Prepared By: Don Hughes
“The path of Light sings, and boundless spaces resound!”
Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947)
In our Rosicrucian work the proper use of vowel sounds is found in their intonation for mystical purposes. In the east, vowel sounds are also known as mantras. The most famous one being the vowel or mantra of ‘OM’.
We come to discover in our studies that all existence is a vibrating energy. Different frequencies of this energy manifest to our consciousness as different ‘things’ in the material world. Although this energy is constant and eternal, its manifestations conform to an inherent LAW and ORDER. The manifestations of this energy are constantly in a state of change or flux. Life is potentially more fluid and plastic in its manifestations than we initially realise.
Vowel sounds have a particular effect upon the material and psychic aspect of our beings.
Certain glands and nerve centres in the human body also act as physical counter parts for the chakras or psychic centres in the psychic body. If we intone a particular sound, it can under the right circumstances and with the right intention stimulate the cosmic energies in and around us. Sometimes this can be so specific that a certain vowel sound can be used to help manifest a particular set of cosmic vibrations in our lives.
The first two vowels are also interconnected! They represent the dynamic creative principles of the cosmos. In a sense you could also liken them to Ying and Yang!
Given below are the principle vowel sounds used in the R+C work of AMORC with an explanation based upon comments originally made by Dr.H.Spencer-Lewis.
“The real origin of singing and chanting can be found in the proper use of vowel sounds for mystical purposes. Every vowel sound has its proper pitch or tone in the musical scale. Each vowel sound is related to a specific colour and nerve centre in the human body.”
Here then are the principle and important vowel sounds;
RA
Pronounced like “RAAH”, it is intoned on A natural above middle C.
The “A” sound should be drawn out like the “A” in father.
The sacred royal sound of RA is the creative, masculine power of God
MA
Pronounced like “MAAH”, it is also intoned on A natural above middle C.
The “A” sound should be drawn out like the “A” in father.
This is the feminine, maturing aspect of God.
When the RA sound and the MA sound are alternated together they help create new conditions around us and produce creative power. These two vowels, when alternated, also aid in protecting us against harm.
KHEI
Pronounced like a double syllable “KAY-EE” and is intoned on the note of E natural above middle C.
This is a soothing, healing, peace producing vowel.
AUM
Pronounced like “AAH” – “OOH” – “EMMM” and is intoned on the note of
D above middle C.
This sound helps maintain the body in good harmony and is also a health giving vowel.
MEH
Pronounced like the word “MAY” it is intoned on the note of C in the middle octave.
This is the psychic tone note. It attunes the psychic centre of the human system to the cosmic.
THO
This is the invigorating and arousing vowel. It is intoned on the note of F sharp over middle C. It is pronounced like “TH-OW” with the accent on the “TH” sound and the “O” pronounced like “O” in “THROW”.
EHM
This is pronounced like the word “AIM”. The note is D natural above middle C and the accent is on the first syllable.
This vowel is the sleep producing sound that quiets the nervous system and ends pain and suffering.
When using these vowel sounds one should sit comfortably and relax. Inhale, hold your breath briefly then exhale and sing the vowel. This should be done three times for each vowel sound.
Use the sequence of three repetitions for each vowel once in the morning, then at mid-day and then last thing at night before retiring.
The most effective spirit to use these sounds in is one of reverence. Imagine that as you say these sounds they tune into the sacred universal version with all of its power. In a sense you are creating a resonance or sympathetic attunement with that which already exists as extant within the universe itself. Sacred sounds are part of the original lost word or laws that bring everything into existence.
All the pictures included in this article are by the famous Russian artist and mystic Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947).
You can find out more about Roerich and his remarkable paintings and writings at www.roerich.org
Best wishes for 'Light, Life and Love'
LLL
Interesting to note:
ReplyDeleteThe video does not have THO for some reason. Maybe because it is an active and arousing tone and doesn't fit in between attunement and sleepiness.
Very interesting
ReplyDelete