Nadanusandhana

Nadanusandhana (meditation on inner sound) is a yogic practice of listening to the inner sounds of the subtle body.

Overview

Nadanusandhana (Sanskrit nadanusandhana, “meditation on inner sound”) is a practice in which the practitioner listens to the inner sounds (nada) produced by the movement of prana (vital energy) through the nadi (energy channels). These sounds — described as buzzing, humming, ringing, or musical notes — are believed to be the inner expression of brahman (the absolute) and serve as a gateway to deeper states of consciousness.

Philosophical Context

The practice is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th century) and the Shiva Samhita. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states: “When the mind is absorbed in the inner sound, it attains the state of nada-bindu — the union of sound and point.” The practice is related to nada yoga (the yoga of sound) and is considered a preliminary to samadhi (absorption). The Yoga Kundalini Upanishad describes the inner sounds as the “bells and gongs of the inner world.”

Interpretations

In kundalini yoga, the inner sounds are associated with the awakening of kundalini energy — as the energy rises through the chakras, the practitioner hears different sounds at each level. In nada yoga, the inner sound is the ultimate reality — brahman — manifesting as vibration. In modern yoga therapy, nadanusandhana is used as a meditation technique for stress reduction and mental clarity.

Verification Notes

• Hatha Yoga Pradipika 4.65-4.102 on inner sound meditation (the nādānusandhāna section of chapter 4).
• Shiva Samhita 3.53-61 on the inner sounds.
• Yoga Kundalini Upanishad on the inner sounds.
• Audited against Wikipedia and yoga references (September 2026).