Cosmic Sounds — a musing.

The basics of Vedic physics and modern science aren’t all that different. In the Vedic view, the origin of creation is based on an element called ‘Shabda, meaning “sound” or “vibration.” This sound is seen as the first step in creation, with everything else (like space) forming from waves or vibrations. The effect of time starts a cycle of cause and effect, activating a balanced state in the creation field, leading to the emergence of three main forces: sattva (balance), rajas (creation), and tamas (resolution).

These three forces interact to create everything in existence—material, spiritual, and beyond. When these three are in complete balance, existence dissolves into a state of stillness. Vedic practices, like chanting mantras, are rooted in the creative power of Shabda. By using specific sounds and vibrations, practitioners believe they can influence the three layers of reality: material, spiritual, and etheric. The Vedas contain thousands of mantras meant for mental, mystical, and material goals.

The ultimate purpose of mantra meditation is to free the mind from the pull of the three forces—sattva, rajas, and tamas—liberating it from material existence. According to Vedic teachings, the pure self continues to take form until these influences are transcended.

This Vedic concept of threefold balance contrasts with the dualism found in Western science, which often sees things in binaries (true/false, wave/particle). Vedic science is rich with references to the number 3, seen in:

– The three main gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

– The three constitutions (vata, pitta, kapha)

– The three forms of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas)

– And many other aspects, like 9 planets, 27 constellations, and 108 Upanishads.

In Vedic thought, Shabda Brahman (“cosmic sound”) is at the core of creation, with the Vedas as a divine revelation of this sound. Practices like Purva Mimamsa aim at experiencing this sound through rituals that help control the mind and senses, leading to inner realization. Nada Brahman, the sound aspect of creation, is central to Indian music, art, and poetry, linking deeply to Vedic spirituality.

When a person masters the inner essence of the mantra, known as Mantra chaitanya, they awaken divine consciousness within. At this highest level, words and forms become transcendent, going beyond material limits into pure consciousness. In the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic texts, Aum represents this root sound of creation, with each sound (“A,” “U,” and “M”) symbolizing stages of consciousness.

In Tantric philosophy, sound is seen as the first manifestation of Parama Shiva (the ultimate reality), and the universe is a projection of this vibrational force.