________________
mantra will give help only if the disciple can dissolve the self into the mantra. It is the Guru's duty to give the mantra energy, so that the disciple will easily be able to feel the current which the mantra creates. By the power of the Guru, the mantra works in the disciple, and eventually the disciple and the mantra become one.
The four levels of sound
There are countless sounds vibrating in the universe and within us, at different levels of vibration and subtlety. The four stages of sound are as follows:
Vaikhari is the grossest form of sound that we hear in the world around us. It is the level of the spoken word, or the sound of striking two objects together. Here, thought is translated into name and form (language). This sound appears from throat to mouth.
Madhyama means “in the middle". It is the transition stage between heard sound and subtle inner vibration. This sound appears from the heart to the throat and is also referred to as unstruck sound.
Pashyati is sound in the form of light. It can be seen as light but it is a very subtle inner sound and can be heard only by an awakened practitioner. This sound appears from the navel to the heart.
Para is the stage of transcendental sound. It is beyond all names and forms. This is the starting point of subtle sound (nadam) which corresponds to the kundalini energy. It is sound which has an infinite wave-length. It is the base and root of sound. Para means beyond time, space and nature. Nothing can affect it. To understand the reality, totality and secret mystical power of sound, para sound must be realized. Only enlightened persons can perceive this sound. The root of this sound is the base of the spine to the root of the navel.
It is difficult to understand the system of para sound. The root of the navel is a great computer. All sound has its source there, then it
135
amrender muni ji maharaj
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org