The Science of ‘Naad’
Naad means “the essence of all sounds” and reciting mantra is known as Naad Yoga.
In kundalini yoga we use mantras a lot. They are mainly from the ancient language Gurbani. Singing or chanting this language creates the perfect combination and permutation of sounds relating to all five elements.
"Man" means mind. "Tra" means to tune the vibration. Saying or speaking a mantra is similar to tuning an instrument, we use the body’s respiratory and mouth apparatus like an instrument to create specific sounds. These sounds are notes with various resonance that vibrate throughout the body. Each sound has a specific quality or Naad associated with this. One key effect of these vibrations is their ability to tune and adjust our mental vibration. Many mantras are spoken or sung in ancient languages such as Sanskrit and Gurbani, the specific words, sounds and collection of words that go into these mantras create a string of sounds that when spoken together have a specific effect on the mind and body. Choosing a mantra is a bit like choosing a new piece of software for your computer, the mantra should be used correctly for long periods, e.g., 40 days.
The Shabad Guru is a collection of sacred writings that when spoken evoke infinite universal sound currents. Shabad Guru uses the power of “Naad” and the movement of the tongue on the pressure-points located along the upper palate of the mouth to shift energy and vibration. Unlike other mantra and affirmations, the Shabads create the perfect combination of sound, tone, focus, and meaning. Kundalini Yoga teaches us that there is nothing as effective and universal as this technology to program the consciousness bringing it into alignment with the soul.
Gurbani is the combination of the tongue with the meridian points. When you read and recite Gurbani, it stimulates your hypothalamus. It is totally different than any scriptures because Gurbani is made in a scientific way. There are two banis: “kachee bani” is that which does not fit on the Naad. It is not a balanced sound current. “Pakee bani” is that which fits on the Naad and is balanced. One who knows the Naad knows the Aad, the Primal Creativity. One who knows the Aad is Parmayshwaar, the Supreme God.
The whole language of Gurbani has the power to make a person divine, just in its recitation, if done correctly. One need not be concerned with the meaning for a change in consciousness. Bani has to be understood by the heart, not by the head. There is no power in the head, it is in the heart. The head is for God and the heart is for you. That is why Guru Gobind Singh asked for the head, and not for the heart. Whosoever lives with the head to God and heart for self, that prayer is complete.
Mantra is used at various points in a classic kundalini class, or in a stand-alone daily meditation. It can also be sung or recited to calm and still the mind at any point in the day.