Nada Yoga – How To Do And What Are Its Benefits?
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If you’re looking to achieve that healthy and fit body but still can’t reach your goal, despite trying out every exercise at the gym and other places, maybe it’s time to get back to the basics – yoga!
A complete yoga session offers you asanas/ poses, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation. Yet there are a few yoga types which are all about meditation and healing. These types include Zen meditation, Nada yoga, Maha yoga etc.
Nada yoga is one such type of yoga which is also referred to as ‘musical meditation’. It is divided into 2 parts – Anahata and Ahata. Anahata refers to the internal aspect whereas Ahata refers to the external aspect of Nada yoga.
Types of Nada Yoga
There are 4 types of Nada yoga:
1. Vaikhari which means audible sound
2. Madhyama which means mental sound
3. Pashyanta which means subconscious sound
4. Paranada which means transcendent sound.
In simple words, Nada yoga means ‘union with self through music/sound. This is the most preferred path to self-realization and can be practiced by anyone irrespective of one’s religion, caste or creed.
[ Read:Yoga ]
Steps Involved in Nada Yoga Meditation
To learn Nada yoga meditation at home, follow the step by step instructions given below and get started on this new path of yogic meditation:
- Choose a place at your home where you can sit and practice Nada yoga. The place should be quiet and away from the worldly disturbances.
- Choose a proper yoga mat or a piece of cloth which is termed as ‘asana’ meant for sitting while practicing yoga/meditation.
- Sit on the yoga mat in a comfortable cross-legged/ Sukhasana, Padmasana, Ardha Padmasana or Vajrassana position.
- Close your eyes and try to concentrate on your breathing. Inhale and exhale deeply and completely. (Perform prana dharana)
- Keep your hands on your knees and place them in Dhyana mudra. This increases your concentration levels and helps in generating positive energy around you.
- To begin with the session, one can start by putting on some calm and relaxing music. The music should be soothing, serene and divine. It should have the power to heal. Choosing the right kind of music is very important. Avoid loud music. The music should be instrumental and should not contain any words.
- Focus your attention towards the music and try to immerse yourself in it. All you can hear is the sound, deeper and deeper.
- Gradually shift your focus from the music/sound towards your inner/ subtle sound.
- Relax your mind, body and soul and rest your body in a deep meditative state.
- Remain in this state for as much time as you can. There is no specific timeframe for meditation.
- While releasing from the pose, open your eyes slowly, release your hands from the mudra and place them on your eyes in order to transfer the generated energy into your body.
- Repeat this activity every day.
[ Read: Maha yoga ]
Benefits of Nada yoga:
Nada yoga has many therapeutic aspects. It offers various benefits to those who practice it often. These benefits include the following:
1. It calms and relaxes the mind, body and soul.
2. It enhances your subconscious mind.
[ Read: Yoga Mudras ]
3. It improves your concentration levels.
4. It increases one’s thinking capacity.
5. It develops an atmosphere of joy, happiness and harmony.
6. It reduces anxiety, fear and aggressiveness.
It’s time you forget all your worries and problems and try practicing yoga nada once at home and see the magical difference it leaves behind on your mind, body and soul. Refresh yourself, rejuvenate your body and re-live every moment to the fullest every day! Happy Practicing!
[ Read: Yoga For Glowing Skin ]
