Once you know real meditation, the human senses start listening to within. And thus the input often transcend their usual boundaries. Among these extraordinary experiences, the phenomenon of hearing subtle or sacred sounds stands out as one of the most impressive, next to seeing the lightbeings. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Upanishads and the Nada Bindu Upanishad, describe these sounds as signs of deep spiritual progress, calling them Nada—the inner sound. This chapter explores the auditory experiences in meditation, their meaning, and their historical and spiritual context, connecting them with ancient Indian wisdom. Because many people think they are nuts if they hear these. I myself heard the first time choirs and high bell sounds. I woke up from the meditation because I was meditating at my Quinta and we do not have neighbours, neither bells around. Apart from the church bell in Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, a tiny village down the hill.
The Phenomenon of Inner Sounds
During deep meditation, practitioners often report hearing subtle sounds that seem to arise from within rather than from the external world. These sounds may range from a faint hum or buzz to musical tones, bells, flutes, or even an inexplicable silence that carries its own resonance. Modern meditators frequently describe these as:
- Humming or buzzing akin to the vibration of a tuning fork.
- Bell-like tones that resonate and fade.
- Wind-like whooshes or whispers.
- Musical instruments, such as flutes or stringed instruments.
- Chants or voices, often carrying a sense of deep reverence or clarity.
The Indian Wisdom of Nada: The Soundless Sound
The concept of inner sound has a profound history in Indian spiritual traditions, particularly in the practices of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra. The term Nada is often used to describe these inner vibrations or sounds. In texts such as the Nada Bindu Upanishad, it is written:
“One who is absorbed in the Nada (inner sound) is no longer disturbed by worldly noises. Just as a bee, drinking the honey of a lotus, pays no attention to its fragrance, so the mind, absorbed in Nada, does not desire the objects of sensory perception.”
This highlights the transformative power of inner sound in meditation, where the practitioner’s focus is drawn inward, away from the distractions of the external world, toward a state of pure awareness.
The Five Levels of Nada in Indian Texts
Indian spiritual traditions describe the inner sound as evolving through five stages, corresponding to the practitioner’s level of meditative depth:
- Pranava (Omkar): The subtle vibration of Om, often the first sound perceived in meditation. It is said to be the primordial sound of the universe, the vibration from which all creation arises.
- Ghanta (Bell): As meditation deepens, the practitioner may hear bell-like tones, symbolizing the call to inner awareness.
- Bansuri (Flute): At advanced levels, flute-like sounds are said to signify harmony and connection with the cosmic flow.
- Veena (Lute): The stringed instrument’s resonance is associated with the divine melody of creation, symbolizing unity with the divine.
- Shabda (Ultimate Sound): At the highest level, practitioners experience Shabda, the unstruck or soundless sound. It is not an audible sound but an experience of vibrational stillness, representing the ultimate reality.
Context from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali refers to the concept of Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) as practices leading to Samadhi (absorption). The inner sounds (Nada) are seen as milestones in this journey. The practitioner is advised to focus on these sounds as they arise, allowing the mind to become fully absorbed in their resonance. This practice is known as Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound.
Patanjali emphasizes that these inner sounds are not the final goal but tools to quiet the mind, leading the practitioner closer to the state of pure consciousness.
Hearing as a Tool for Spiritual Progress
Hearing inner sounds during meditation is not merely a sensory phenomenon but a profound spiritual experience. These sounds often coincide with the activation of subtle energy channels (nadis) within the body, particularly the Sushumna (the central energy channel). They are believed to guide the practitioner through various stages of self-realization, connecting them with the infinite consciousness.
The Upanishads teach that listening to these sounds can:
- Quiet the mind: Inner sounds naturally draw attention inward, reducing mental chatter and leading to deeper states of meditation.
- Harmonize energy flow: They align the subtle energy body, creating balance and clarity.
- Reveal higher truths: Advanced meditators report that inner sounds carry intuitive knowledge or divine inspiration.
Parallels with Modern Science
From a neurological perspective, hearing inner sounds may correlate with the brain’s natural electromagnetic activity, particularly in meditative states. Studies in neurotheology suggest that the auditory cortex, along with the temporal lobe, may become hyperactive during meditation, producing auditory sensations similar to those described in ancient texts.
Additionally, the autonomic nervous system’s activation during meditation may contribute to the perception of subtle sounds, as the body’s sensory systems become more attuned to subtle internal processes.
Comparisons with Western Mysticism
The experience of hearing divine sounds is not limited to Indian traditions. Christian mystics like Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) described celestial music and voices during her deep states of contemplation. Hildegard referred to these sounds as “heavenly harmonies,” and they inspired much of her theological and artistic work. Similarly, Sufi mystics have written about hearing the “unstruck melody” (Anahata Nada) during their meditative practices.
