Yoga Sutra Reflections Session 61: Vibhuti – II

Integrating Ancient Wisdom in Modern Life: Soundless Sound

1. Confusion arises from the intermingling of Words, Meanings and Knowledge. All animal languages ​​can be known when one focuses on the division of Words, Meanings and Knowledge.
2. Patanjali’s communication model is: Mental Impression, Letters, Words, Sound, Meaning and Mental Impression. One’s Mental impression is a thought in the mind that is to be conveyed to others, the mind will choose letters and combinations of letters are words that create the spoken meaning that others receive and form their Mental Impression. Sound is central because both the speaker and the hearer are connected through sound.
3. Sphota entails a kind of mental perception which is described as a moment of recognition, an instantaneous flash (pratibhâ), whereby the hearer is made conscious, through hearing sounds, of the latent meaning unit already present in his consciousness (unconscious).
4. On our part we can consciously speak Words, Meanings and Knowledge by making sure that feelings, happening, expressed feelings and spoken tone are aligned with our Words, Meanings and Knowledge.
5. Sometimes, even with conscious messaging, others will hear differently according to their interpretation and preconceived notions of you. As long as we are not able to leave the words and listen to the words in-between, then only communication is possible.
6. Patanjali says that if we focus on the volume, pitch, undertone and tone of what others speak, we can understand their message, meaning and feelings, regardless of language. It is said that the interpretation of communications between persons consists of the spoken word (7%), the tone of voice (38%) and non-verbal cues (55%).
7. Symphony starts when you walk together, feel the heart beats and understand the unspoken words.
8. Those who have pets know that both will understand each other’s messages, regardless of language.
9. This is the mysterious power, which will enthral the seeker. But it is not a destination, it is a signpost and a halt on the journey of self-realisation. Seeker with self-control needs to focus on the journey of self-realisation without ceasing.
10. One who has mastered focusing on sound can understand the message of everything in the universe. Ultimately one can hear the Soundless Sound, AUM, the sound of the Universe, and attain self-realisation.