the barriers between yourself and the universe, resulting in profound spiritual realization and inner peace.
Pranava Dhyana Benefits
Physical Benefits:
Relieves physical tension and stress
Brings a feeling of grounding and balance
Increases breath control and energy flow
Mental Benefits:
Soothes the mind and improves focus
Improves mental clarity and concentration
Decreases anxiety and mental chatter
Emotional Benefits:
Emotional blockages are released, and emotional balance is promoted
Inner peace and joy are developed
Emotional attachments are overcome
Spiritual Benefits:
Spiritual growth and divine unity are achieved
One becomes more connected with the universal consciousness
Develops the experience of unadulterated bliss (Anandamaya Kosha)
Challenges and Considerations
Mental Distractions: The mind can wander while practicing. Softly bring your attention back to the sound of Om without criticism.
Physical Discomfort: In case you feel any discomfort in your body, correct your posture. If required, do some light stretching first before continuing with the meditation.
Deep Silence: It can be difficult to make the transition into the deep silence. Patience and regular practice are essential. Let the silence deepen naturally.
Reflective Questions
How do I feel the sound of Om in my body? Do I sense the vibration in my chest, throat, or elsewhere?
What is the tone of the quiet between each rendition of Om? How does one feel surrounded in this quietness?
Have there been any instants of Turiya (pure consciousness) in my practice? What was this state of being like?
How does doing Pranava Dhyana assist me with feeling connected with the universal power or Nada? How may I apply this feeling of union to my day-to-day living?
What feelings or thoughts come up as I turn my attention to the Nada and blend into the sound? How do I release them so that I can stay attentive to the vibration?
Conclusion: Blending into the Cosmic Sound
Pranava Dhyana is an effective instrument of inner change. Chanting Om and resonating with the inner Nada, practitioners open the gate to spiritual transcendence. As awareness of the sound is deepened by the practitioner, they eventually become one with the essence of the sound, uniting with the universal consciousness.
This meditation not only develops inner calm and mental acuity but also enables a deep sense of unity with the cosmic energy that permeates all of creation. With repeated practice of this method, one may become deeply inwardly still, have increased spiritual perception, and a sense of unity with all that is.