These parallels across traditions highlight the universality of the inner sound phenomenon, suggesting it is an intrinsic aspect of human consciousness.
Practical Guidance for Meditators
If you hear inner sounds during meditation, here are some practical tips to deepen your experience:
- Stay Calm: Recognize that these sounds are natural and often signify progress in your meditation practice.
- Focus Gently: Concentrate on the sound without forcing your attention. Let it guide you deeper into stillness.
- Accept the Experience: Avoid analyzing or labeling the sounds. Simply allow them to unfold.
- Practice Regularly: The more consistent your meditation practice, the more likely you are to experience these sounds.
- Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure about your experience, consult a teacher or explore classical texts like the Nada Bindu Upanishad.
The Deeper Meaning of Inner Sounds
Inner sounds are not just sensory phenomena but gateways to higher consciousness. They are vibrations of the subtle body, resonating with the divine essence within. As you progress in your meditation practice, these sounds serve as reminders of your connection to the infinite, drawing you closer to your true nature.
In the words of the Nada Bindu Upanishad:
“The mind absorbed in Nada is freed from all distractions and becomes one with the eternal essence.”
let’s go into the Journey Into Sound…
Hearing inner sounds during meditation is a profound experience that bridges the physical and spiritual realms. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of India, these sounds guide practitioners toward deeper self-awareness and ultimately, self-realization. Whether they manifest as faint hums, celestial music, or the soundless sound of pure being, it all opens us up for a real connection to the divine.
By embracing these sounds, meditators can access a deeper dimension of existence, where the boundaries of self dissolve and the infinite unfolds. As Hildegard von Bingen, the Yoga of Naropa, and countless mystics have shown, listening to these sacred vibrations is a powerful step on the path to enlightenment. It is a great adventure, I can reassure you, opening you into a whole new realm of sacredness and connection. Shunyam Adfhibhu
Primary Texts and Classical Sources:
- Egenes, T. (2003). The Upanishads: A New Translation. TarcherPerigee.
- Yogananda, P. (2007). Autobiography of a Yogi (Reprint). Self-Realization Fellowship. (Describes mystical sound phenomena experienced during deep meditation.)
- Feuerstein, G. (2001). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy, and Practice. Hohm Press. (Explores Nada Yoga and the inner sound experience in yoga traditions.)
Academic Studies and Neurotheology:
4. Newberg, A., & Waldman, M. R. (2009). How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist. Ballantine Books. (Discusses neurophysiological experiences, including auditory phenomena, during meditation and prayer.)
5. Austin, J. H. (2006). Zen-Brain Reflections: Reviewing Recent Developments in Meditation and States of Consciousness. MIT Press. (Analyzes neurological correlates of meditative experiences, including auditory sensations.)
6. Travis, F., & Shear, J. (2010). Focused attention, open monitoring, and automatic self-transcending: Categories to organize meditative practices from Vedic, Buddhist, and Chinese traditions. Consciousness and Cognition, 19(4), 1110–1118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2010.01.007
Mystical and Comparative Studies: 7. Singh, K. (1981). The Guru Granth Sahib and Sikhism. Macmillan India. (Discusses inner sound experiences in Sikhism and their parallels to Nada Yoga.)
- Schopenhauer, A. (1966). The World as Will and Representation (E. F. J. Payne, Trans.). Dover Publications.
- (Reflects on sound as a metaphysical principle.)
- Hollenback, J. B. (1996). Mysticism: Experience, Response, and Empowerment. Penn State University Press.
- (Includes discussions on mystical sound phenomena across traditions.)
Hildegard von Bingen and Christian Mysticism:
10. Fox, M. (1985). Illuminations of Hildegard of Bingen. Bear & Company. – (Details her visions and auditory phenomena during contemplative states.)
11. Newman, B. (1998). Voice of the Living Light: Hildegard of Bingen and Her World. University of California Press. – (Explores Hildegard’s mystical experiences, including her connection to inner light and sound.)
12. McGinn, B. (1991). The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century. Crossroad Publishing Company. – (Provides a comparative overview of mystical experiences across traditions.)
Meditation and Subtle Energy Practices:
13. Taimni, I. K. (1975). The Science of Yoga: The Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali in Sanskrit. Theosophical Publishing House.
– (Contains references to Nada and meditative stages.)
14. Swami Rama. (1976). Living with the Himalayan Masters. Himalayan Institute Press.
– (Includes personal accounts of meditative sound experiences from a Himalayan tradition perspective.)
15. Mookerjee, A., & Khanna, M. (1977). The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual. Thames and Hudson.
– (Discusses Nada in the broader context of tantric practices.)
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