HATA YOGA MEDITATION – Nadopäsana

This technique is supposedly by Gorakshanath – a prominent Hatayoga Guru (believed to belong to sometime between 11^th  to 14^th century). Basically, it is back to Hata yoga’s usual concept of Kundalini and its awakening.

Hatapradeepika explains this practice as follows (I am summarizing 4.65 to 4.75 of Hatapradeepika)

When one’s Kundalini is awakened by the practice of Hata yoga, and when the mighty force starts ascending through the spinal column, one hears various sounds in his body depending on to what extent the Kundalini has raised. 

One should sit in a firm posture, and attentively listen to the inner sound produced by the rising Kundalini. 

First he hears the sounds like tinkling of ornaments (probably it means rather jarring sounds) when the Kundalini has just started its upward surge.

When it reaches the throat, one hears sounds of Nagäri (a large drum). Further up, on reaching the middle of the eye brows one hears the sound of Vïna (a string instrument). And when it finally reaches its destination, i.e. the top of the skull or Sahasrära Chakra, one gets to hear sweet sound of a flute.

Gradual decaying sound of Pranava

Some modern Gurus suggest making humming sounds like Pranava mantra (OM) vocally, and listening to it instead.

Hatapradeepika calls this, Nadopäsana – practice of the sound. It promises various experiences and various mystic powers during this practice and finally a union of the ‘mind with the ‘nada’ (sound), making one akin to a God himself!

Hatapradeepika further claims this practice to be Raja Yoga (King of all Yogas). It even makes an about turn by saying that

One who does not understand this Raja Yoga and merely practices Hata Yoga is wasting his time and effort! -- Hatapradeepika 4.79

I have written my views on Kundalini and its awakening in my book “Hata Yoga – Myths shattered” and I will not repeat it here. Regarding focusing the mind on sounds of gradually increasing subtlety, I have already discussed that in my earlier posts on Meditation (MEDITATION – The real act). You can also read a more detailed discussion in my book “How and Why of Yoga and Meditation” – Chapter 6. “Shutting off the unruly ghost”.

In  the next post I will give an unifying view of all three  practices – Hata Yoga, Patanjali Yoga and Buddhist meditation.

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