The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING In the second stage (Ghatavastha) the Prana becomes one with the Nada in the Vishuddhi Chakkra and make a sound like that of a kettledrum; this is a sign that Bramhananda is about to follow. In the third stage (Parichayavastha) a sound like a drum is heard in the Ajna Chakkra. Having overcome the blissful state arising from hearing the sounds the Yogi begins to experience a greater bliss from the increasing realiza- tion of the Atman. The Prana, having forced the Rudra Granthi existing in the Ajna Chakkra goes to the seat of Ishwara. Then the fourth state (Nishpatti) sets in: wherein are heard the sounds of the flute and Vina (a stringed instrument).* At this stage the Prana goes to the Bramharandhra, and enters the Silence. This is all most beautifully described in the various Shas- tras. In the Shiva Sanhita we read: 27. The first sound is like the hum of the honey-intoxicated bee, next that of a flute, then of a harp; after this, by the gradual practice of Yoga,t the destroyer of the darkness of the world, he hears the sounds of the ringing bells, then sounds like roars of thunder. When one fixes his full attention on this sound, being free from fear, he gets absorption, O My Beloved! 28. When the mind of the Yogi is exceedingly engaged in this sound, he forgets all external things, and is absorbed in this sound.t H. P. Blavatsky in ‘‘ The Voice of the Silence” classifies these sounds under seven distinct heads. The first is like the nightingale’s sweet voice chanting a song of parting to its mate. The second comes as the sound of a silver cymbal of the Dhy4nis, awakening the twinkling stars. * “ Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 93. + Chiefly by the Yoga of Nada-Laya, a Dhyana. t “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. v, p. 42. 153