Volume 12 : Issue 12.3 (2025)

A Conceptual Empirical Synthesis of Omkar Sadhna and Voice

Omkar Sadhana is concentrated recitation of O?/AUM as pra?ava facilitating inner centering. In Yoga Sutras, Patañjali refers to O? as the denoter of the Spirit and suggests its japa for thought, which diminishes obstacles. In Ma??ukya Upani?ad, A U M is explained as waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and silence (turiya) states; recitation of A U M with such a realization becomes an inner exploration. In Nada Yoga, the pradipika of Ha?ha yoga describes nadanusandhana as conscious rest in sound and refers to identification of mind with sound as Raja yoga, prescribing practices such as shutting eyes and concentrating attention. Nada Bindu Upani?ad describes a progression from gross to subtle to soundless to complete absorption. Voice culture (va?i sa?skara) in Indian classical music classifies breath, resonance, phonation, and proportion for neat rendition of sruti and svara. In practice, riyaz with sustained tones/akar sadhana, meend, and alankar belong here. Svara sadhana regulates pitch better and adds artistic subtlety. Combining these details clarifies how Omkar benefits singers. In sequence A?U?M, progression is from open throat vowel to semi-occluded humming, increasing source interaction but minimizing vocal fold clash. Humming increases nasal nitric oxide and ventilation to sinuses but is often perceived subjectively as clearer resonance. Brief O? practice demonstrates parasympathetic shifts and lower limbic activity reduction with correlations with steadier breathing and reduced laryngeal tension. Moreover, bhramari humming increases maximum phonation with acoustic parameters. Omkar Sadhana integrates Nada Yoga with voice culture to enhance Indian classical song's clarity and depth. In this paper, Omkar Sadhna and voice culture in Indian Knowledge System have been integrated with a focus to present its ability to cultivate a better appreciation for India's finest practices globally.

Omkar Sadhna; Nada Yoga; Voice Culture; Swara sadhana; Pranava; Indian Knowledge Systems

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