Hear the Central Sound of Music
पिण्डमन्त्रस्य सर्वस्य स्थूलवर्णक्रमेण तु । अर्धेन्दुबिन्दुनादान्तः शून्योच्चाराद्भवेच्छिवः ॥
pindamantrasya sarvasya sthulavarnakramena tu | ardhendubindunaddantah shunyoccharadbhavecchivah ||
VBT Verse 64
The Sutra
"While listening to stringed instruments, hear their composite central sound; thus omnipresence."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
When listening to music (especially instruments with sustained notes like sitar, veena, or guitar), do not follow the melody. Instead, listen for the composite central sound - the underlying drone, the hum beneath all the notes. This central sound is the Nada, the cosmic vibration. When you hear it, you hear the sound of omnipresence itself.
Original Sanskrit
पिण्डमन्त्रस्य सर्वस्य स्थूलवर्णक्रमेण तु । अर्धेन्दुबिन्दुनादान्तः शून्योच्चाराद्भवेच्छिवः ॥
pindamantrasya sarvasya sthulavarnakramena tu | ardhendubindunaddantah shunyoccharadbhavecchivah ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 64 (Technique 41 of 112)
How to Practice
Listen to instrumental music, preferably with sustained or overlapping sounds.
Do not follow the melody or individual notes. Listen differently.
Listen for the composite sound underneath - the blended hum of all notes together.
This central sound is not any one note. It is the totality, the drone beneath the music.
As you rest in this central sound, your awareness expands. The sound seems to come from everywhere.
This is omnipresence perceived through sound - the universe humming as one continuous tone.
Duration
15-25 minutes
Best Time
Evening - during music listening
Related Techniques
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