THE YOGA OF SOUND

Shabda Yoga, Shakti Yoga, Bhava Yoga

by Russill Paul

Three CD set, three hours

Copyright 2000 The Relaxation Company

$26.99, www.therelaxationcompany.com

Reviewed in “The Mind, Our Greatest Journey,” the fall issue of Light of Consciousness: Journal of Spiritual Awakening (Volume 19, #3).  www.light-of-consciousness.org

These recordings by Russill Paul are a remarkable effort to disseminate the power and practice of mantras from his decades of studying Nada Yoga. Their talents and expertise of musicians steeped in classical Indian music give a genuine experience the power of mantras and devotional chanting. Shabda Yoga came from the earliest phase of the yoga of sound from the Vedic, approximately 2500 to 500 B.C.E. The Shabda Yoga CD-- "a masculine approach to sound" includes the Vedic mantras: Rudram (an ancient name of Shiva) from the Yajur Veda, Lokah Samastha (a chant for wholeness), Asato Ma (a chant to direct energy), the Gayatri and Taiterreya from the Upanishads. Each mantra is recited in the traditional manner with soft background instruments and nature sounds to enlighten the experience.

Bhava Yoga, the second CD in this series, comes from the bhakti (devotion) movement that evolve in India around the 14th century. Mystical tunes and devotional chants arose from the Bhakti Yoga tradition with a strong emphasis on love of God. "Chanting," writes Russill Paul, "it involves breath, heart, and the spirit, and we all come fully prepared to participate.” The album focuses on simple repetitive songs sung in call and response like much of the kirtan chanting her today. An invocation to Vishnu is followed by blissful chants to Krishna, Kali (The Great Goddess), the Shiva and Rama.

Shakti Yoga is the path of sacred sound developed within the Tantric tradition of yoga, which seeks to bring the forces of nature into harmony and fulfillment within the body. These mantras help us change our energy patterns to higher consciousness. In this CD, Russill Paul gives specific instructions to maximize the experience of each mantra including mudras (hand gestures), pranayama (breathing exercises) and movement. The CD includes Om Namah Shiva, Devi Mantras, Bija Mantras, Tantric Mantras and a track of Swara Yoga-- the seven musical intervals or do-re-me of Indian ragas to experience the rise of energy and meditation. A definitive immersion for the neophyte as well as those who already practice mantra meditation. 

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