The Nada Dhyana Mantra is a meditative practice centered on the inner sound (nada), leading to the realization of the unstruck sound (anahata nada). This mantra is rooted in the Nada Bindu Upanishad, which describes the process of focusing on the subtle sound heard within the right ear as a means to attain samadhi. The Upanishad states: 'The yogi should meditate on the nada (sound) which is like the sound of a conch, a lute, or a flute, and by this, he becomes one with Brahman' (Nada Bindu Upanishad 1.42-44). The practice is also elaborated in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which explains that by listening to the anahata nada, the mind is absorbed and liberation is achieved (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4.68-70). The mantra itself is not a fixed string of syllables but rather an internal attunement to the subtle vibration that arises spontaneously in the heart region. The beej-akshara 'Om' is often used as a support, as it represents the primordial sound from which all nada emanates. The purpose of this meditation is to quiet the mental chatter and dissolve the mind into the sound, leading to the state of samadhi. Traditionally, it is chanted or meditated upon during the brahma muhurta (pre-dawn hours) or at night in a quiet, secluded space. The recommended count is not fixed; rather, the practitioner continues until the mind merges with the sound. Cautions include avoiding forceful concentration, as the nada should be heard naturally without strain. This practice is considered advanced and is best undertaken under the guidance of a qualified guru. The Nada Dhyana Mantra is associated with Nada Brahman, the absolute as sound, and is revered in both yogic and tantric traditions as a direct path to self-realization.
The meditation on inner sound, the unstruck sound.