| The following article is from the Autumn, 2011 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. |
by TENZIN WANGYAL RINPOCHE
This invaluable teaching on healing physical and psychological problems using sound―used since ancient times in Tibet―is adapted from The Tibetan Yogas of Body, Speech and Mind, by best-selling author Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche.
A chapter of the Bon Mother Tantra describes various syllables you can sound to remove mental obscurations, cut through energy blocks, and even heal pain and physical illness.
How can sound heal a physical ailment? Every part of your physical body has a foundation of space, and in space there are awareness and energy. When these three aspects―open space, clear awareness, and spontaneous energy―are not in harmony, physical illness may form. It can be important to rely on conventional healing methods to treat the form of an illness, for example, having surgery to remove diseased tissue. But you can also focus on healing the space, awareness, and energy through the use of sound. Combined with the breath and prana, sound not only can help alleviate the symptoms of illness, it can also address the source of illness. Nothing is guaranteed, but a strong possibility for healing through sound exists.
The teachings state clearly that sounding the syllable HIK helps to cure a headache, for example, and HA PHU helps to ease back or chest pain. This may seem like reciting a magical incantation, but it works. The practice of sound is similar to acupuncture, in which a needle placed in one area affects another location by enhancing the circulation of prana. The vibration of sound in one part of the body affects another area of the body, such as the liver or stomach. Not only can sound help you to overcome physical illnesses, but by clearing blockages in the chakras, it also helps you cultivate wisdom and thus aids your spiritual development.
Not only can sound help you to overcome physical illnesses, but by clearing blockages in the chakras, it also helps you cultivate wisdom and thus aids your spiritual development.
Very few people are aware of the amazing healing potential of sound. Ancient yogis have relied on techniques such as these to maintain their health while living in remote areas far from medical care. I too have had a lot of positive experiences using many of these syllables, and so have my students. If you try these practices yourself and incorporate them into your life, the healing power of clear, pure sound will always be available whenever you need it.
