Sound has a profound effect on our consciousness. Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and bhajans-kirtan-chanting, is so potent in its vibratorary effect that it is considered by many to be “the blueprint of creation.” Our souls are ancient, and hearing or chanting Sanskrit enlivens harmony in our nervous systems by activating ancient DNA that expands consciousness. And we we sing or chant as a group, there is brainwave coherence in the group that creates an experience of unity. Bringing healing sound into our lives enhances well-being and restores balance.
I used to sell a bunch of CDs on this website but now want to refer you to them elsewhere, including the Vastu-Purusha, Harmony of Space Vastu CD, It contains Sanskrit chants to rectify spatial energies and improve the Vastu of your home, including addressing Vastu Purusha, the soul of the house, and the nine planetary lords of directions. I play it daily and have clients who play it at least once a day.
Since sound is so powerful, here are suggestions for further study and enjoyment, with links to read about and order them. My all-time favorite book on this topic of the strong effect of sound is Joachim-Ernst Berendt’s Nada Brahma: The World Is Sound, Music and The Landscape of Consciousness, which discusses the impact of sound/music on physiology and consciousness and how sound actually creates form on a subtle level. In a nutshell, the book states: “The sound that gives order and beauty to the world is everywhere.” Wow. Berendt quotes sitarist Ravi Shankar: “we view music as a kind of spiritual discipline that raises one’s inner being to divine peacefulness and bliss.”
The book Nada Brahma has had two different covers. Here is the one I have in my own library:
For your spiritual CD collection, I recommend the following, which will have a healing, enlightening effect. I play them most often first thing in the morning, while I am preparing tea and puttering around. You can also sit quietly and listen to Sanskrit chanting with your eyes closed, letting the sound wash over you. My friend musician Craig Pruess has a marvelous series of CDs available with sacred Sanskrit chants. The most important ones are Sacred Chants of Shiva and Sacred Chants of Devi.
Devi, Mother Divine, brings more delicate, gentle qualities and is great if your nerves are frayed; some women have chosen The Sacred Chants of Devi: 108 Sacred Names of Mother Divine to play while they were in labor. Feeling wounded or worn out by the stress of the world? Play this CD! To buy this highly recommended CD, click on the link in the previous paragraph. Here is a picture of its cover:
Shiva is pure consciousness, purity, and silence. these qualities are enlivened by listening to the Shiva chant CD. I like to play it daily.
I also like Craig Pruess' Sacred Chants of Buddha, which seems to cool down the atmosphere when things have been too hectic or chaotic. I literally feel that I have been immersed in a cool, silent space when I hear it. It's like being in a serene cave with a clear, settled mind, in contrast to the chaotic world.
Enjoy! I have lots more to suggest.
originally posted August 1, 2014. Updated 2024.