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After bringing the inner sound to one's conscious awareness, a profound throbbing sound may be experienced, as if one were within a deep cavern or tunnel, at the other end of which someone is playing music, drums or a flute. The sound begins at a very low pitch, which gradually increases and then slowly diminishes after some time. At the end of this period one may become aware of the innermost nada, the transcendental sound of Om.
Psychic symbol
The fifth key to pranic awareness is the psychic symbol, which is experienced through the practice of concentration. The symbol can be any object on which the mind is fixed. It may be an abstract symbol, a yantra or mandala, candle flame, scene from nature, sun, moon, star, cloud, mountain, lake, flower, sea shell, or anything that attracts one's attention. By concentrating on the symbol, one gradually develops the ability to see it internally as clearly as one sees it externally.
A specific symbol may also be given at the time of mantra initiation as an aid to concentration. The symbol is chosen according to one's personality and astrological sign. Meditation on the psychic symbol prepares the aspirant for higher pranayama practices and enables one to access the inner dimensions of consciousness.
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