So it stands to reason if we are what we eat, then we also, are what we hear!

The highest sounds are cosmic frequencies known as Mantras or Naad yoga.  The Science of Mantra is based on the knowledge that sound is a form of energy having structure, power and a definite, predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.

Naad Yoga is based on the experience of how sounds affect the body, mind and spirit through the movement of the tongue, the mouth and the chemicals in the brain. These sounds have a penetrating power.

All of Creation is vibrating, even seemingly solid, inanimate objects are constantly vibrating they are just doing it at a slower or lower frequency.

Some vibrations are audible and others, like thoughts, are silent sounds with an innate electro-magnetic frequency. The entire Universe is built on sound-vibration, if it were to stop even for a nano-second, we would cease to exist!

“Every element in the Universe is in a constant state of vibration manifested to us as light, sound and energy. The human senses perceive only a fraction of the infinite range of vibration, so it is difficult to comprehend that the Word mentioned in the Bible is actually the totality of vibration which underlines and sustains all creation. A person can tune his or her own consciousness into the awareness of that totality with the use of a mantra. By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you” Yogi Bhajan.

When we choose to chant a mantra, either silently or aloud, we are calling on its inherent positive power. Invoking the ‘magic’ contained within those particular syllables. Using them to direct the mind in a more beneficial manner.

One of the reasons why chanting effects people so profoundly is because it works regardless of belief systems. It creates a neurological response, personally I see the Divinity in the science but it really doesn’t matter, it simply is.

Chanting is a profound form of Pranayam (Breathwork) – when you slow your breathing down your body produces massive amounts of neuro-peptides, such as dopamine and serotonin, which gives you a feeling of expansion and calm simultaneously. (These neuro peptides also occur when you do your kriyas).

Amazingly, you do not even need to understand the meaning of the mantras. They will work their magic regardless.  However rhythm, projection and pronunciation are key to effectiveness – really this means you just have to learn it (the mantra) correctly in the beginning then it will just flow for you. You can do this by attending a class or using the mantra Pedi on Spirit Voyage’s website. In my own experience I have found far more freedom in using Gurumukhi or Sanskrit because it is not my native tongue, the language of my ‘pains’. This affords the opportunity to lose myself in the moment, to cut through the usual humdrum of my mind and really bring intention and devotion to the moment.

There are many and varied a mantra to choose from. Whether you want to clear the clouds of doubt and be open to guidance and protection (Ad Guray Nameh), Eliminate haunting thoughts (Ang Sang Wahe Guru) or you want to increase your intuition and balance yourself (Sa Ta Na Ma) or simply you wish to give ecstatic thanks (Wahe Guru!).

It amazes and humbles me to experience what is available through a regular spiritual practice. We learn through serving our heart how to trust ourselves again. With mantra there is no pre requisite for visualisation, you simply keep coming back to the chant. Gradually, but inevitably you train yourself to sit in your own heart.

Yogi Bhajan said when asked:  What is the real goal of the chanting we do in meditation? “The ultimate state of mind is called anahat – the infinite unstruck Sound  or vibration. It brings intuition, inner strength, and the capacity to be completely open to do what you must do as a unique part of the totality of Being. In this state you are joyful, truthful, compassionate and  relaxed. Each time you perfect a mantra or a shabd, you are like a  master musician who can evoke these elevated states of being from the instrument of the self.

There is no right way to do this. All that is required is an honest approach. It is your own personal experience. Chanting mantra allows us to uncover what is already there. Who am I now? What is in my own heart?  We all want and deserve the real deal and I find it inspiring that our bodies come completely equipped to cater for their own bliss. It truly is all within.

Having always had a profound interest in the spiritual world, Emma found Kundalini Yoga to be “a coming home” of sorts.   She is a qualified Level 1 instructor, and is continuing on to commence her Level 2 Training.  Through Emma’s yogic practice she aims to empower herself and others to be happy, radiant functioning beings.