This meditation is the first of several sound-based techniques, offering a choice between using an external, soothing natural sound or an internal, spontaneously occurring sound to realize God.
Sound as a Springboard: River Flow or Internal Silence
Lord Shiva presents two distinct but related paths to tranquility:
Bathe deeply in the continuous sound of a river flowing, or by closing the ears, hear the unstruck sound of God. One will then realize God. (Verse 38)
The ultimate goal of this technique is to use sound as a means to go deeper into silence, because silence is the “opposite of sound” and the space where God is found.
Practice Instructions (External Sound)
This method focuses on complete immersion in a natural, continuous sound:
-
The Object: Choose the “continuous sound of a river flowing” or a stream.
-
Total Immersion:Â The practitioner must “Bathe deeply” and “Become totally absorbed in this sound.” They are to block out all other sounds.
-
The Result: Since the sound is natural and “soothing,” it calms the mind, making it more tranquil, leading to the end of thoughts and the realization of God.
Practice Instructions (Internal Sound / Silence)
This method utilizes the natural sensory block to access the profound silence within:
-
Sensory Closure: The practitioner must close the ears (by pressing the small outer flap) to “block out all external noise”.
-
Concentrate on Silence: Once external noise is blocked, the meditator must “concentrate on the silence within.” This silence is the “greatest unstruck sound of God”.
-
The Unstruck Sound: An “unstruck sound” is one that occurs spontaneously, not made by striking two objects. The sound of one’s breath is a simple example. During deep meditation, yogis sometimes hear “cosmic sounds” internally, and if these occur, the practitioner should focus on them until they fade, then return to the silence.
-
Mind Stills: By focussing on the silence, the mind automatically becomes silent. A peaceful environment, like the sight of a calm sea, naturally causes the mind to slow down, and this technique artificially creates that internal peaceful environment.
The Realization of God
The commentary emphasizes that merely being aware of the silence is sufficient to realize God. The peace found in silence leads to tranquility, which makes the mind more and more silent, leading to the end of thoughts.
-
Mind Becomes Silent:Â The mind, “deprived of the means of support” by the cessation of thought, becomes quiet and allows the practitioner’s true nature to be revealed.
-
The Result: Realize God: By being totally absorbed in the silence—the “unstruck sound”—one eventually “will realize God”.