Nada, Bindu and Kala

In earlier lessons you learnt that Shiva or Bramhan is the supreme consciousness. Shiva, however, is static aspect. Its dynamic and creative aspect is Shakti or Maya. Now its time to understand how this creation is related to sound or vibrations.

As discussed earlier the origin of this universe is from Shiva who is attributeless (nirguna). This attributeless Shiva is the pure consciousness and is passive. No creation is possible from this attributeless Shiva. The attributeless Shiva has the other counterpart that is with attributes (saguna). This counterpart can be considered as energized consciousness. This energized consciousness possesses energy or Shakti. This Shakti alone is responsible for creation.

Under unmanifested conditions the Shiva and Shakti are perfectly balanced. A cosmic creative vibration (called sphota or explosion) arises between Shiva and Shakti called Nada. This Nada is, however, in undifferentiated state. This Nada then gets consolidated to give rise to Shabda Bramhan (differentiated sound energy). This Shabda Bramhan is the universal cosmic sound and is symbolized by Om.

Shabda Bramhan is thus the first creative aspect of the Creator and gives rise to three forms of energies namely Icchashakti (energy of will), Janashakti (energy of knowledge) and Kriyashakti (energy of action). These three energies represent tama, sattva and rajas gunas respectively. These three energies are also referred as Bindu, Kala and Nada respectively.

Remember that the Nada that is said to be the first cosmic vibration is not the same as this Nada that represents Kriyashakti.

Out of the Shabda Bramhan also begins the endless diversified creation. The Shabda Bramhan gives rise to cosmic intelligence called Mahat that is responsible for the creation. From this cosmic intelligence the ego or a feeling of 'I' (ahankara) is born. The fulfillment of 'I' sense is made by the evolution that springs from it. Thus Tanmatras of five great elements are born. It also creates five organs of sense and five organs of action. This complete creative process is illustrated in the following figure.

Thus it can be said that sound vibrations are the basis of creation. This goes in line with modern science that says mass and energy are interchangeable. When you practice Nadashravana Kriya you essentially hear these cosmic sounds or vibrations. In the advanced stages of practice you will be able to hear Om, the Shabda Bramhan.

Bipin Joshi is an independent software consultant and trainer by profession specializing in Microsoft web development technologies. Having embraced the Yoga way of life he is also a yoga mentor, meditation teacher, and spiritual guide to his students. He is a prolific author and writes regularly about software development and yoga on his websites. He is programming, meditating, writing, and teaching for over 27 years. To read more about him go here. More details about his Kriya and Meditation online course are available here.