Naadopasana - An effective stress-buster

This article is about the practice of NAADA YOGA, as a stress-buster among those extremely stressed out and highly placed people, such as executives. The busy Executive has to face tonnes of stress, and yet, has to tick on and on, like a contrivance.

A whole body of research indicates that the damage that stress inflicts on the body, is not merely restricted to ulcers, kidney and liver dysfunction, but atually extends to causing loss of immune function and loss of memory as well. It could turn frightfully damaging, creating anaemia, loss of cognitive ability, depression, increased levels of blood pressure and blood sugar. Stress also contributes in a big way to heart attack and stroke.

So how does a person combat such problems in today's world? One excellent solution is the Practice of Naada Yoga or Naadopasana.

What is Naada? Naada can be defined as music or a musical sound that has a pleasing quality to it. Naada also means resonance. Indian music completely relates to Naada. Hence the practice of music is termed as 'Naadopasana'.

The fabric of the Indian Cultural System is made of the lovely lace and silk of Dance and Music. The pure, pristine Classical Music as well as the lilting tunes of folk melodies, rely very heavily on one aspect : NAADA.

"Ananda lakshanam anAhatha nAmnee deshe

nAdAtmanA parinatam thoo aroopam eeshe

pracnan mukhena manasA paricheeya mAnam

samshanti netra salilaihi pulakaischa dhanyA:"

"The true nature of Naada is bliss. The source of this Divine Energy is the AnAhata Chakra, which is located at the chest level. This Chakra or spiritual centre is the seat of 'AUM' - the Primeval Sound, also the Creator of the Entire Universe. This divine energy is formless and can be perceived only through mystical experiences. So state our great seers, in an extremely ecstatic state, experiencing horripilation all over the body, and shedding ceaseless tears of joy."

Starting from the Naada of the majestic conch, also that of the clear-sounding bell, during pooja (worship); the Naada of the 'Damaru' in the hands of Lord Shiva; the Naada of the divine Veena held by Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning; that of the Flute in the hands of Murali; the Naada of the ghungrus (bells) on the feet of a dancer; Naada enjoys an exalted position in our cultural system. Also, the stone-pillars, reverberating with the sound of music, at temples such as Madurai and Humpi, further emphasize this aspect. In India, Naadopasana is considered as the direct pathway to the Supreme.

Naadopasana is known to heal conditions such as minor aches and pains. It even helps in relieving stress and lowers blood pressure in some patients. Carnatic ragas like Panthuvarali, Kalyani and Bilahari help relieve a person of depression, while Todi, Bhairavi and Athana endow mental strength.

Proper practice of music lifts the artist up from mundane levels of existence to a higher plane of life. It creates tremendous discipline and makes him/her stronger, more compassionate, creative and imaginative. It also grants him/her utmost satisfaction and a great level of joy and peace. An artist who goes with the flow of music, can actually transmit that he/she feels, to the general audience, thereby giving rise to a feeling of happiness within the listener himself.

Even listening to good, soothing music or watching a dance recital, can help release pent-up tension, ease frayed nerves and completely calm down the system.

In conclusion, Naadopasana is food for the body, mind, intellect and soul. It is one of the highest sadhanas, whereby man can effectively combat day-to-day problems and live life in a holistic manner.