By Mukund Dev Sahoo, Dhrupad exponent & Founder Dhrupad Music Foundation
“ॐ कार नाद सकल शक्ति, नाद-योग साध होवे मुक्ति..| नाद-श्रुति-स्वर साधु साधे, देव-नर-नारी सकल शांति”||
The essence of the entire creation is intricately woven with an underlying vibration, resonating as the sacred sound of ‘Omkar,’ often referred to as ‘Naad Brahma’ in ancient scriptures. This divine resonance, when explored through the practice of Naad Yoga, unveils the profound connection between oneself and the universal vibration, offering a transformative experience of inner harmony and liberation.
Through the pursuit of Naad Yoga, individuals can traverse the realms of ‘Naad,’ encompassing the melodic nuances of ‘Shruti’ and the harmonious expressions of ‘Swar.’ This sacred journey leads practitioners, be they divine, human, or feminine, towards a state of complete tranquility and peace. It is a journey that encapsulates the spiritual essence of the self and the cosmos, resonating with the harmonious balance found in the divine and human aspects of existence.
“नादोपयोगित्वा न्मानुषण देहमुच्यते” ||१७||
~Pandit Sarangadev
In the 13th century, Pandit Sarangdev, the esteemed musicologist, articulated in the chapter on the order of creation in Sangeet Ratnakar that the human body, within this vast creation, possesses the unique ability to experience every fluctuation of frequency and transform it into music. Our bodies are bestowed upon us to perceive the Naad Brahma, the divine and sacred sounds.
This body, crafted from the Pancha Bhoota (five elements of nature), embodies an inherent instability in vibration. When we endeavor to engage with these fluctuating vibrations with serenity, we can sense the essence of life’s energy within us. Witnessing the form of life energy within our soul opens the gateway to liberation, freeing us from all sorrow and pain. The merging with the infinite vibration is termed Nada Yoga.
If the aim of sadhana is to explore the energies of life and tread the path of liberation, the foremost step is to seek a Satguru well-versed in the authentic methods of Naad Yoga, leading a yogic way of life. Despite the abundance of musicians in Indian classical music, it is crucial to discern who truly embodies the role of a Satguru. Unfortunately, contemporary examples highlight instances where individuals who engage in violent activities teach Nada Yoga. Such practitioners can only impart teachings that forcefully grapple with the essence of pure sound.
In essence, a genuine Naad Yogi or Satguru is one who remains detached from all worldly pleasures. Here, I would like to highlight some significant characteristics of a Satguru or Naad Yogi.
Characteristics of a Naad Yogi:
1. Those who walk well on the path of religion and have complete knowledge of the ultimate truth of religion.
2. One who is completely free from lust, anger, greed and violence.
3. One who is completely restrained in speech, action and self-righteousness.
4. One who sees only God in music practice, aspires to experience God.
5. One who sees everyone with equanimity, beyond falsehood, deceit and shows the path of knowledge with equal respect.
6. One who does not have enmity with anyone and does not criticize anyone and who never talks in vain.
7. Whose mind is completely calm, never becomes promiscuous, no matter how difficult times may be.
8. Those who have loving kindness, get along with everyone with humility and gratitude.
9. Those who are in Samadhi in the sound of Pure-Naad, And have a good knowledge of the variations and variability of frequencies.
10. One who is only interested in Naad sadhna beyond honor, respect etc.
11. One who grants mercy, forgiveness and best wishes for every creature of nature.
12. One who knows very well the way to enter wisdom from Samadhi through Naad Yoga.
13. One who is completely restrained from diet, sleep and sex.
14. A True master (Sadguru) is one who respects every devotee and disciple as his son or daughter, father or mother.
15. One who experiences divine power from every particle of the sound of nature and worships Naad Brahma with unwavering devotion, love and faith.
In our contemporary society, we all seek a guide who can illuminate the path of righteousness, leading us to experience the divine amidst life’s journey. Often, we encounter individuals who, with sweet words, try to bring us joy, and we may inadvertently accept them as spiritual guides. If you aspire to explore the profound power of music, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and discerning. Look for these characteristics in a Sadguru, then embrace them as your mentor. Through dedicated practice, devotion, unwavering faith, and humble gratitude toward the Guru, your life’s journey will unfold with happiness and prosperity.
If the objective of your spiritual practice is to tap into the life energies and embark on the path of liberation, it is imperative to find a Satguru well-versed in the authentic methods of Naad Yoga, living a life akin to that of a yogi. Despite the abundance of musicians in Indian classical music, it is essential to discern who truly embodies the role of a Satguru. Regrettably, there are instances where individuals engaged in violent activities teach Nada Yoga. Such practitioners can only impart teachings that grapple violently with the essence of pure sound.
In essence, a genuine Naad Yogi or Satguru is one who remains detached from all worldly pleasures. Here are some essential characteristics to help you identify a Satguru or Naad Yogi accurately.
~Mukund Dev, Dhrupad exponent, Composer, Lyricist, Writer & Poet
http://www.mukunddev.com / http://www.dhruoadmusicfoundation.com
Mukund Dev 