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Prana and mantra Sound is a form of energy that has frequency, pitch, volume and tone, as well as subtle qualities. Scientifically, sound is vibration at a particular frequency, and it is able to produce physical changes in an organism. Some vibrations can be harmful while others are beneficial. Sound can be concentrated to such degrees of intensity that it can shatter and destroy objects. Holes can be driven into solid metal by using sound alone. It is thought that the great stones of Stonehenge, Easter Island and the Mayan monuments were moved into place using the principles of sound, an accomplishment now lost to modern civilization. The science of sound is also the basis of many esoteric systems. The power of mantra and subtle sound frequencies has been known and used down through the ages by ancient civilizations in order to awaken the inner consciousness and exert an influence upon the external forces of nature.
The principle behind the use of mantra in pranic practices relates to this intrinsic relationship between sound and energy. Every movement of energy manifests sound, and every sound carries energy. The pranas are activated with the chanting of mantras, and the orientation of existing pranic flows are altered or emphasized, so that the mind and perception changes. This brings about harmony in the vibratory field, the pranamaya kosha. Mantras carry a high psychic charge and are able to penetrate deep into the psyche. Thus they are able to influence the vijnanamaya and anandamaya koshas, unlike average words that only affect manomaya, pranamaya and annamaya koshas. Mantras do not work at the level of the conscious mind, but at the level of the deeper mind. Once the experience of harmony begins at deeper levels of consciousness, it percolates down to both the outer and inner spheres. This is the reason why many people experience a sense of elation, inner strength and inspiration while singing kirtan.
In scientific terms, mantra repetition regulates and balances the autonomic nervous system. It facilitates synchronous
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| SR No. | 009371 |
| Book Title | Pran and Pranayam |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Niranjananand Saraswati Swami |
| Publisher | Yoga Publication Trust |
| Publication Year | 2009 |
| Total Pages | 369 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 11 MB |