A Sound Theory

MODERN SCIENTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD BELIEVE THAT SOUND AND THE BEGINNING OF CREATION ARE SOMEHOW LINKED...

In a nutshell

Sound is intrinsic to Indian culture. Apart from the high decibels of daily life that stun most expatriates on their first visit to the country, specific sounds – or rather, frequencies – are crucial to the philosophy that governs Indian traditions. The most important, and well-known, is the syllable ‘Om’. Also of importance are the sounds of the conch and the bell in worship and other rituals. If properly used, both the conch and the bell can generate the same vibrations as ‘Om’.

Meaning and Deeper Meaning

‘Om’, which can be said to be a portmanteau of three sounds – ‘ah’ ‘oh’ and ‘mm’ – was considered by the sages of old to be the sound that initiated creation. Similarly, the blowing of conches and the ringing of bells set off vibrations which affect ambient energy. Certain vibrations are believed to dispel negative energy, and others to attract positive energy.

Conches are blown at the start of important religious ceremonies, and, in olden days, before the start of battle. And, as for bells, are of many types, but they can be broadly divided into the big and the small. The small ones are used while performing pujas in the house, while the larger ones are found in temples. They can be rung in different, significant ways, too. The sound of a bell rung before worship helps empty the devotee’s mind of chaotic thoughts, and, therefore, aids focus on the divine. On a more down-to-earth level, temple bells are usually rung by devotees as they enter the sacred space, in much the same way as one would press a calling bell to seek the attention of the residents of a home.